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Detail Pages
Cross Keys, York
York
YO1 7LF
Pub Type
Nicholsons (Mitchells & Butlers)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Steve C left this review about Cross Keys
The Cross Keys is a large L-shaped pub with seating area either side of the central entrance. The L-shaped bar counter on the rear wall faces the entrance and seating to the right rear. behind the bar, at the rear of the pub, is a separate seating room and out the back are some covered picnic tables. Televisions throughout were playing muted cricket via Sky Sports whilst some background music played. Standard and premium keg were available from the bar and I counted seven hand pumps on the front section that were drawing Rudgate’s Ruby, Black Sheep’s Best and Respire Carbon Neutral Cask, TT Landlord, Adnams’ Secret Springs, Nicholson’s Pale Ale and Sharp’s Doom Bar. Some of these are doubled up on the four hand pumps on the right-hand section of the bar.
I’m used to Nicholson’s pubs being very popular so I was very surprised to be one of only three customers in here on a recent Thursday evening. There was obviously no atmosphere, and I think it would take a lot to generate any due to the large open plan interior. This pub isn’t on my revisit list.
On 9th June 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5238 recommendations about 5206 pubs]
Graham Coombs left this review about Cross Keys
A bit of a disappointing Nicholson's house, this one. The interior is tidily done up, with several separate areas, including a room that can be curtained off, and a patio area at the rear, but somehow the place felt a bit too corporate and rather soulless. This was perhaps not helped by some particularly naff music and the loud clattering of crockery. The beer selection was adequate, with the usual sort of Yorkshire selection, but sadly the Rudgate Ruby Mild was not in very good form at all. Tolerable but could be very much better.
On 11th May 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about Cross Keys
Usually Nicholsons’ pubs have an interesting range, not this one. Had a look along the counter and only saw disappointment and dreariness, I didn’t stop.
Hopefully this is a temporary situation and will be resolved after the pandemic.
On 18th December 2021
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3269 recommendations about 2978 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Gill Smith left this review about Cross Keys
Called into this pub last month and found a solid range of cask ales from the Nicholsons group. Chose Vocation Cooler Shaker which was fine.
On 12th August 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1339 recommendations about 1222 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brainy Pool left this review about Cross Keys
an imposing red brick pub at the junction of some popular old streets and the minster, inside it’s another well kept Nicholsons classic. A solid selection of real ales and ornate interior. Small beer garden at the side.
On 21st April 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1058 recommendations about 1023 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Lester Ford left this review about Cross Keys
A late Sunday afternoon stop for lunch and a pint.
I choose the Cross Keys as its a Nicholson's pub and also does good pies which suited what the wife wanted for lunch, oh and they always sell a good and varied selection of ales....a double tick then.
A large open plan with a smaller room to the side of the bar, at the rear is a garden and smoking area.
We ordered said lunch and I enjoyed a pint of Sharps Two Tides @ 4.6%. The beer was good as were the pies so no disappoint on that front.
Pretty busy with food being popular, nicely decorated and had a decent buzz about it. This was my first visit but I doubt it’ll be my last.
On 17th May 2017
- rating: 8
[User has posted 80 recommendations about 78 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
custodian 42 left this review about Cross Keys
Good selection of real ales marred only by Doombore and John Smiths Cask. Good Nicholsons house and we had a decent 5.5% pale ale. Would revisit.
On 26th January 2017
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1693 recommendations about 1691 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alex Conway left this review about Cross Keys
A nice example of a Nicholsons tied house in the middle of Goodrumgate in the shadow of the minster. Inside there is a very nice traditional pub feel although none of the decor is original they have made a good job of making it feel very nice and inviting. There are eight pumps on the main bar with a further four on the side bar next to it although the side bar repeats four beers from the main bar. On my last visit the permanent Nicholsons pale ale and john smiths cask were available along side Hop Back winter lightning, Brains rev James and phonics ale, Bass as well as several others the two brains beers were in pretty good shape and both very nice pints but coming in at an expensive £3.60 but reduced to a more manageable £3.35 with hop circle discount.
This is probably the best Nicholson pub in York and does the best beer selection, their prices are unfortunately creeping to beyond an affordable level but the discount does settle the sting somewhat. Fine for a few drinks in the center of York were you can count on the selection and quailty to be of a good standard.
On 12th March 2016
- rating: 7
[User has posted 457 recommendations about 457 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Cross Keys
Substantial Nicholson's pub, partly opened-out to leave three main seating areas around the bar, all with the sort of traditional furniture and decor you would expect from the chain. Also has two further rooms and a small patio beer garden to one side. Six real ales available from a total of 12 handpumps, ranging from regulars such as NPA and Doom Bar to John Smith's Cask and more interesting offerings such as Ilkley Mary Jane, Leeds Gathering Storm and Cameron's 150 (£3.65).
On 12th April 2015
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about Cross Keys
Our third Nicolson's pub in a row. We must have been lucky as the pub was fairly empty, no tourists here except for ourselves of course. 12 handpumps on the bar, with a choice of six ales and two ciders. I went for the Andwell Brewery IPA, which was spot on. The pub was clean and well run, staff were pleasant. The prices here were very steep.
On 12th August 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]