The Red Lion, York

this was a decent rambling traditional pub with a down to earth atmosphere. A couple of real ales on, Dizzy Blonde and a pretty good Rudgate Ruby Mild. Young friendly staff and basically a proper olde worlde style pub.

Called into this pub last month and found an ale range that was very standard. Pleasant enough interior seating areas and some seating outside too. Chose Taylor's Golden Best which was fine.

A rather nice and very old half-timbered building and the interior does not disappoint, with lots of black-painted beams around a random assortment of rooms with some nice features including stained glass partitions and a splendid fireplace in a side room. A large terrace is available outside, including a covered area. Perhaps being on the edge of town, wedged in a corner opposite the Merchantgate bus stops with an awkward entrance, deters the tourists but it felt more like a locals' pub. An excellent range of beers included Rudgate Ruby Mild, Timothy Taylor's Golden Best, Black Sheep Holy Grail, Purity Mad Goose, Robinson's Dizzy Blonde and Bombardier.

From the outside this place looks like a real gem but inside it is let down purely by bad management. the interior is fine but there is a very lackluster approach to the place although the roaring fire is very impressive. The bar staff are not the friendliest of people which is another let down as this really could a a fantastic pub if some of these issues were sorted. I have not been in here for a few yesrs since my last visits beer was terrible but i decided to give it another try. six hand pulls were available but only four were in use, these were moorehouse ruby witch, rudgate ruby mild, thwaites wainwright and purity mad goose. the ruby mild was really nice but very overpriced at £3.50. A nice place to have a beer but some tlc in here could really go a long way and help showcase some of the great features it has, at times not the comfiest place to be if you cant get a seat in the side room with the fire.