The Victoria Vaults, York

First time here as the bloody place is always shut when I go past, nearly walked out as the barmaid was long absent, with only a Mc D's shake on the bar to mark her passing. When she reappeared she tugged away at a pump that had run off so I had an Ainsty Ales that was only a little tired. Having served me she retired to the punters side of the counter with a coke for a bit of a chat, although to be fair there were only two other punters in the place, a care in the community candidate and an ageing hippy. Decor wise it's typical down market 1980/90's, the only attraction here is the live music. Two pumps in each of the two bars. I wish I wasn't so dedicated to trying new pubs this was a loser in fact it's probably a blessing it doesn't open that often (ignore WhatPub the hours are infinitely variable)

A neat two roomed locals local, just outside the city walls. Very low key during the day, but they have live bands or karaoke on several nights per week. I'd never really noticed this pub until we spent a couple of nights at the Moat guesthouse just up the road. We leaned on the bar chatting to the friendly landlord whilst having a couple of pints from the two handpumps. The beers are usually from the Marston's extended stable but there is sometimes a more rarified beer available. By no means a must visit pub, but you could do a lot worse than call in here for one whilst walking the walls. They don't open until 5 Monday - Thursday though.

A very nice locals pub on the outside of Yorks walls down Nunnery lane. This pub is not very known about and thus had escaped me until recently. the decor is very vintage with old school wallpaper and carpets. This must have a strong local following as the barman informed me of the live music held six nights a week. i was not expecting a lot from this place judging by the lack of exposure and the outside appearance but was surprised to find two real ales on the bar. There was Thwaites Wainwright and Marstons EPA both priced at £3.00 per pint, my Wainright was in very good nick. All in all a very nice little pub that I can imagine has a good atmosphere when full and with live music on, my friday afternoon visit was a little dead as we were the only people in at that time but things picked up later on.