It’s the beer time of year.
After much cogitating, tasting and head scratching, the members of the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) reveal which pubs have made it into the esteemed Good Beer Guide 2019.
The book is the ale-lovers bible, and its verdict is eagerly awaited by drinkers and licensees alike. You can order it for £15.99 here.
All the York choices are based on the votes of the city branch of Camra – and they know what they’re talking about.
So without further ado, here are the 2019 entries for this pub-packed city.
Blue Bell
This very special little boozer on Fossgate is as friendly as it is snug. With three changing beers alongside stalwarts like Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, you’re onto a winner. And it is now at the centre of a campaign to save the popular landlord John Pybus being turfed out by his Punch landlords.
Brew York Tap Room
You don’t get beer any fresher than this. You can see it being brewed then taste it in the tap room. And since the expansion in August, you can also enjoy a huge range of beer and some tasty grub in their new beer hall and street kitchen.
Brigantes
Nine changing beers inside a Georgian building, and plenty of fine food to boot. And you can take your dog along. What’s not to like?
Eagle & Child
As well as the Leeds Brewery’s own beer, the High Petergate pub serves “an increasingly good range of interesting guest beers”, according to the guide. Lots of live music too.
House of the Trembling Madness
In the words of the guide this is a “small but stunning medieval drinking hall”. Enjoy world beer while being watched by stuffed animals. This is not the new Trembling on Lendal, which hasn’t been open for long enough to get into this year’s guide.
Maltings
One of the legends of the York pub scene. Brilliant beer, great atmosphere, a publican like no other. Can’t see it ever falling out of the guide.
Phoenix
Nestling next to the city walls, this historic pub serves up three changing beers, regular jazz nights and quizzes. It has a rather nice beer garden too.
Rook & Gaskill
With eight handpulls and up to 20 craft beers you are spoiled for choice at the Rook. Give the quiz a try on Thursdays, it’s a goodie.
Slip Inn
This used to be something of an oddity. It was like going into someone’s front room. But thanks to the expertise of Paul Crossman it has blossomed into a “thriving community local”, in the words of the guide.
Swan
Another of Paul’s pubs, the Swan is now a freehouse and serves three regional changing beers alongside Tetley, Tim Taylor’s and the house beer by Treboom. It hosts a joint beer festival with the Slip every year.
Waggon & Horses
Owned by Lincolnshire brewery Batemans. Lots for sports fans, from Sky TV to bar billiards. Plus four changing beers.
York Tap
The circular bar sells 18 cask beers underneath a rather snazzy ceiling dome. It’s worth missing your train for.