The Swan, York

With a CAMRA citation of *** and a Tetley Heritage Inn, my notes are thin but imagine that little if nothing has changed since the last reviews. There are multiple rooms and a terrazzo floor. Eight pumps, my half of Half Moon Dark Masquerade was very nice. Absolutely worth a visit.

I prefer this pub to its sister The Slip down the road as it is has a more traditional interior and has at least as good a range of beers on, including the occasional 'foreigner' from outside Yorkshire. I freely admit I would happily spend time in either though. On this occasion I had the Pennine Palenka Plum and Brandy Stout, which was ok but not as pokey as the name might suggest.

Final one of 6 today in York. This is a blue plaqued, Tetley Heritage pub and the interior is unchanged and perfectly pubby. A snug, corridor leading to bar and back rooms. TT Landlord has made me question by proclamation that the Bolt Maker I had in the Slip inn is the best from this brewery. Great beer.

Enjoyed our visit to this 2019 Good Beer Guide pub last month, as were a lot of lads dressed up for York races and giving everyone a bit of a sing song. We sat in the comfy back room and enjoyed our ale choice of Revolution Word up and Imperial Nah Then.

I didn’t encounter the couple of obnoxious locals and even if I had I wouldn’t penalise this lovely pub just because it let a couple of grumpy sods through its front door, especially as the locals I encountered in the back room were perfectly fine. I do like these traditional 'West Riding' layout Yorkshire Pubs with the Public Bar at the front, Smoke Room at the rear and central servery in the side corridor. Very good varied ale choice on offer, but had to go for the Northumberland Fifty Shades of Ale just because of the name. Fortunately it was a good beer. Will definitely be bringing the good lady wife back here when next in York.