The Blue Bell

Excellent pub in York, small but perfectly formed. Four or five excellent beers and the pork pie definitely fills a gap. Remember the rules though no groups, no phone noise! Though that's no problem everyone is very chatty and you'll forget your phone very quickly whilst enjoying a good pint or three.

The Blue Bell is an absolute must-visit when in York! This charming, historic pub offers a warm and cozy atmosphere with its traditional decor and friendly staff. The selection of local ales and craft beers is fantastic, and the food is delicious—proper pub classics done right. What really sets The Blue Bell apart is its character. As one of York’s smallest and oldest pubs, it feels like stepping back in time. The service is welcoming, and it’s clear that the team takes pride in maintaining its authenticity. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this place offers a genuine Yorkshire pub experience. Highly recommend stopping by for a pint (or two!)—just be sure to arrive early as it’s popular and fills up fast. Can’t wait to return!

Very signature pub in York. The pub is quite small but the drink is amazing and the decoration is so unique. You can meet a lot of local here and talk with them to hear many interesting stories abt York

What a great old pub, small but rammed with customers. Great selection of real ales available. Staff were friendly and polite. Small bar area and room. Back room had a small serving hatch, love it. Beer was great. What a great place. Enjoyed my visit.

It's a tiny pub with a big heart. Friendly witty staff who look after their customers. Our one of those pubs that still feels like an extension of your living room where you can stop be your self with friendly locals. And don't forget the good quality ale. They even have their own.

Terrific old school pub that dates back to the 1600s when the building was erected and had become a factory that made bells. Opening in 1798 it has kept the same name since. Fantastic place and can't wait to go back again.

Best pub in York town centre no wonder it won't Camra pub of the year and to top it off they had my Favourite Cask Ale ever Farmers Blonde no wonder we ended back there whilst we were in York cannot wait to return . Spoke to the Landlord to see if the Farmers Blonde was a guest ale stated it is a regular beer happy days

The Blue Bell is an absolute unit, the perfect pub to go for a proper British pint to enter the cultural world of pubs in England and alike. Being the smallest in the city you are almost forced to socialize with all the other pub people there which is absolutely great. The venue is intimate and cozy and nicely decorated. The owners and workers are just as heartwarming and they even have their own beers and are dog friendly. A must visit while in York!

We only wanted pubs with no music, machines, yobs or cell phones. It's tiny and suited our party of 4 nicely. The bartender let me have a picture behind the bar. Small enough that you can engage with other fellow imbibers if you wanted to...what a concept, social discourse with others and a curiosity in fellow men.

A quirky haunt favoured by locals an tourists alike. We witnessed quite a turnover in customers whilst there for just under an hour. The interior is basically as it was in 1903 and both bars are compact so sharing a table with strangers is quite likely to be necessary. There are 8 ales on tap and all are well kept, well priced and well poured.

Great little pub this has become my local of choice, they serve 7 real ales, some change on a regular basis, and some are permanent, Taylor's Landlord and farmers blonde & bitter been the regulars with a roosters the other 3 change on a regular basis Smokers have to go outside due to the UK no smoking in public places policy even though old signs remain like etched glass stating smoke room They don't accept groups over 5 people and no children. You are asked to go outside to use your mobile, and if you want to hear the other person you would be advised to as the volume in the main bar gets pretty loud

A REAL pub with proper old atmosphere! its very small tho so don;t expect to get a seat! There are always a range of excellent Ale's on offer. The staff are very helpful and polite!

One of the nicest pubs in York - small and atmospheric with a historic interior serving well kept real ales and good food (when available). Can be quite difficult to find a seat at busy times, but easy enough midweek and Sundays when it is a good place to sit and relax to quiet jazz.

great pub, with guest beer, and friendly staff. very small in size. according to a friend its york smallest pub, you can get only 3 to 4 people to the bar. but its a great pub!

The TINIEST pub in the city centre! Great real ale, and a very local flavour- and you are guaranteed not to get a seat! Every year the pub puts on a street festival to raise money for charity, which is quite good- outdoor tents in the street and hamburgers and hotdogs and plastic pint glasses of ale. Recommended for the novelty value, but there are plenty of places in York specialising in real ale where it's possible to get a seat