Take part in this special pub crawl – as the traditional York Assize of Ale event returns this weekend.
The Assize of Ale is a medieval tradition that requires the Sheriff of York to visit local pubs and taste the ale, ensuring that it’s of good quality.
The annual event will take place on Saturday 21 September, starting from St Helen’s Square at 2pm.
It will involve participants being divided into two or three teams, with each team visiting five pubs in the city centre on a pre-selected route.
Participants wearing medieval or ancient costumes will be eligible to 10% discount off drinks in all the participating pubs.
The trail is free to take part in, simply email
[email protected] to pre-register your attendance, along with any access needs.
At 2pm on the day, York’s town crier Ben Fry will call up the Sheriff of York, Fiona Fitzpatrick, to read out the proclamation from the Mansion House steps.
This year, the event is part of the York Food Festival – and an additional special proclamation will be made by the Sheriff at the food festival bar on Parliament Street.
“We are all so excited for this annual event,” said the Sheriff of York.
“Ensuring that the civic party continues to maintain these traditions is very important – and what is not to enjoy about dressing up, sampling beer and enjoying fish and chips whilst raising funds for charity!”
The event will end with a fish and chip supper at York Mansion House. Tickets for the supper are £20 and available via Eventbrite, with all proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund.
There will also be entertainment taking place at St Helen’s Square from YorkMix, Potions Cauldron Group and Owl Adventures, as well as music from Shepherd Brass Band.