Pivni, York

Pivni is the original bar from the people who run the York, Sheffield and Euston Tap pubs. Located in a lovely old timber framed building down one of York’s many pleasant alleyways, the pub has a lot in common with its perhaps more famous offspring. The beer is clearly the star here, although that’s not to say that the building isn’t without a certain degree of charm as well. The ground floor has enough space for a compact room with banquette seating running underneath the front windows complemented by a few low stools and tables. The floor is tiled and there are plenty of dark wooden beams to give it a nice traditional look, whilst the walls have been decorated with a number of metallic beer signs. The servery runs the length of the back wall, save for a glass panelled storage room that allows you to peek at their stock of bottled beer. Upstairs is a cosy looking lounge with a couple of rows of tables. It’s a nicely decorated space which is well worth settling down in, especially when the bar area gets busy. There were only three ales on during my stay – Highland Pale, Sunny Republic Beach Blonde (£2.80) and Cromarty Happy Chappy. The likes of Thornbridge, Stone and Kernel were represented on the keg front, as were the usual range of beers from Czech brewers Bernard, whilst a bottle menu listed some not unreasonably priced offerings from around the globe. My Beach Blonde was in good shape, although not the most interesting pint I found in York. Fans of the Tap pubs will perhaps be a little disappointed by this smaller enterprise, but it is certainly interesting to see where that chain originated. I thought it was a pleasant enough place to stop off and try something interesting, maybe best visited out of peak times when it can get very crowded.

This little gem goes from strength to strength - the founder member of the fast growing empire of York Tap, Sheffield Tap and Euston Tap chain. There are always 4 handpulled beers on the bar - usually a Thornbridge plus 3 others. They are good for showcasing new breweries and sometimes have all 4 handpulls from the same brewer. Add to that a plethora of keg craft beers from across the pond and a good selection of bottles and you're onto a winner. One of York's "must visit" venues.

Yet another regular on our York trail. We usually call in on a lunchtime when it's pretty quiet which means we can usually get a seat in the tiny downstairs bar. There's a larger room upstairs and the toilets are on the top floor with no disabled access. There's a large array of foreign beers on tap along with 4 handpumps, although I've never seen all 4 handpumps in use. This visit was no different with 3 on the go 5 a.m. Saint & Rip Tide from Brewdog and Dark Star American Pale Ale. I had a Dark Star and it tasted exactly like the Copper Dragon Golden Pippin I'd just had in the Bay Horse. We usually only stay for one as it can get quite uncomfortable when its a warm day as it was last Sunday. We'll still keep coming back though.

The Pivni changed its name recently due, i believe, to a legal battle with an Edinburgh place of the same name. The pub is of three stories, though the top most has just the bogs and a couple of chairs outside, presumably in case you have to wait! The bottom level is brick and glass, with timber frame and white render upper stories. The interior has a two rooms on successive floors. The gound floor has the serving bar in light wood, with a decor or red and dark wood beams. The upper floor is in undressed brick, cream and wood beams. There is a mix of arty pictures and photos for interests, as well as some beer memorabilia and display cases on the ground floor. The service was fine, the background music rock and metal and there clientele seemed to be more studenty based - including a Prince Rupert look-a-like in the corner. Beer; tap stuff, with some real ale - but no pump clips - i had Brooklyn Brown Ale, which was fine. Lots od continental lagers as well. Not really my thing, yet i often seem to visit when in York, as it is a bit different - perhaps because i know i can sit outside the bogs if they are full!

This is a very small new pub close to one of Yorks markets. Inside it is quite small with a good selection of foreign beers,i had a drink of Roosters YPA there was also York Rye Catcher and a beer from Bowland. The place was fairly busy mid sunday afternoon.