The Watergate Inn, York

It may well be an improvement on the Three Lions, but it's still not very good. Of the 3 handpumps only 2 were on and the selection was poor. It was pretty dark inside despite the refub and only 3 people in the pub. We decided to leave it and go across the road to the Walmgate Ale House.

Located down the ever popular fosssagte is the Watergate Inn (formerly the three lions). Since its refurbishment the Watergate has introduced more real ale is a slightly more upmarket environment but whether it like it or not this is still more of a local drinkers pub rather than a tourist place purely because of its location further down from the busier end. there were three real ale on the bar with Moorehouse ruby witch, Leeds pale and Young's special all costing a slightly high £3.30 but all were in very nice condition and all were nice drinks. This is perfectly good place to stop off for a drink and i would have been happy to stay longer, an improvement on the three lions.

During a recent Friday afternoon visit the friendly barmaid informed my group that the Watergate Inn had just changed its name from the Five Lions. The interior is long and thin with a bar that supports three hand pumps and a standard/premium draught range. There was some background music playing and I didn’t spot any televisions. This is not a destination pub, but I would have no problem returning if passing.

Refurbished façade, with name changed from the Five Lions, but not sure what has been altered inside. The entrance to the elongated bar remains through the covered alleyway, and the seating area by the attractive bow window at the front is the best spot to sit. Some mid-brown wood panelling, but little else in the way of decor. Offers accommodation, discount parking and a waterside beer garden (not visited). Three real ales on handpump: Leeds Pale, Rooster's Yankee and Saltaire Blonde (£3.20).