The Three-Legged Mare, York

Situated not far from York Minster, this was the only pub still open when I arrived on the street late on a Monday evening. In fact, I saw a couple of people leaving which would have left the pub empty had I not walked in very shortly after. The amenable barman/landlord was happy to chat whilst cleaning up around me. Unlike many, he was also happy to keep the pub open to enable me to indulge in a swift half. I was last in here almost 10 years ago when it was owned by York Brewery. He explained that Black Sheep had purchased the pub as it is in some kind of city centre exclusion zone that prevents any new pubs from opening. Black Sheep beers on were Best Bitter, Blonde, Riggwelter & Respire. Guests were Three Legs Oat Stout & Anarchy Blonde Star. There was also a decent selection of traditional ciders - Lilley's Pineapple, Strawberry, Rhubarb & Mango Ciders, Broadoak Moonshine & Perry, Weston's Old Rosie, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Ampleforth Abbey Cider. Craft beers were Black Sheep Milk Stout, Burrow's IPA, Ensueno & Side Quest, Tiny Rebel Electric Boogaloo & Shiny Wipeout. I only scored this a 6/10 on my previous visit and don't particularly recall what it was like. I'll certainly be increasing my score to a 7/10 and it is verging on an 8/10.

According to a sign it was York Brewery's 3rd pub, before the Black Sheep takeover, and it serves a good range of Black Sheep/York Brewery beers plus guests, such as Brasscastle, and a large selection of boxed ciders. Not bad as a modern take on a pub, including cafe-style steel furniture, and certainly worth a visit for the beer.

Called in this pub last month and found a good range of cask ales and some keg and ciders. Large room with a conservatory area at the rear, but beware the spiral staircase down to the toilets. A range of York brewery beers but we chose and enjoyed Half Moon That Old Chestnut from the available guests.

Decided to go back to the future and have the same beer as I did in 2009 on my previous visit - a Centurions Ghost - which was in good form. Very little change from previous, I sat in the rear section which housed the most interesting table, an old whisky barrel which contained a selection of papers. Sadly this perch had already been swiped by a local. Noted that taster trays are offered and that there was an excellent selection of foreign bottled beers alongside the eight or so ales. General feel is light and airy, akin to a continental cafe bar than a traditional pub but I think here it works quite well. There’s a red painted as well and I understand it to be tuned and used. I like it here but when it’s quiet, the silence can be a bit off-putting. May 2009 A York brewery pub which sells their full range (including the unique-to-the-pub Wonkey Donkey) along with two guests. I was only in for a short while whilst Mrs Quinno disappeared off to the nearby shop for an emergency birthday present but was there long enough to appreciate my pint of Centurion's Ghost, polite service by the barmaid and observe a group of American tourists doing a cheese and ale tasting session. The interior is nice (it's a 'quiet' pub, no music or TV) and new without being overly sterile - it was converted from an old shop. There are three knocked-through rooms; front bar, rear section and conservatory beyond. There’s a very small rear garden that’s basically for the smokers. Its proximity to York Minster means it's an essential stop if nearby. Quiz fact: a Three Legged Mare was a form of gallows where three unfortunates could be dispatched in one go. Rated 8

I popped into the Three Legged Mare on a recent Saturday just after midday when the pub was empty apart from a hen party group that were about to embark on a crawl of York. They were sitting in the front seating area so I found a high table by the bar in the rear. Beyond the bar area is an extension that houses some lounging furniture and a few board games. Out the back is a garden, most of which is out of bounds and the parts that are accessible would only be used by smokers. The bar supports nine hand pumps and a selection of premium lagers. I didn’t see any food advertised during my lunchtime visit. There are no televisions and I do not recall there being any background music, but there is live music on Sundays from 20:30 and Ali is on the piano from 19:00 until 22:00 on Fridays. The Monday quiz starts at 21:00 and on Thursdays there is open mic from 21:00. Under 18’s are not permitted at any time. I liked it in here and can imagine a good atmosphere when busy. I will return next time I am in the area.