The Old Grey Mare, York

A big old pub that has been refurbished at considerable expense from the look of it, but not entirely successfully. The interior features a strange collection of modern light wood furnishings and very plain walls, with a few random bits of stonework. There is no real character or flow to the place, although a bit of weathering in would help. The deli converted from the pool room has already died, while the attached microbrewery is not used and lord knows hat the "wine cave" is supposed to be. Some good beers from the Black Sheep range though, with BS Best, their football special and York Snowdrop, in good nick and well priced.

The Old Grey mare is a road side pub a ten minute stroll from the city walls to the north of the center. Inside is one large room that has been knocked through a bit with another room to the right that has a designated dining room that follows out into a small beer garden with umbrellas. Beer wise there were three hand pulls on the bar facing with another on a small side bar but this was unused and looked out of commission. There were two from Rudgate (Viking bitter, £3.10 and IPA) as well as a beer called Yorkshire bitter with a white stallion logo but no brewery or other info which leads me to believe this may be a house beer or a special also made by Rudgate. The Viking bitter was cloudy and way passed its best that would usually have been returned if having more than a swift half. The tiredness of this place really shows and is reflected in the quality of the beer. Unless something is sorted out this is really not worth the hassle, although three hand pulls all on suggests someone is drinking it so maybe it was an off day.

This pub is very welcoming, the staff are excellent. We feel this is the best pub in York. Definately try it next time your in Clifton you won't regret it. The landlord and landlady are very friendly and approachable, they're helpful with queries.

This is a nice looking pub in a nice location near the green in clifton. The pub was quite smart inside and there were three real ales on the bar i had a drink of Taylor Landlord and this went down very well the other beers were John Smiths cask and Theakstons XB,this was the best pub iwent in in clifton.

Official site of the Old Grey Mare - www.oldgreymare.com

Official site of the Old Grey Mare - www.oldgreymare.com