The Old White Swan, York

A Nicholson's pub serving a good selection of real ale and food. The pub is split in 2 by a courtyard.

Probably the best of the York "Nicholson" pubs - especially when it comes to beer. Nearly always 5 or 6 handpulled real ales offering a good mix of national and local breweries fares. The jazz on a Thursday night is a good draw and you won't be worried about getting a seat as it has 3 large bars. Open until midnight 7 days/week which is handy for those who prefer later hours.

Large Nicholson's pub that seems to have bars all over the place.A good selection of beers on my visit but the pub seemed a bit too foody.

There are three bars, of which I sampled just the one, the Stagecoach Bar, which is on the right of the small courtyard through which I entered. There were seven hand pumps, but only one beer, Leeds Brewery's Midnight Bell, which fortunately is to my taste. They were gearing up for a beer festival so they were presumably keeping something in reserve. This was my first stop in Goodramgate after visiting the Golden Lion, so there was an immediate impression of an improvement in quality. This was particularly evident in the eclectic collection of old tables and chairs, and a very nice sideboard. The ubiquitous "background" music without which it seems no tourist pub can open its doors was in this instance not too obtrusive.