Judge's Lodgings, York

The bar is in the basement of the hotel, which judging (no pun) by its name must have been where judges lodged at some time. Like all basement bars it does suffer from a lack of natural light, but that is something most dedicated drinkers can live with. It does have an intimate atmosphere provided by the low ceilings and arched exposed brickwork alcoves, and solid flagstones on the floor. I had something called Newsome Haymaker’s Tipple, which was very good. I also noticed draught Jem’s Stout, which according to the barman is named after a brewery dog that liked to stare into puddles for some reason, and now features on the bar clip staring into a pint of beer. The food menu was OK for a hotel bar, with mains at the £8 - £9 mark, and sarnies at £5 - £6. They had those little wire containers on the tables that contain the sauces and condiments, which serve a useful purpose of course, if making the place look a little less like a pub than a cafe. This is yet another York pub that does decent ale to add to the list, and although it is not one of my favourite York pubs, it’s definitely worth a visit if you like cellar bars.

Without doubt the best pub I visited in this area. Great staff a good selection of beer and cheap eats. Ask your host John for a Peruvian Rat Poison Tell them all that Aussie Bob sent you. You will either get a drink or a thump. ENJOY

CAMRA York Pub of the Season Spring 2009 Real Ale from Copper Dragon Best and guests. Large out door drinking area. Part of LocAle.