The Crystal Palace, Holgate, York

If it wasn't for the sign in the front you wouldn't know this was a pub, but inside is a splendidly old-school two roomer, with a very tidy lounge to one side and a public bar with pool table the other. There are some nice historic features, including some art deco stained glass and even a coat and umbrella stand, as well as some open fires. Outside a little garden lies at the front, separated from the road by hedges. Just OBB on handpump naturally but mention has to be made of the pleasant keg mild at an astonishing £2.40 - possibly the cheapest beer in York (excluding the Spoons specials). Usual Humphrey silly restrictions apply of course, but a very nice and straightforward pub.

A multi room Sam Smiths pub looking more like a posh house than a pub. Nicely decorated inside but not overdone in the faux Victorian style often used in Sam’s pubs. To the left is a large room with a pool table and a small snug round a corner. Decorated with railway porn. To the right is another similar bar which we didn’t use as the punters were a little cliquey. There is a rumour that in Sam’s pubs they have two casks on but the fresher one is reserved for locals; the other is tired and often on the turn and served to visitors, guess which one we got?