Lil's Bar, York

A fairly small riverside bistro which benefits from an expanse of seating out on the quayside in the summer. Inside it is flood-resistant, with modern stone floors and bare walls, in case the river reaches up the steps. In the back room is a glitzy bar with a few kegs taps offering Theakston's Pale and Engine Oil amongst the lagers. Not really worth the effort.

Name basically tells you what you need to know, it’s a restaurant but you’re welcome to just have a drink although I guess if busy with diners you may be less so in spite of the stools at the brick counter. Not probably a problem as you can enjoy Birra Moretti, Guinness, Amstel, Heineken or a couple of keg ciders. On the cask front tucked away to one side there’s Theakstons and Wainwright although the type of place may make you as wary as it did me. Makes a very weird two hander with the Kings Arms next door (ish).

Official site of Lil's Bar & Bistro - lilsbarandbistro.co.uk