The Phoenix Inn, York

Tucked away just inside the wall The Phoenix is a fairly small traditional,wooden floorboarded two room pub,there is a Bar Billiard table to the rear. 5 pumps for ale,my choice of Half Moon Dark Masquerade was tip top.Very nice pub.

Hard against the ancient walls by Fishergate Bar in a less touristy part of the city. There's a small taproom at the front with seemingly basic and traditional decor, stay a while and you'll notice little modernistic touches here and there. Behind is a larger lounge but also in traditional style. Between the two in a corridor is a serving hatch in the style of the Blue Bell or the Minster. The front windows are etched with Magnet Ales, so it's a sometime John Smiths house, no longer thank goodness as there's a good range of well kept micro brewery beers on offer. The peanuts and cashews are sold in small pots and there is some tasteful Victorian soft porn in the Gents. Check the opening hours on weekdays.

Our first visit to this 2013 Good Beer Guide pub, and enjoyed Hadrian Border Secret Kingdom. Friendly local pub that opens 6pm during the week despite its closeness to the city walls and some of York's tourist attractions.

Excellent pub, with excellent beer. Jazz once or twice a week. Pleasant friendly staff. This pub has been very tastefully refurbished, with the original bar, fire places (in the winter a real fire, not gas), windows, etc., etc., still in place. Thankfully there's no fruit machines, jukebox or TV. There is a little garden/yard which is over looked by the walls. I recommend a visit to this pub, its not that far off the beaten track, in fact that's an advantage. Winners of, "The Jazz Yorkshire Venue of the Year" 2010 and "York CAMRA Town Pub of the Season" 2010 also listed in CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2012. Take a look at the website, www.thephoenixinnyork.co.uk