York is blessed with many great pubs – but only a handful can make it into the beer bible in any given year.
That bible is CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2017, published on Thursday (September 15).
And 13 city pubs have made it into the hallowed book’s pages.
How are they chosen? Members of York CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) make recommendations, and these pubs are, in the words of the guide, “monitored regularly”.
It goes on:
Special branch meetings are convened once a year where shortlists are presented and then members vote on the final selection for the guide.
So congrats to the 13 who have made it for 2017…
Blue Bell
Where: 53 Fossgate
Beers include: Bradfield Farmers Blonde, Timothy Taylor Landlord, local beers inc from Brass Castle
The guide says: “The permanent beers are complemented by fantastic rotating guest beers.”
Brigantes
Where: 114 Micklegate
Beers include: Okells Manx Pale Ale, 9 changing beers
The guide says: “It serves 10 ales, at least one dark, featuring good Yorkshire breweries and interesting guests from across the UK, plus a range of foreign keg and bottled beers.”
Duke of York
Where: 3-4 King’s Square
Beers include: Leeds Pale, 4 changing beers sourced locally
The guide says: “The atmosphere changes with the time of day, but there is something here for all tastes.”
Falcon Tap
Where: 94 Micklegate
Beers include: Great Heck Chopper, 5 changing beers sourced locally
The guide says: “The enthusiastic landlord is keen to offer a wide range of styles and strengths of beers, mostly from local brewers.”
Golden Ball
Where: 2 Cromwell Road
Beers include: Everards Tiger, 4 changing beers sourced regionally
The guide says: “The pub hosts traditional bar billiards games and community group meetings, as well as open mic, folk and quiz nights and exhibitions by local artists.”
Hop
Where: 11-12 Fossgate
Beers include: Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, 5 changing beers sourced regionally
The guide says: “Good beer, pizza and live music sum up the Hop.”
Maltings
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Where: Tanners Moat
Beers include: Black Sheep Best Bitter, 5 changing beers sourced nationally
The guide says: “Many a visitor has been tempted into this large black cube while going from the station to the Minster and, discovering its delights, has gone no further.”
Pivni
Where: Patrick Pool
Beers include: 5 changing beers sourced nationally
The guide says: “The beautiful timber-frame building dates back to 1190 and drinkers are accommodated on all three floors.”
Rook & Gaskill
Where: 12 Lawrence Street
Beers include: Castle Rock Harvest Pale, 7 changing beers sourced locally
The guide says: “This popular local, just outside Walmgate Bar, focuses on good quality beer and cider.”
Slip Inn
Where: Clementhorpe
Beers include: Leeds Pale, Rudgate Ruby Mild, 2 changing beers sourced regionally
The guide says: “Close to York tourist attractions the city walls, the River Ouse, and the much-acclaimed Bishy Road, this is a friendly pub attracting both the local community and visitors.”
Swan
Where: 16 Bishopgate Street
Beers include: Tetley Bitter, house beer by Treboom, 3 changing beers sourced regionally
The guide says: “A traditional street-corner pub, popular with locals and visitors alike.”
Waggon & Horses
Where: 19 Lawrence Street
Beers include: Batemans Black & White, 3 changing beers sourced nationally
The guide says: “There is a free bar billiards table, dartboard and an array of traditional board games.”
York Tap
Where: York Railway Station
Beers include: 18 changing beers sourced nationally
The guide says: “The ornate ceiling, Art Deco stained-glass windows and ceiling dome create a fine backdrop to the central round bar with 20 handpumps, offering 18 cask beers plus two ciders or perries.”