Pivni, York

Yet another regular on our York trail. We usually call in on a lunchtime when it's pretty quiet which means we can usually get a seat in the tiny downstairs bar. There's a larger room upstairs and the toilets are on the top floor with no disabled access. There's a large array of foreign beers on tap along with 4 handpumps, although I've never seen all 4 handpumps in use. This visit was no different with 3 on the go 5 a.m. Saint & Rip Tide from Brewdog and Dark Star American Pale Ale. I had a Dark Star and it tasted exactly like the Copper Dragon Golden Pippin I'd just had in the Bay Horse. We usually only stay for one as it can get quite uncomfortable when its a warm day as it was last Sunday. We'll still keep coming back though.

The Pivni changed its name recently due, i believe, to a legal battle with an Edinburgh place of the same name. The pub is of three stories, though the top most has just the bogs and a couple of chairs outside, presumably in case you have to wait! The bottom level is brick and glass, with timber frame and white render upper stories. The interior has a two rooms on successive floors. The gound floor has the serving bar in light wood, with a decor or red and dark wood beams. The upper floor is in undressed brick, cream and wood beams. There is a mix of arty pictures and photos for interests, as well as some beer memorabilia and display cases on the ground floor. The service was fine, the background music rock and metal and there clientele seemed to be more studenty based - including a Prince Rupert look-a-like in the corner. Beer; tap stuff, with some real ale - but no pump clips - i had Brooklyn Brown Ale, which was fine. Lots od continental lagers as well. Not really my thing, yet i often seem to visit when in York, as it is a bit different - perhaps because i know i can sit outside the bogs if they are full!

This is a very small new pub close to one of Yorks markets. Inside it is quite small with a good selection of foreign beers,i had a drink of Roosters YPA there was also York Rye Catcher and a beer from Bowland. The place was fairly busy mid sunday afternoon.