| Campus Bars - The University of York There are Seven colleges at the University of York, six of which have their own bars (all except James College). These obviously form the core of a decent campus bar crawl, the usual extensions being the two pubs of Heslington. There's also the AU bar (which is not usually worth it) and, once in a million years, they may open up Central Hall's bar (during my three years, I only had a pint there once!) Wentworth College Bar My Colleges own bar! Most people from 'Wenty' love it (whereas most people from the other colleges... don't!). Great jukebox, and randy barmaids. Goodricke College Bar Goodricke College - probably the gloomiest bar on campus (in terms of lighting... but sometimes mood!) Usually far too overcrowded for its own good. Again, great jukebox makes for some late-night raucous singing. Vanbrugh College Bar Vanbrugh College - more like an airport waiting lounge. They've always tried to offer a better choice of beers. Langwith College Bar Usually a bit too quiet, but even still, the bar itself is too small! Quite a nice bar to be able to talk in, and famed of course for its lethal cocktail - the 'Langwith Blue' (or is it green....). Shite jukebox though. Original Derwent College Bar - Closed Summer Term (?), 1998. The original Derwent College Bar was turned into the current porter's lodge in 1998. It was much more like a real pub than the new Derwent bar. It was a lot smaller and got very, very crowded during Derwent events. Derwent College Bar Purple! They serve 'food', and expect you to sit in ridiculous plastic-wicker chairs! Despite the apparent large size of the bar, it still operates very inefficiently. Usually popular, but I don't know why. Original Alcuin College Bar - Closed Summer Term, 2000. The original Alcuin College Bar was demolished with the rest of the Alcuin nucleus (started demolishing it during the Summer of 2000). Many people disliked the 'American Theme' bar (I thought that at least it had a bit of character -- even if it did have half a pink Cadillac parked in it!). They used to serve burgers, but stopped when the bar started to smell too much like a McDonalds. Alcuin College Bar The new Alcuin College Bar has been built in an old Alcuin accomodation block, with a conservatory bolted around the outside. The place is very white, and looks a bit too sterile. They serve strangely nice food (for campus, anyway), and the beer seems a bit better than campus-average. No jukebox, and no atmosphere quite frankly - AVOID!! AU Bar The Athletics Union (AU) Bar. Small and a bit sweaty-smelling. They don't really have much of a choice in beers. Central Hall Central Hall's bar - VERY rarely open! Inside the weird-looking Central Hall -- the bar is rarely seen open to the general campus population. Only really worth a visit for novelty value. Heslington Heslington village is almost a part of the University's campus! As such, its two pubs are very popular with students and almost always form part of a campus bar-crawl. The Charles XII, Heslington. A Bass brewery -- although they've strangely taken 'Bass Bitter' off the pumps! Very popular with students due to its very close proximity to campus. They usually have quite cheap food, and have 'Yellow Card' offers. The pub itself is fairly small and dark, and in warmer months, the large outside drinking area is very popular. The Deramore, Heslington. Very popular with students. Nice food, and also a nice selection of proper cask Ales (with changing guest ales). An ideal place for starting a Heslington/Campus bar-crawl! The Victoria, Heslington Road. Popular with the many students living around the area, and also a popular meeting place (probably because it's on the route between Campus and the town centre). They mainly serve Old Mill Brewery beer, which provides a good variety. They also serve other guest beers, and a couple of popular lagers. They have a few different seeting areas -- from the cushioned seats to the wooden chairs in front of the fireplace. The only complaint I've ever had with 'The Vic' is that on the three occasions I've eaten there I've been disappointed -- not because of the food itself (which has been fine, especially at 5-pounds for two courses), but because of the unbelievable waiting times we've suffered! But because I like the pub, I may give their food one last try! Others The Rose and Crown, Lawrence Street. A popular pub with students -- and a good meeting place because it's between Campus and the town centre. The pub itself offers an excellent range of beers, both regulars and guests. There always seem to be a large number of Australians both serving and as customers (this could be something to do with the Australian owner!). It's split into four areas -- one of which has a projected TV, and another has a pool table. They do a fairly testing pub quiz on Tuesday nights (8-pints, but free entry into their cash-jackpot draw, and a chance at a free pizza!). I had heard their food wasn't all that good, but since they've changed their menu, I've had very nice food there. Lendal Cellars, Lendal. Quite a popular place -- actually is in some cellars. They have a very good choice of beers, and the food is usually fairly good. Popular with students, although it always gets chronically overcrowded and the toilets are ALWAYS blocked. The Spread Eagle, Walmgate. The pub was renovated at the end of 2000. They usually offer a good selection of beers, and the food is very, VERY cheap! The Red Lion, Merchant Gate. A nice, very old, pub -- just between Picadilly and Walmgate. They serve John Smiths Smooth and Magnet here. The food is okay, but as with the beer, isn't all that cheap. They have a fairly large out-door area. |
| Ye Olde York Pub Guide By Chris Heaney (circa 2001) |
| There is allegedly over 370 pubs in York - that's just over one pub for every day of the year - not bad eh? I have decided to review some of my favourites as well as the campus bars. |
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