York Hotel, Weston Super Mare

As it’s name suggests, this pub is actually a bar within a hotel, but it is nonetheless open to non-residents and offers good views of the sea and Grand Pier from it’s elevated position. Having said that, most, if not all punters on a recent visit were OAP’s and I would imagine that they probably were hotel residents. Décor wise it’s quite contemporary, but does feel very much like a hotel bar as opposed to a pub in it’s own right. Much of the paintwork is a Farrow & Ball shade of brown, although there were a couple of feature walls that were much darker, almost black. The carpet was also a stripy brown as was the coffee coloured leatherette seating. An old fire-place was opposite the bar counter, although I suspect that this is not used. There was also a plasma screen up on the wall, but again, this was not in use. The “entertainment” (and I use the term very loosely) was someone who was crooning out various songs from the 60’s including several from Cliff Richard. Although each song ended with a round of applause from the assembled throng, my friend pointed out that they were probably only clapping to keep their circulation going. Unfortunately there were no ales on tap, real or otherwise. The only thing even vaguely resembling a beer on the bar was John Smith’s Extra Smooth on keg, and even this was off. Ciders fared slightly better with Thatcher’s Gold and Strongbow Dark Fruit.

Called around 2.30pm today, and the bar is open to non residents. Barman spoke to me in the coridor so I didn't see what was on in the bar but he said there was no real ale.

Official site of the York Hotel - www.theyorkhotel.net

Official site of the York Hotel - www.theyorkhotel.net