Minster Inn, York

My first visit for a few years, possibly 2017, and a brief one quite late in the evening after a tour of York's heritage pubs. Of which this is itself one, making it a fitting last pub of the day. Although it is still owned by Marstons, there are presently none of their beers on the bar - a trial period apparently, to see whether more interesting beers will sell better than their known brands. All the beers were from Yorkshire breweries: two from Ossett, one each from Ilkley, Brew York and Kirkstall. I must come back soon and reacquaint myself with this excellent pub.

still a good multi roomed pub, even the baneful influence of clueless Marstons can’t change that. lively and full of atmosphere despite its slightly off beaten track location. I cringe at the marketing bollocks on the new signage declaring it a ‘ale house and kitchen’. You’re a pub, why not be proud of that?

Tucked away behind the Castle Gardens just beyond the city walls, The Minster Inn is a traditional boozer which, mercifully, hasn't been knocked around inside and retains it's original, small, multi-roomed format with many original features including a real fire in the bar. The pub itself is welcoming as are the staff and regulars who seem reasonably used to the occasional visitor straying from the city centre. The pizza offer was very popular on our Saturday lunchtime visit and we were very happy with ours. Beers on were Rudgate Brew No 11, Thornbridge Tapit, Ashover The Fabrick, Banks Sunbeam and Ringwood Razorback. A decent selection without Marstons dominating too heavily and everything that I tried was in excellent condition. A delightful boozer which is well worth a visit for both the pizza and the beer.

Splendid pub tucked away in a side street by the city walls, retaining the old multi-room interior which has been beautifully restored with traditional furnishings and includes real fires. A good selection of beers is offered from the wider Marston's family (Cask Marque listing). Food is restricted to pizza and not always available, but it sounded good and is also available for takeaway, as is the beer. There is also a nice little courtyard garden at the rear.

Marston's owned pub in an extremely quaint street a stones throw off Gillygate. I first visited here a few years back when I was ticking all the pubs from that year's good beer guide, this was the wife's first visit and I knew she'd like it. 5 hand pumps with all ales from the Marston's stable. My pint of the Golden ale Rat Race @ 3.9% was perfect. Pretty busy with plenty of groups and couples dotted around the various rooms. Has had a make over and now they serve pizza's (wood fires ones nonetheless), the decor in the front bar is nice and tastefully done. Deffo worth the short walk out to sample this pub.