Golden Ball, York

Situated in a residential area of York close to the city walls, the Golden Ball is a fine traditional multi-roomed street corner local that is on CAMRA's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. An unusual layout consists of 4 rooms including one sports "snug" room with plenty of sporting memorabilia - signed caricatures of Darren Gough, Brian Lara and a photo of Brian Close's 1969 Yorkshire County Cricket side for example - and a bar billiards table. There's another unusual snug immediately on the right by the entrance corridor. The bar counter is in a room at the back of the pub and can only be accessed from the entrance on the other street. A fine glazed brick exterior still bears the branding of John Smith's Tadcaster Ales and Stout. Also of note externally is an unused door which was formerly the entrance to the Jug and Bottle Department. 6 real ales were on - Deuchars IPA, Bombardier, TT Landlord, Everards Tiger, Ruddles Best and a beer from Northumbrian Brewery. The pub is a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular. I regard this as one of York's must visit pubs, for its unspoilt interior and atmosphere, but watch out for the late afternoon opening times from Monday to Friday

Forgetting Old Boots’ advice, I turned up here at lunchtime. This was an abortive journey as it doesn’t open at lunchtime during the week. Opening times are: Mon to Wed 5 – 11 PM; Fri 4.30 – 11.30 PM; Sat Noon – 11.30 PM; Sun Noon – 11.00 PM.

Back street local with a superb intact 1930s interior, six pulls with John Smiths Cask, it is their pub after all, plus guest ales; all I tried were in fine condition. Several rooms with a bar billiards table in one. Good local atmosphere, friendly staff and customers of various ages. A gem in the less fashionable south west area of the walled city.