The Tiger Inn, York

A nice village local with two bars owned by Sam’s, a lounge at the front and a public to the rear, the entrance is on the side although the lounge shows signs of where the original front door would have been. The lounge itself is long and thin across the front of the pub, the counter being along half the back wall and sharing a servery with the public. The lounge is equipped with banquette seating all round at rectangular tables with chairs on the outer side. One end of the lounge is more secluded, probably having been a separate room at one time. The counter has two pulls, both of course with Old Brewery Bitter in good form if a little cold, and the usual collection of little boxes. The public has its counter at an angle and doesn’t seem to have any pulls just boxes, I therefore stayed in the lounge. Tasteful décor of old prints mainly of York, it is carpeted throughout and there is some sadly exposed brick, traditional colour scheme of cream walls and brown woodwork. Cards are taken but the usual Sam’s rules about swearing and electronic devices apply.

A straightforward old Sam Smith's pub, well-camouflaged in the similar buildings along the High Street with just one sign showing it is a pub. With the unmarked entrance door on the side, you would be forgiven for thinking it is not open, but venture in and you find an old-fashioned two-roomer, all nicely furnished and kept neat and tidy with very understated decor and few features of note. The back room is the public bar, with a dartboard at the rear. Being Sam Smith's there is only OBB on handpump, but in good order and just £3 a pint. A good range of their keg offerings is also provided, including the mild. Quite a relaxing place for a quiet pint.