Valhalla, York

Viking themed bar spread over multiple floors serving 3 real ales.

This was another new York bar for me. I don't remember this one being open the last time I visited Pivni in 2016, but it seems that many people who go to Pivni also visit Valhalla, especially if this site is anything to go by. Indeed, why wouldn't you, when you can stumble out of the one and straight across the narrow street into the other. Do watch the step though! Valhalla seemed a pretty basic place with Viking-themed ephemera on the walls. 2 house beers are from the Half Moon Brewery - Valhalla Pale & Odin's Judgement, a dark ruby ale. The guest beer was Tartarus Luca. Meanwhile, they also had a couple of ciders - Dorset Nectar Old Harry Rocks & Ascension Shimmy. Craft beers were Brew York Barrel-Aged 48-Hour Road Trip & Hop Sessions 006, North Atlantis, Vault City Iron Brew & Tartarus Moon Rabbit. There were a few other customers on the ground floor, including one couple who actually seemed a little more drunk than myself. It was only on a trip to the toilet that I realised that there must have been quite a few more people upstairs from where some rather loud music was emanating, possibly from a live group. I was left feeling reasonably impressed by this place and will almost certainly return one day.

As the name suggests, Valhalla is a Viking themed bar so expect lots of wood in a dimly lit building with the odd shield thrown in for good measure. The main bar is at street level with a flagstone floor and a bar counter that runs across the rear wall. Craft keg was available alongside four hand pumps that were drawing Brew York’s Make it Columbus alongside Yorkshire Heart Brewery’s Valhalla Pale and Valhalla Odins Judgement as well as Pulp’s Pornstar Martini Craft Cider. During a recent Thursday afternoon visit all of the tables in this bar area were taken so I wandered upstairs past the event sign that advertised the Monday evening speed quiz and live music Tuesday. These events are held on the first floor where there is a small bar counter with some craft keg and two of the cask options from downstairs. This faces a seating area where a mix of sofas are faced by an exposed brick fireplace. Further to the right are rows of wooden benches on the bare board floor. I believe that there is a function room on the second floor. Food is available from a limited menu, the hot Yorkshire tapas was priced at 3 for £18.50. I’ve no idea what a hot Yorkshire tapas is, maybe puddings, beef and gravy? I’m not really a fan of these small dimly lit bars, but I liked it in here and will be sure to do a Valhalla - Pivni double header again next time I’m in York.

Not changing much, still a general Viking theme with lots of dark wood and occasional bones, topped off with some fairly heavy rock music although not so loud as to prevent conversation. The main room downstairs tends to attract the tourists; venture round the back and upstairs for less cramped surroundings, even a couple of armchairs if you are lucky. Three handpumps carry the two house beers and a changing guest and you will also find the occasional Keykeg from Verdant or similar amongst the keg and craft stuff. Personally I stick with the Odin's Judgement which is an entirely appropriate strong dark brew. A good place if you are in the right mood.

A quirky little place, especially with the skull and bones etc set in the floor with a perspex cover over it as you enter, Mrs Ale didn't even notice it. Anyway three ales on handpump, the two Valhalla were brewed by Half Moon Brewery, Valhalla IPA & Odins Judgement, and Brighouse Baltic Rum Porter. Well worth a visit.

Pub is as described below , enjoyed my visit here , 3 ales on the pubs own name IPA and Dark and Tonkoko Milk Stout , like ROB Camra my wife loved it here .

Called in last month, and found a small room with viking theme. Managed to get seats on the long central table and chose Wilde Child Fickle Breed which was a rather bland 3% beer.

As one of the owners says below (hello Matt) :-)) This is a very nice space for a beer or two. We called in twice during our stay in York and on both occasions it was quiet, but it was Sunday afternoon and Monday night. We got talking to the barman who was very knowledgeable and on our second visit the barman was one of the owners, both were friendly and chatty. It's very small and it wouldn't take many to fill it. There's a few settles around the walls and one big table in the middle. Unless you lean on the bar there's nowhere to stand, so we leaned on the bar. Three handpumps on the bar one of which is brewed specially for them by Yorkshire Heart brewery. We enjoyed our visits here and all my beers were in very good nick. Ms CAMRA loved it, so we'll be back next time.

Small cosy pub nestled right in the historic center of Yrok. Not big but it’s a lovely cosy space. Very relaxed, friendly and sociable. Tried all 2”3 cask ales (2 resident and 1 guest) and enjoyed them all. Very well kept and priced for the location. Pub played some classic rock whilst we were there and the staff were some of the friendliest we’ve met. Will definitely be back!

A small room with a few tables and seats but once they are occupied there's not really anywhere to stand. The bar is also a bit cramped for space, with just two hand pumps at the end nearest the door. I managed to find a bit of room next to a stud wall where one of the cross pieces made an ad hoc shelf for my beer. Brew York's Viking DNA was on, and a house beer by Yorkshire Heart Brewery. The Viking beer was ok but at £2.30 for a half I won't be rushing back for another any time soon.