The Crystal Palace, Holgate, York

A multi room Sam Smiths pub looking more like a posh house than a pub. Nicely decorated inside but not overdone in the faux Victorian style often used in Sam’s pubs. To the left is a large room with a pool table and a small snug round a corner. Decorated with railway porn. To the right is another similar bar which we didn’t use as the punters were a little cliquey. There is a rumour that in Sam’s pubs they have two casks on but the fresher one is reserved for locals; the other is tired and often on the turn and served to visitors, guess which one we got?

Very traditional two-room pub featuring a public bar (with pool table and younger punters) on one side and a more sedate lounge (and distinctly older clientele) to the other. Modest patio beer garden out front. As a Samuel Smith's house, only OBB (£1.80) available on handpump, of course, but who can complain at that price?

This pub has the traditional old style format with a public bar and lounge. The lounge bar is carpeted with banquettes and bucket chairs, the coal fire was lit and the place was warm and homely. The public bar has a pool table and dartboard and is clearly dog friendly as some bloke was sitting on a bar stool with his dog sprawled at his feet. Sam Smith's beers so only OBB as a real ale, a half cost me all of 90p! Food is served and Sunday roasts were advertised for £7.95. Wednesday is bingo night, I didn't spot any other events listed, outdoor seating to the front at a couple of picnic benches. Quite a nice pub despite the obvious lack of interesting stuff to drink, a proper local but with a warm welcome to an outsider.