The Three-Legged Mare, York

A York brewery pub 6 real ales on offer during my visit.

This is a narrow but long pub, seemingly a shop conversion, in a good location close to the Minster. The pub takes its name from a type of gallows and I was led to believe that there was a replica of such a contraption in the garden to the rear, but I strained to see it through the rain streaked windows at the back of the pub and failed to spot anything fitting the description. The locals have interpreted the name slightly differently, affectionately referring to it as the ‘Wonky Donkey’! The front of the pub has some standard seating around a number of tables including one constructed from some old barrels. The servery appears midway into the pub along the right hand wall and beyond this there is a conservatory area with a tiled floor and mainly low stool seating. The split level garden can be accessed from here. The walls have been decorated with lots of old brewery mirrors and black and white photos whilst some beer engines have been mounted on the walls of the staircase leading down to the toilets. Whisky and beer bottles line a high ledge and there are some framed cartoons towards the rear of the pub. The pub is run by the York Brewery and their beers were prominent at the bar, with Guzzler, Ghost Ale, Terrier and England’s Pride available alongside Castle Rock Preservation and Sheriff’s Tipple and Dow Gladiator. I had the Preservation which was in decent condition although not as good as I remember it from the last time I tried it. This is a nice enough pub that acts as a good showcase from York Brewery beers. I only managed a flying visit, but the beer selection and pleasant surroundings mean that I’d certainly consider a return visit.

I have been in this York Brewery pub a few times and although it has a good choice of real ales it doesn't seem to have much of an atmosphere or the feel of a pub.Other than that a good place for real ale.