The Falcon, York

I've been hearing some good reports about this pub in its new guise so I had a flying visit while otherwise occupied in York. The front bar was fairly desolate with no beers showing and just a couple of odd punters. Through the back things have certainly looked up since my last visit. There are now six hand pumps plus five keg taps and suitably hipster looking staff. Quality was spot on although my beer was decidedly "murky" (it was meant to be and was badged as unfined). Still a little spartan but a vast improvement on before.

Two-bar alehouse, with a compact bar at the front (with numerous casks set up on stillage racks for a beer festival) and a slightly larger one behind. Also features a further room at the back (which was also not in use when I visited) and a rear patio beer garden. Rather gloomy inside - with mostly bare wall, limited decor and basic furniture - but more than made up by a good early evening atmosphere and engaging bar staff. At least 12 real ales from Yorkshire and the North West on offer from handpump and on gravity, with my pint of 4.7% Richmond Stump Cross Ale (£3.00) being at the more sensible end of the spectrum, and two imperial stouts - the 8.0% Bad Co. Crazy Ivan and knockout 10.1% Cloudwater (which they kindly gave me a sample of) at the other. Exceleent.

Very much improved since my previous visit. Interior smartened up with 6 real ales and "craft keg" served. 2 real ale taps in the front bar and 4 in the bar at the rear. 2 floor patio area at the very back.

I liked this friendly pub we called in a couple of days ago. The beer chosen was Cotleigh Honey Buzzard and Brass Castle Mosaic from the selection on offer. A corridor separated the 2 bar areas front and back, and there was a drinking and smoking area set up at the back, plus some stairs to a comfy terrace with plenty of tables.

The Falcon Tap consists of two bars, the smaller of which is found at the front of the pub. In here is some seating and low background music. The only television screen is for the security cameras so don’t expect to catch any football. On the bar are two hand pumps and some premium lager options. The rear bar is larger and labelled as a lounge bar. To be honest I found this bar to be more comfortable than the front. The bar supports another four hand pumps alongside the same draught options as encountered previously. An advertisement promotes a ‘buy five pints and get the sixth free’ deal so groups are welcomed, unlike some pubs in the area. Out the back is a covered smoking and seating area and an upstairs seating area that was closed for refurbishment. This may not be a remarkable pub, but I found the service to be friendly and would have no problem popping back in if passing.