Burns Hotel, York

Sam Smiths Old Brewery Bitter is a fine beer and even at £1.74 a pint still ridiculously cheap, certainly compared with most other establishments in York. Some of Sam's pubs can be a little rough, and the brewery's owner has a reputation that makes me glad I don't work for him, but a good Sam's pub is worth a visit. I stepped off the street to find a comparative haven of peace after the busy city centre bustle on this spring afternoon, the regulars here looking as though they might be saving themselves for a rowdy evening later on, either here or elsewhere. Service was friendly and efficient, and as I was only stopping for a quick look around I didn't bother trying to find a seat. The rear of the main room was pleasant with the light coming from the large tented skylight above. The wood panelling on all the walls was very smart, with pictures dotted about here and there of, amongst others, hansom cabs and several people who have been coming here for 50 or 60 years. My first visit to the Hansom Cab today and although it's not one of York's many beer exhibition "must visit" types, it's one that I think I will be coming back to.

The Hansom Cab is in the middle of York in the pedestrianised area. This pub is a Samuel Smiths tied house and once inside there is one long narrow room the bar is on the left and there are a couple of seating bays at the front and the rear is standing or sitting on a tall stool next to the shelf. Whenever i am in York this is a pub i always go in as it is so central and the beer is cheap and nice,there is one real ale on here this is Samuel Smiths Old Brewery bitter this was £1.60 a pint and very drinkable. I think this is a really nice pub.

Appreciate Sam Smiths pubs, you'll miss them when they're gone. In an age of corporate blandness, their individuality is a real treat! Excellent bitter at £1.60 a pint, and all human life thrown in as well. What more could you ask for!