Cross Keys, York

Substantial Nicholson's pub, partly opened-out to leave three main seating areas around the bar, all with the sort of traditional furniture and decor you would expect from the chain. Also has two further rooms and a small patio beer garden to one side. Six real ales available from a total of 12 handpumps, ranging from regulars such as NPA and Doom Bar to John Smith's Cask and more interesting offerings such as Ilkley Mary Jane, Leeds Gathering Storm and Cameron's 150 (£3.65).

Our third Nicolson's pub in a row. We must have been lucky as the pub was fairly empty, no tourists here except for ourselves of course. 12 handpumps on the bar, with a choice of six ales and two ciders. I went for the Andwell Brewery IPA, which was spot on. The pub was clean and well run, staff were pleasant. The prices here were very steep.