The Exhibition, York

A large and overly ornate pub with an interior heavily decorated with photos, paintings and other stuff, possibly trying to be Victorian but mainly being over the top. Behind a rear conservatory lies a surprisingly large and pleasant walled garden. Only TT Landlord seemed to be on, with other pumps bearing an upturned glass, but it was fair enough if quite expensive.

this is quite a traditional pub inside with a convivial atmosphere. Sadly in terms of York city centre it’s a bit humdrum really, not the real ale destination it claims to be anyway with only two of seven real ales on (Doom Bar and Landlord). A standard city pub.

The Exhibition is a nice real ale pub just outside the city walls with a lovely unchanged wooden interior but is deceivingly and randomly priced on some drinks. On the bar was Copper Draggn golden Pippin (£3.37) York guzzler (£3.54)Doombar (£3.43) Black Sheep Bitter(£3.59) as well as several other including Timothy Taylor Lndlord (£3.97!!!!!!) other outragous prices were for non ale drinkers so beware as you will be charged £3.93 for carling, £3.90 for strongbow, £4.26 for Guinness and £4.36!! for Stella! Aside from the expensive drinks on some items the beer is very well kept and my Pippin was in very good condition as i sipped it in the large sun trap beer garden that is very popular on warmer days. I would return but will be watching what i order.

The interior of the Exhibition is L shaped with seating to the left of the entrance and also up the right hand wall to a conservatory with seating at the rear. The décor is traditional with old pictures on the walls and copper pots hanging from the ceiling. During my recent Saturday afternoon visit there was some background music playing for the benefit of the ten or so other customers and I didn’t spot any televisions. This pub is larger than its peers within the city walls so it felt very quiet, which was a blessing after spending an hour or so listening to the bleatings of drunken hen party participants. Out the back is a large concreted beer garden that is lined with picnic tables. I counted seven hand pumps that were drawing six cask ales and I found the service to be friendly. I had a perusal of the lunchtime menu to find the main dishes all priced under £10. The evening menu kicks in at 17:00 when I imagine the prices inflate. However, there are meal deals throughout the week including a steak night, burger night and curry night. I had a decent pint of York Brewery’s Guzzler and would have no problem returning.

A random lucky dip as I explored York, There is a central dark wood squint ended bar with a leaded stained glass gantry. The carpeted room wraps around either side with the right hand side leading on to a conservatory then again to a large outdoor seating area. Red plastic leather-effect banquettes and small stools at Britannia and Singer sewing machine tables, red Lincrusta type ceiling, the walls are liberally covered with all manner of framed prints and portraits. Large plates sit high on a picture rail and a fireplace has a collection of brass and copper kettles, pots and pans on display. Trophies, jugs and more kettles sit on top of the bar gantry. A collection of beer taps and blow torches also warrant mention. Music was playing, not overly loudly on this occasion while a muted TV showed BBC rolling news. Still the seven handpumps, one was reverse clipped (couldn't see), others were Doom Bar, Landlord, Purity Mad Goose, York Brewery Guzzler (£3.54), Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and Black Sheep Bitter. The barmaid struggled to pour my pint with it frothing heavily, I did suggest she undo the sparkler but I think she thought I was insane, we got there in the end. Various "nights" are advertised, Tuesday-steak, Weds-burgers, Thursday-curry (when else). Specials included turkey or pork bap with chips and gravy for a fiver or chicken pie, mash and peas for £6.95. I liked it here, especially as it was an off map spur of the moment choice, a decent very traditional pub with a reasonable ale selection and lots going on décor wise to maintain interest.

7 hand pumps but a fairly pedestrian choice of Taylor's, Black Sheep, Doombar, York Guzzler and more interestingly a pale from Yorkshire Heart. I had the Landlord which was a touch thick and sweet and served by a rather, even for Yorkshire, taciturn barman. The interior on the other hand is pure if at least partly unoriginal Victorian height of Empire exuberance, dark wood and brass, with red leather banquettes at sewing machine tables, nice panelled counter with polished steel frieze, completed by brass foot and hand rails. Decorated with a collection of prints, pictures and photos hung in tight 19th century order, mimicked gas lights, a fine collection of plates and oddest of all brass samovars and jugs gracing the counter header. Overloud 1950/60s music playing continuously just took the edge off the experience, mind you I didn't expect Marie Lloyd anyway.