Harkers, York

Now owned by Nicolsons and sells their standard food menu i.e. all bought in, including the mashed potato!! Well described as always by JB. We called in here a few months ago and had to walk out as there was no-one behind the bar for nearly five minutes. We decided to give it another go and this time the service was good and friendly. They were offering a 50p per pint discount to CAMRA members which was good as well. My pint was in good condition and the other half enjoyed her red wine. It's not a place that we'll stay in all night, but we'd be happy to call in for one again when on a crawl.

Occupying a prominent position on the corner of St Helens Square in the pedestrianised City Centre, Harkers is an impressive looking Georgian building that was previously occupied by Yorkshire Insurance Company, whose name and the date 1824 ( in Roman numerals ) can be seen high up on the exterior of the building. The split level interior features high ceilings, Corinthian columns and pillars and the look and ambience of a drawing room. The walls have framed pictures of former company directors and chairmen. It's a Nicholson's pub and is one of their branded "Classic Pubs". The pub has a rather stylish grandeur to it and is evidently popular with ladies who lunch. This led to a rather upmarket ambience on my visit. There's 6 handpumps which, on my recent June visit, were serving Castle Rock HPA, Bombardier, John Smiths Cask Ale and Yorkshire Terrier. Notably, a blackboard behind the bar urged drinkers to "try Yorkshire Terrier - brewed only a mile away - for £ 2.20p ". I went for the Castle Rock HPA which was in good form, but rather more expensive at £ 2.90p. I quite liked the pub, but the beer range was disappointing by Nicholson's standards and this won't be one of my first ports of calls next time I'm in York