Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Random news of the day with Real Ale Ray
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
House of the Trembling Madness, York
York
YO1 8AS
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
OogyWawa . left this review about House of the Trembling Madness
For a description of the place the review by ROB Camra sums it up nicely. In addition it's worth pointing out that the wall next to the bar dates back to the 15th Century. Plus - it is suitably wonderfully atmospheric at night with candles on each table adding to the effect. They've stuck a 2nd handpull on as well which is a welcome addition - so they can stock a traditionally strong beer and then a lower ABV around 4% which suits all tastes. They are eclectic with the beers they serve on these handpulls which ensures variety - one is usually from a local brewery - it was the Hop Studio this week.There are a good selection of beer taps dispensing foreign draught beers and lagers also - Jever Pils being the stand-out.
The place can get very busy at weekends but it's worth persevering as this is a "must visit" destination which attracts a varied and friendly clientele. Oh - and if you fancy a late bite to eat - they serve food until 11.30pm and are open to midnight 7 days/week.
On 13th May 2012
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 15 recommendations about 15 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about House of the Trembling Madness
Reputed to be a medieval drinking hall, in reality it could have been anything, but the building is undoubtably very old. One main room with a small side room as you enter at the top of the stairs, which is where we sat. There's a box on the wall in here that says "Giant Spider, Do Not Open". Who knows what's really in there as you can't see in, but we didn't risk opening it either :-)) Lot's of old chunky furniture, stuffed animals and furs aroud the wall. I'm pleased to report that there is now a newly installed handpump on the bar. This was serving Thornbridge Ashford when we called in which was well kept. It must be a hell of a pull up from the cellar in the basement. It's a quirky little place, typical of York. We called late afternoon, I think we'll call in when it's dark outside next time as I suspect it's very atmospheric in the evening. A great addition to the York real ale scene.
On 2nd August 2011
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3224 recommendations about 3135 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about House of the Trembling Madness
OK, some of the mammals are small (mouse, mole, rabbit), but there's also a lion and what I think might have been a jaguar.
Space is limited - we arrived to find a "bar full" notice at the back of the off licence, but 45 minutes later we returned and made our way upstairs. Most of the space is taken up with tables which were occupied by diners but after being buffeted by waiters for a few minutes we found a bench at the top of the stairs which was OK for as long as it took to drink a half of 8.4% tripel.
An interesting experience - not sure how much of the “medieval drinking hall” is genuine, though it looks pretty good - but not really what I would call a pub.
On 13th March 2011
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3745 recommendations about 3482 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about House of the Trembling Madness
With a name like this you just have to go in don't you? Downstairs and in the cellar is a well stocked off-license like the Evil Eye and the Yorkshire Terrier down the street. On the first floor is the “medieval drinking hall” and being York that's substantially true. A half timbered room with an alcove, open fire, exposed stone and very old bricks, one wall is decorated with the heads of various small mammals, the roof beams are pretty splendid as well. Musical instruments and fairy lights complete the décor. There is chunky medieval style furniture as well as benches and settles, there are candle powered tables but that is in keeping with the style, the 80s pop musak isn't. Kwak, Timmermans, Brooklyn Lager, La Trappe Dubbel, Jever, and Aspalls cider on keg all served in appropriate glassware, there are also lots of nice foreign bottles and the usual wines and spirits too. So nothing here for the millitant wings of CAMRA and UK lager drinkers. Young friendly staff and customer base. Toilets are located in the cellar by the spirits showroom.
On 24th February 2011
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3269 recommendations about 2978 pubs]