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Harkers, York
York
YO1 8QN
Pub Type
Nicholsons (Mitchells & Butlers)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about Harkers
Probably time for a revisit following the scathing review of 5 years ago. On a midweek afternoon this proved to be a rather swish place with impressive ceilings, pillars and other features from its former role, done up in white against a deep green with gold trim. Chandeliers and considerable Xmas decorations brightened the feel. The good solid bar counter at the back had 6 ales on the 8 pumps, plus keg taps with nothing more exciting than Camden. Still a bit overpriced (£5.60 for the Plum Porter) but not that different to other city centre pubs. Admittedly not a busy time but service (and the beer) was fine, in fact the manager was going round tidying the furniture. On this showing I would be happy to return. For the record, the ales were The St Austell house ale, TT Landlord, Titanic Plum Porter, Black Sheep Blitzen, Jaipur and Doom Bar.
On 13th December 2022
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alex Conway left this review about Harkers
This place is an absolute joke. Aside from the awful clientele ( not the rough and ready kind, worse still the rich middle classes who have too much money and think its acceptable to behave like an utter nob head simply because they have a few quid). This place caters to these types and it is always rammed on a weekend with a good number of weekend tourists to suit usually from the norths east and usually drunken slobs. The management in this place is a total joke along with the beer prices. £4.30 I was asked for a pint of landlord I kid you not! When I asked why such stupid pricing I was told “its Christmas prices” which is probably the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard in a pub, Does my girlfriend get Christmas pay then over the Christmas period? OF COURSE NOT!
I was then confronted by someone proclaiming to be the “cellar master” who heard me having issue with his pub and beer and received a sermon on how he looks after his beers and carefully makes sure each one is of top quality which I found hysterical, laughed very loudly and then told him that was all complete B****ks and that the world’s most expensive pint of Landlord was sharp, bitter, lifeless and unconditioned (which it defiantly was although judging by my mood at this point I probably would have told the cocky sod the same thing even if it was perfect) plus a few other remarks that are probably best unrepeated.
Hard working but understaffed bar workers do their best and are really unappreciated, especially a pretty petite brunette who no matter how many scrotes scream down her neck stayed professional and competent, much credit to her. But management is utterly incapable of running a tight ship and with all the drunken louts in here on a weekend not even the seven ale pumps will get me to return. It’s a bank conversion so there are high ceilings and lots of tables and chairs scattered around the large room in a traditional yet contemporary pub style but it’s all superficial to the fact that this is a terrible place full of terrible people and so utterly expensive it hurts. Had it not cost £4.30 I think I would have lobbed it straight back over the bar. For what it’s worth John Smiths cask and Nicholson’s pale are the permanents with the rest changing but just don’t bother. It’s not actually a 5 but purely for the way it is it can’t score any higher. The Old white Swan is a much better bet for a Nicolson’s pub in York.
On 15th March 2017
- rating: 5
[User has posted 457 recommendations about 457 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
custodian 42 left this review about Harkers
Hadn't been in here for many a year and was pleased with the real ale selection. Will probably revisit.
On 26th January 2017
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1693 recommendations about 1691 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
hondo . left this review about Harkers
Split level Nicholson's pub 7 real ales and food served.
On 6th September 2014
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2883 recommendations about 2820 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about Harkers
One to be avoided at lunchtime, splendid building with interior to match. Six h/pumps with five in operation. Nothing exciting on the ale front on this visit, so went for the Nicolson's IPA. The large lounge on the right was the best haven, away from the hustle and bustle.
On 12th August 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about Harkers
Now owned by Nicolsons and sells their standard food menu i.e. all bought in, including the mashed potato!! Well described as always by JB. We called in here a few months ago and had to walk out as there was no-one behind the bar for nearly five minutes. We decided to give it another go and this time the service was good and friendly. They were offering a 50p per pint discount to CAMRA members which was good as well. My pint was in good condition and the other half enjoyed her red wine. It's not a place that we'll stay in all night, but we'd be happy to call in for one again when on a crawl.
On 14th November 2012
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3224 recommendations about 3135 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
John Bonser left this review about Harkers
Occupying a prominent position on the corner of St Helens Square in the pedestrianised City Centre, Harkers is an impressive looking Georgian building that was previously occupied by Yorkshire Insurance Company, whose name and the date 1824 ( in Roman numerals ) can be seen high up on the exterior of the building.
The split level interior features high ceilings, Corinthian columns and pillars and the look and ambience of a drawing room. The walls have framed pictures of former company directors and chairmen. It's a Nicholson's pub and is one of their branded "Classic Pubs". The pub has a rather stylish grandeur to it and is evidently popular with ladies who lunch. This led to a rather upmarket ambience on my visit.
There's 6 handpumps which, on my recent June visit, were serving Castle Rock HPA, Bombardier, John Smiths Cask Ale and Yorkshire Terrier. Notably, a blackboard behind the bar urged drinkers to "try Yorkshire Terrier - brewed only a mile away - for £ 2.20p ". I went for the Castle Rock HPA which was in good form, but rather more expensive at £ 2.90p.
I quite liked the pub, but the beer range was disappointing by Nicholson's standards and this won't be one of my first ports of calls next time I'm in York
On 15th October 2010
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 560 recommendations about 560 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alan Winfield left this review about Harkers
This is a large grand looking pub that was'nt here a few years ago it is in a very busy tourist area of York.
Once inside here the pub has high ceilings and the bar is in the middle of the building wIth seating around it these were full with people eating so i sat on a stool at the bar.
There were three real ales on the bar which were a Bunces beer,John Smiths cask and Hop Back Summer Lightening the beer was alright but this pub is not my sort of place.
On 8th October 2010
- rating: 6
[User has posted 6113 recommendations about 6113 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about Harkers
Hot, noisy, busy and extremely slow service. Six handpumps with four in use and Meantime stout on keg. The staff were too busy to serve anyone on my visit so I can't tell about you the beer quality, nice building though.
On 1st August 2010
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3269 recommendations about 2978 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
James Joines left this review about Harkers
Owned by M&B. Real Ale from Black Sheep and guests.
On 3rd May 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 841 recommendations about 835 pubs]