Minster Inn, York

Situated just far enough from the town centre to make it a peaceful retreat, but cose enough that it’s not a chore to get to, the Minster Inn is a very pleasant traditional two room pub. Entry is into a fairly wide corridor with doors leading left to a lounge and right to the bar and front room. The bar is accessible from the corridor, so that those in the lounge don’t have to enter the front room every time they want a drink. The front room itself is fairly compact and minimalist, with a single banquette running the length of the wooden floored space, providing enough room for three tables. At the far end of the room is a fireplace which in itself is nothing special, but it has been adorned with wine corks which cover the section of wall above. A few pictures of old York pubs line the other walls, prompting much nostalgia from the other people in the bar during my visit. Several humorous books are on display on the mantelpiece and each table had a handheld puzzle on it – mine kept me distracted the whole time I was here and I still failed to crack it. The lounge looks like a fairly comfortable spot to relax over a few pints and has a single curved banquette and regular seating. There is a small garden to the rear with a covered decking area and what I assumed was the pub’s former sign propped up against a wall. The gents are out here too and are a little bit of history in themselves. I’m not sure if this pub is tied to Marston’s, but their beer certainly seems to dominate the hand pumps. My choice was Ringwood Bold Forester, Marston’s Burton Bitter and Single Hop Marynka, Jennings Sneck Lifter and York Guzzler (£3.00). My pint of Guzzler was in tip-top shape and went down very easily after an afternoon traipsing around in the pouring rain. I really liked the feel of this place and thought it had an ideal location that makes it feel a bit like a well kept secret. The landlord seemed like a no nonsense sort of bloke who knows exactly how he wants to run his pub, and on the evidence of my visit, he’s doing a very good job of it. I’d encourage anyone visiting York to add this to their itinerary and I look forward to a return the next time I’m in town.