Anchor Inn, York

Much-extended old pub mainly notable for the popular carvery, but also has a good range of 5 (mainly local) ales; those sampled were well kept (Cask Marque listed). The central bar has a number of brick-built and low-ceilinged areas around it, with a much larger room to the front. Car park at rear with a few tables and a play area, but no garden as such.

A North Yorkshire country pub so you will not be surprised to learn it is food oriented, it offers a carvery everyday. An old village pub that has had a number of extensions over the yeas. The original core has low ceilings and exposed brickwork, furnishing is traditional pub settles and Britannia tables in an area at the front of the building; this area provides space for casual drinkers, presumably there are a number of regular locals juding by the notices for the local Darts and Dominos league. There is what may have been a second original room just off this which is laid out for dining. The bar counter is also of brick and behind that is a modern extension providing more dining space and the carvery itself. A further dining area is provided to the left of the bar and in front of that is a more formal dining room. The carvery must be prepaid whereupon you receive a ticket to be exchanged for food, no tabs in operation which I fine a pain and more than a little mechanical. There is a set of 4 handpumps on the bar serving Roosters, John Smith Cask, which I noticed has a 25th Anniversary pump clip, Deuchars and Black Sheep Bitter, quality of the ale is very good. There is also an older set of two handpumps, which are unused, lurking in a corner of the bar counter. Two T-Bars provide the usual cold fizzy refreshments. Décor is much as you would expect in a country pub, tasteful old watercolours, coaching prints, copper pans and novelty teapots. Food oriented but not a gastro pub, can a carvery be a gastro-pub anyway?

Official site of the Anchor Inn at Whixley, contains menu - www.anchorinnwhixley.com

Official site of the Anchor Inn at Whixley, contains menu - www.anchorinnwhixley.com