The Phoenix Inn, York

Hard against the ancient walls by Fishergate Bar in a less touristy part of the city. There's a small taproom at the front with seemingly basic and traditional decor, stay a while and you'll notice little modernistic touches here and there. Behind is a larger lounge but also in traditional style. Between the two in a corridor is a serving hatch in the style of the Blue Bell or the Minster. The front windows are etched with Magnet Ales, so it's a sometime John Smiths house, no longer thank goodness as there's a good range of well kept micro brewery beers on offer. The peanuts and cashews are sold in small pots and there is some tasteful Victorian soft porn in the Gents. Check the opening hours on weekdays.

Our first visit to this 2013 Good Beer Guide pub, and enjoyed Hadrian Border Secret Kingdom. Friendly local pub that opens 6pm during the week despite its closeness to the city walls and some of York's tourist attractions.

Excellent pub, with excellent beer. Jazz once or twice a week. Pleasant friendly staff. This pub has been very tastefully refurbished, with the original bar, fire places (in the winter a real fire, not gas), windows, etc., etc., still in place. Thankfully there's no fruit machines, jukebox or TV. There is a little garden/yard which is over looked by the walls. I recommend a visit to this pub, its not that far off the beaten track, in fact that's an advantage. Winners of, "The Jazz Yorkshire Venue of the Year" 2010 and "York CAMRA Town Pub of the Season" 2010 also listed in CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2012. Take a look at the website, www.thephoenixinnyork.co.uk

Came across this great little pub whilst walking the city walls. I just wish there were more pubs like this, great ale and a really lovely interior. I liked the way the owners have preserved the "old style" where others might just have ripped everything out and replaced with new. Live music is just another reason to go. A gem of a pub, wish it was my local but will drop in again. keep up the great work.

Nicely done out pub, saved a year or two ago after a period of closure. We almost always end up calling here for a pint when in York as it's just across the road from Totos, one of our favourite York restaurants. Small front room, with candle powered tables in the evenings. A much larger back room with a couple of quirky little seating areas and a decent sized patio at the rear. Three beers available when we called in with another turned round. The guest was Wold Top Anglers Retreat which was well kept. It's a quirky place that has been well refurbished in a sympathetic way without damaging the character of the place. Well done guys, we'll be back yet again soon.