The Beeswing Ale House, York

Don’t be fooled by the word “Alehouse” in the name, it isn’t; it’s a low end corner pub with an U shaped interior enclosing an U shaped counter. Two T-Bars face you and to the left are two more separated by three, unused today, handpulls, one being a Doombar branded one. Probably studenty in the evening but on the afternoon just a few old codgers, some young mums and a younger gobshite. Banquette seating almost all round, stained carpet and stone tiled floors, cream unadorned walls. Quite a few screens but little to recommend the place, I didn’t linger.

Facebook page of The Beeswing Ale House - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Beeswing Ale House - trpubgroup.com

Official site of The Beeswing Ale House - trpubgroup.com

Facebook page of The Beeswing Ale House - www.facebook.com

Primarily a locals' pub serving nearby estates but with the occasional influx of students who abound in the area, this pub has been opened out into one large U-shaped room with a slightly tacky facelift. One end has a pool table and some unusual 'two-tone' graphics, reflecting the occasional live music of that ilk. There is a small courtyard outdoor area to the rear. Alewise it is now down to three handpumps, only one in use advertising a house ale but sadly with clip reversed. From other accounts the supply of real ale is not reliable, which is a shame because otherwise it is an adequate community local.

I get the impression this pub has been altered a lot over the last few years, fluctuation between different brands aimed at different clientele. With the name "ale house" in the name I had high expectations but these soon fell flat once entering. indeed there were eight hand pulls but only two were in use and i was told that this was a regular thing. I was also told (by a disgruntled employee) how the pub was trying and failing to cater for everyone by having elements of student bar/ sports bar/ale house all in one. not a great concept and the lack of customers on a Saturday night showed it. The two ales were Doombar and Leeds pale both at £3.20 and to be fair were both kept in a really good condition. unfortunately the pub seems very tacky and is not a very comfy place to sit with loud music playing from the jukebox. This is not really my sort of place and and I would be hesitant to return in the future unless for a quick stop off pint.