The Guy Fawkes Hotel, York

Bar and restaurant with accommodation available. 6 real ales. Live music advertised

The Guy Fawkes is a stunning 16th century building, apparently the birthplace of Guy Fawkes although evidence seems to be lacking. It's incredibly well located next to York Minster and the main centre of the city but in a relatively quiet part of High Petergate. The hotel rooms are accessed via a very uneven staircase, which probably demands a pint or two to climb efficiently, and are characterful and well furnished. To the right are two rooms used mainly for eating and the front door leads directly into a cosy, welcoming, wood panelled bar. The staff are friendly and chatty and the bar is a very nice place to be. We had a snack here and my pigeon and celery pate was excellent and despite being a starter served well as a light lunch. Six handpumps feature predominantly local ales which do rotate: Black Sheep, Great Heck Yorkshire Pale Ale and Dark Force Treason (brewed for the pub), Copper Dragon Scotts 1816, Rudgate Battle Axe and Marston Moor Matchlock Mild were on when we visited. Both the Great Heck beers were excellent and in top nick. Given the range and quality of ales I'm not sure why it didn't make the 2011 GBG, maybe an there's just too much choice in York. I will certainly return.

A fabulous 16th century inn, with ornate ceilings, wood paneling, old floor boards and real gas lamps. Called in here lunch time, food was excellent, home cooked steak pie hand cut chips. Staff very friendly, also has accommodation four poster beds and all that. Could have done with a lie down after my meal, good size portions for the price. Good choice of beers, I sampled the Hambleton Ales Mighty Mare, Old Mill Brewery Spring Eternal, Leeds Golden Best and Daleside IPA. Defo will return.