The Three-Legged Mare, York

Decided to go back to the future and have the same beer as I did in 2009 on my previous visit - a Centurions Ghost - which was in good form. Very little change from previous, I sat in the rear section which housed the most interesting table, an old whisky barrel which contained a selection of papers. Sadly this perch had already been swiped by a local. Noted that taster trays are offered and that there was an excellent selection of foreign bottled beers alongside the eight or so ales. General feel is light and airy, akin to a continental cafe bar than a traditional pub but I think here it works quite well. There’s a red painted as well and I understand it to be tuned and used. I like it here but when it’s quiet, the silence can be a bit off-putting. May 2009 A York brewery pub which sells their full range (including the unique-to-the-pub Wonkey Donkey) along with two guests. I was only in for a short while whilst Mrs Quinno disappeared off to the nearby shop for an emergency birthday present but was there long enough to appreciate my pint of Centurion's Ghost, polite service by the barmaid and observe a group of American tourists doing a cheese and ale tasting session. The interior is nice (it's a 'quiet' pub, no music or TV) and new without being overly sterile - it was converted from an old shop. There are three knocked-through rooms; front bar, rear section and conservatory beyond. There’s a very small rear garden that’s basically for the smokers. Its proximity to York Minster means it's an essential stop if nearby. Quiz fact: a Three Legged Mare was a form of gallows where three unfortunates could be dispatched in one go. Rated 8

I popped into the Three Legged Mare on a recent Saturday just after midday when the pub was empty apart from a hen party group that were about to embark on a crawl of York. They were sitting in the front seating area so I found a high table by the bar in the rear. Beyond the bar area is an extension that houses some lounging furniture and a few board games. Out the back is a garden, most of which is out of bounds and the parts that are accessible would only be used by smokers. The bar supports nine hand pumps and a selection of premium lagers. I didn’t see any food advertised during my lunchtime visit. There are no televisions and I do not recall there being any background music, but there is live music on Sundays from 20:30 and Ali is on the piano from 19:00 until 22:00 on Fridays. The Monday quiz starts at 21:00 and on Thursdays there is open mic from 21:00. Under 18’s are not permitted at any time. I liked it in here and can imagine a good atmosphere when busy. I will return next time I am in the area.

A long and fairly narrow pub with the bar along a side wall towards the front, the place was shrouded in scaffolding on Saturday morning hence no updated photo. Inside there is a wooden boarded floor, regular seating to the front including a pair of high backed wooden benches then high tables and stools to the rear where the pub opens out a bit more. A partially divided area at the far end has a couple of lantern rooflights then beyond is a scruffy rather unkempt bit of garden up a number of stairs. I had been told of the hanging contraption that gives the pub its name however I couldn't see anything resembling this outside. The pub nickname of The Wonky Donkey has rather less sinister connections I think. Nine handpumps, I managed the last pint of Arbor Oz I think before it went, it was fine, other beers were Yorkshire Terrier, Guzzler and Centurion's Ghost ale, all from York Brewery, Dark Star Espresso, Arbor Yakima Valley, Burton Bridge XL Mild and Sovereign Gold plus Red Squirrel Legally Blonde. All the York beers are priced at £2.70 on a Sunday. A small stage contains a small red painted piano, Thursday is open mic night. Monday has a quiz and disputes can be settled by a few reference books on a shelf towards the rear. Another very good York pub with friendly and knowledgeable staff.

The pub looked tired and scruffy on this visit, so could do with a bit of a spruce up. The staff are very professional in here, as they don't tend to stand in front of you impatiently when choosing a beer. There were three from York brewery and four guest to choose from. I went for the Greenfield Silver Owl, which was top notch. A good pub and always worth visit.