Best pubs in York › The Blue Bell
#2 of 22 best pubs in York · Fossgate · YO1 9TF
Best for a tiny, unchanged Edwardian interior and award-winning cask ale.
It's on 3 of the 7 York pub lists we read, and Reddit recommends it 7 times. That makes it #2 on our best pubs in York.
Outside seats · Dogs welcome
“York CAMRA named it Pub of the Year in 2025, so the beer keeps pace with the history too.”
Snaptrip (#1), winner ↗
“This tiny, intimate spot has no music, no fruit machines, just good conversation and excellent beer.”
Skinned Cart Ree ↗
“York’s smallest pub and possibly its biggest personality.”
House of York ↗
“Sometimes a pint at the blue bell aswell but often difficult to get in at times I would be drinking.”
r/york ↗
“Oldest interior in the UK apparently.”
r/york ↗
A pub scores 2 for each list or award that names it and 1 for each Reddit recommendation, up to 4. How we rank.
Typical crowd by hour from Google's busy times. Darker means busier.