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Detail Pages
The Old White Swan, York
York
YO1 7LF
Pub Type
Nicholsons (Mitchells & Butlers)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about The Old White Swan
I popped in here especially looking for a good choice of ales, but was very disappointed to only find two on. A lot of people on the day seemed to be waiting for their meals, glad I wasn't in the queue. Might give it another go.
On 30th July 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about The Old White Swan
There are three bars, of which I sampled just the one, the Stagecoach Bar, which is on the right of the small courtyard through which I entered. There were seven hand pumps, but only one beer, Leeds Brewery's Midnight Bell, which fortunately is to my taste. They were gearing up for a beer festival so they were presumably keeping something in reserve.
This was my first stop in Goodramgate after visiting the Golden Lion, so there was an immediate impression of an improvement in quality. This was particularly evident in the eclectic collection of old tables and chairs, and a very nice sideboard. The ubiquitous "background" music without which it seems no tourist pub can open its doors was in this instance not too obtrusive.
On 29th April 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3751 recommendations about 3486 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
John Bonser left this review about The Old White Swan
The Old White Swan is a large rambling pub with a number of different areas and bars set round a central courtyard.
Although not badged externally as such, it's in the Nicholson's stable and part of their Classic Pubs portfolio.
Inside, we learn that the pub is a collection of at least nine (!) buildings with a rather colourful history and that a variety of businesses have traded on the premises including a barbers shop and a coaching house inter alia.
The building dates from the 16th century and largely consists of old timber framed structures with much exposed brickwork.
There's the usual ghost stories connected with the pub. There's also some Guy Fawkes pictures, he was born nearby apparently.
In one room, a blackboard tells us that the pub has offered "44 real ales to date this year" which, given that it was late June, didn't strike me as being a particularly high number.
There was a good variety of real ales on offer in the two bars. The Thornbridge Wild Swan - £ 2.95p - was a superb pint.
It's not in the must visit category, but I was quite impressed with this one.
On 15th October 2010
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 560 recommendations about 560 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Old White Swan
You enter this pub through a covered courtyard with three separate rooms off, each with a different character. The first on the left is a table service area with the other two rooms being bar service. It's very foody and most people were eating when we were in. It's quite nicely done with flag floors and beamed ceilings. A good range of 7 ales on the bar. I had a pint of Wolf Straw Dog which was pretty good. I can see us eating in here at some point in the future, but it's not a place I would stay in all night to drink.
On 24th September 2010
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3224 recommendations about 3135 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about The Old White Swan
This is a Nicholson’s pub, and as usual with their places it is comfortably furnished, and with several decent ales on at reasonable prices. There were the usual sort of anonymous prints on the walls. I didn’t notice anything about the age of the building, but it looked pretty old to me. There are several interconnected drinking areas leading off from a small covered courtyard, including one area that has been designated as a restaurant area with table service. This room had some attractive wood panelling and a distinctive fireplace.
This is a typical pubco pub, comfortably furnished, with decent ales and food all at reasonable prices. But although it lacks the individuality and coziness of several other York pubs that I have visited, I certainly wouldn’t object to a return visit. But I doubt whether I would seek it out just for somewhere to have a drink, but possibly would if I wanted somewhere to eat where I could wash down my meal with a decent pint.
On 16th June 2010
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
James Joines left this review about The Old White Swan
Upto 4 Real Ales available.
Part of LocAle.
On 5th May 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 841 recommendations about 835 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Jan Reed left this review about The Old White Swan
Lovely place, gets very busy on a night, usually has good live music playing 2.
On 1st May 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 7 recommendations about 7 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Eric Hubbert left this review about The Old White Swan
Great atmosphere, beer and food Sep 2007. Will visit again.
On 1st October 2007
- rating: 10
[User has posted 23 recommendations about 23 pubs]