please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A very good range of real ciders on offer. Pennard and Cramps, two more, and Oliver's perry. Good beef pie and chips, too, and a jacket spud with vegan curry.
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Sorry to find the Maltings no longer serves the excellent Biddendens cider which it had for many years. It still stocks real ciders, but not such good ones.
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3 days in York. Visited the maltings everyday. Why ? Cos it's great. Excellent choice of ciders and a range of characters. Clean and friendly. What more can you ask ?
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Excellent as usual. Not only excellent cask ales but great food too. Always worth a visit when in York.
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My first visit for over 2 years even though I’ve been back to York several times since my last visit so a return was long overdue.
Extremely busy at 5.30pm on a Saturday, the bouncers were on but the crowd inside were very well behaved. Quick service from the bar staff, this is a well oiled machine when it’s busy and glass collection is key, nothing left to be knocked over or any dirty tables.
7 hand pumps with cask ales plus another 4 with craft on. A real mix of breweries and styles. I went for a pint of Bragdy Heavy Industries Electric Welsh Landyland @ 5.5% on cask, as I’ve experienced here before the ale is well kept and this pint was no different. In addition there's at least 6 good quality European lagers and 2 ciders available on draught and a large number of craft cans and bottles, this really is a ale drinkers heaven.
The décor is well thought out with a large quantity of old advertising signs and newspaper cuttings lining the walls.
I love this pub, it’s easily one of my favourites in the country let alone York and I really should visit ever time I’m in the City.
If you haven’t been, then I suggest you make a visit.
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What visit to York would be complete without a visit to the Maltings near the Lendal Bridge. This is still a decent real ale haunt where the choice on Monday lunchtime was Roosters Yankee, Wild Beer Millionaire, Brass Castle Annexation, Black Sheep Best Bitter & Golden Sheep, Bad Seed Smoked Maple Ale, York Guzzler & Hanlons Copper Glow. 4 ciders were Biddendens Dry, Westons Old Rosie, Millwhites Rum Cask & Original Somerset Cider Company Applejack Kingston Black. I attempted the large chip butty. I was warned that it really was large. But I think I gave it a really good stab until finally conceding defeat with around 6 of the very large chips to go. The chips are delicious and it was washed down with the 8.3% Annexation and the Applejack Kingston Black! Just what the doctor ordered after climbing the tower at York Minster before being evacuated for a fire alarm! One of the best 3 pubs in York, in my opinion.
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Popped in for a pint after the races before my train as couldn't be dealing with crowds at the station. Couple of bouncers on, understandably, but they were very friendly. Bigger than it looks from the outside with a small outdoor area too. I had a pint of stout and was pleased to see they had a couple of choices of dark beer, even in summer, as well as some lighter beers. Worth a visit if in town.
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Recent return for me. Good to see that it's going from strength to strength with a variety of great beer s to choose from. Good to see the bad language signs , better to see them being enforced! Great pub!
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A revisit for me to this cracking pub.
I first came here in April for my 1st ever visit and have been wanting to come back ever since.
Always a good and varied range of beers and a couple of real ciders on.
I went for a pint of Bad Seeds' South Pacific IPA @ 5.8% while the wife had a bottle of Belgium fruit beer.
I love the interior and all the old signs on the walls, too many to read them all.
Again this pub gets a high score from me.
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This could well be the best pub in York. Whilst I did like the Rook & Gaskill the last time I visited, the Maltings is another consistently good York pub. We wondered in as a bouncer was opening up. It felt strange to see a bouncer here. But within minutes, the place was heaving. So I could see why. The Maltings appears to have been extended since my last review in 2009 and since the photo above. There is now an extra room to the left as you enter and doors open onto an additional outdoor space. The ale and cider selection is still excellent - Roosters Stars & Stripes, York Guzzler, Black Sheep Velo, First Chop SYL, Tearoom Maillot Blanc, Wentworth Short & Stout & Kent Beyond the Pale. Ciders were Naish, Lilleys Darksider, Biddendens Dry & The Bottle Kicking Cider Company Scarmbler. Still a great York pub and very convenient for the station.
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Stalwart from the days when it was difficult to get a decent pint in York. Has kept up with the times. Had a great half of accomplice by roosters/odell. The toilet is still there ( you know what I mean) and the pleasantly beery touristy atmos is a winner. My perfectly pleasant and sober mate was refused entry at 11 on a saturday evening but that could just be York/England. Good chips.
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Blimey this is another quality pub....2 out of 2!
This is a proper old style pub with vintage metal advertising signs hanging inside on the walls, some lovely ones as well.
I was greeted by the very friendly and chatty landlord who had pleasure in assuring me I won't have a pint as good all day as the Arbor's Doolackie that I ordered, he wasn’t wrong actually...a cracking beer and pint.
Small serving area so the pub filled up with a couple of dozen people very easily.
7 ales on cask and 2 more on keg....a bit dearer than the York Tap but you get a good pint.
The reclaimed doors that hang from the ceiling in the small area by the door are very different and interesting as is the reclaimed Toilet in the corner by the window.
Another 10/10 for me.
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Good to go to a pub where it's all about the beer and conversation. Lovely place to while away an hour or so.
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Visited this pub one Wednesday evening. Lots of office types visiting for a swift one after work which made for a very civilised but lively atmosphere. The beer was in excellent condition & the staff gave me a top up without me having to ask-always a sign of good bar staff in my book!!
This is an excellent pub that is well worth visiting
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In my view the best pub in York for real ale. It can get very busy in the evenings so obviously other people also hold it in high regard.
It's a no frills bare floorboards pub with old adverts on metal plates on the wall. The staff are friendly and the choice of ales is large with a couple of ciders also available. Guzzler and Black Sheep were on as well as Burton Stout, an Oakleaf beer and Roosters Last Stand which was very drinkable.
A great visit!
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Dropped in one evening with colleagues whilst on a training course at a nearby hotel (hotel bar didnt do real ale and I was getting withdrawal symptoms).
friendly welcome from the landlord, and a nice atmosphere inside. Not sure why the pub is painted black outside though, as (if id hadnt been for a recommendation) we wouldn;t have entered!
Nice range of beers and ciders on taps. Enjoyed a lovely pint of Black Sheep. And another. And a third. Sadly ran out of time and it was the last night in the hotel so didnt get to come back.
Will be back next time i'm in York.
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Like the previous visitor ours was a return visit after several years. The extension loses the pub some of its charm but I guess it needed it, being always too crowded. Usual range of beers in good shape. We went on a weekday lunctime and it was quiet. I think the now all over black paint job outside doesn't do it any favours. Clubs and places to be avoided are painted that colour where we come from.
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As with the Blue Bell, I made a return visit 10 years aftern not being totall convinced by this famous pub (perhaps it was just too busy ?). On a quiter midweek evening, it was a fantastic experience. The interior, extended or not, is absolutely gorgeous, as was the Black Sheep.
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We visited the Maltings again on Saturday. The beer was good, as usual, and we appreciated the extra room now that the bar area has been extended.
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Now extended (towards the river) giving much-needed capacity in a tasteful way. Still a decent pub - well worth a visit.
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Nice enough pub lots of ale on though for some reason i stuck to Estrella ,Landlord was a decent chap shame about his staff a friend got warned for using the word sh@t by a baseball cap wearing barman? Hats indoors a no no in my book .Just feel its a clickey pub
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@Snarling_Mallard Yes I agree that it does lack character. My comments were made with rose tinted glasses after the flirting etc.
As regards the ale I found the Black Sheep range to be in good order and very well kept.
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Not too far from the station and serving a number of decent ales. I felt this place lacked character though and it didn't really feel like a pub (more pseudo wine bar) despite it catering mainly to the ale crowd.
anonymous - 13 Jan 2013 09:54 |
As always excellent ales. Shame about the moody staff.
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Must echo the previous comments, a very nice pub indeed!!
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Visited after football on way back to station, very busy for early Saturday evening but easy to see why when the choice of ales and other drinks on offer was of high standard. York CAMRA town pub of the season for Summer 2012 - again, easy to see why.
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A Black Sheep pub that is very close by to the train station. Oldie worldy with a worn-in feel to give the place character.
Had a half of the Black Sheep which was as expected - top notch condition.
Lovely young flirtatious girl behind the bar made my visit most memorable. I just hope she enjoyed the Pizza Express that I brought back in a box after dining there?
Cheers!
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Pub was full on a Tuesday late afternoon. Barmaid had only eyes for the locals, allthough many tourists come in here. No drinks outside! But with that many good beers, who wants to be outside?
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I've just seen on Twitter (@maltingsyork) that they've just re-opened after having an extension built. I'll be up there in September to see if they've ruined this little gem.
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Had a very enjoyable lunchtime in the Maltings. Top class ale and the boozy steak pie (which is very boozy) was bloody gorgeous.
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If you like to be badmouthed by officious bar staff, this is the place for you. In a city full of friendly pubs selling decent beer, the Maltings is definitely the one to avoid. Last went on race day, so Bouncers were on the door, but the only trouble being caused was by the jumped up idiots behind the bar. They DO NOT deserve our trade.
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9 to 12 cask ales on my visit. My beer was in great condition. Price isn't too bad. Small.
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It had been a long time since I was last in this pub so it was good to see that it was still in fine form with good beer (Roosters YPA at �3.00 a pint) and a chatty landlord (we discussed "Happy Hour" but it always seems to end just as you walk in the door!!) It still has that alehouse feel to it with timber floors and brewery pictures etc, but even with all the new pubs which have opening recently in York this is still well worth a visit and is probably one of the longest serving real ale pubs in the city. Handy for the river and the station.
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Decent selection of beers, very well kept. They certainly seem to look after their regulars, some of the attention and freindliness would be great for first timers too.
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Had a pint of Black rat perry very nice. Decent pub with prices to match others in York city centre
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Not bad, but certainly not brilliant. Pricey ale, stodgy grub, uncomfortable seating, arrogant boss (don't know if he was the landlord, but you get the evil eye if he believes your thought processes include bad language).
Many better within a few minutes walk.
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Fabulous little pub with an excellent array of real ales, ciders and interesting wines. I enjoyed a mulled cider which certainly warmed the cockles. The food is also superb VFM. A must visit for anyone going to York.
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I visited this pub on the recommendation of the keeper of the most easterly alehouse in Kent! I liked this pub so much, that, like The Blue Bell, I made three return visits over the course of a weekend. There are numerous enamel advertising signs from a bygone era and a wooden panelled ceiling which, upon scrutiny, turns out to be made from recycled doors, in this single bar pub.
There was no music � just people chattering away. Sunday Lunch for me was a portion of chilli chips, and you could see that before the chips came out of �The Dragon�s Pantry�, they were made from real potatoes! The portion was generous, and all the other dishes that I saw emerge from the kitchen were of a similar generous size. Several patrons were unable to finish because of the quantity.
Shaun, the landlord, was most affable, so I am afraid I cannot make comment on previous postings about his attitude. Ales on over the course of the weekend included Black Sheep �Best� and �Golden�, Rooster�s �Silver Lining�, �York Guzzler� from The York Brewery which is only a couple of minutes walk away on Toft Green, Wentworth�s �Raisin & Oat Stout�, Isle of Purbeck �Force Four�, Kirkstall �Best Yorkshire Bitter�, Milestone Brewery �Harry Porter�, Top House �Kingdom�.
Fruit Wines, Perry and Cider - including Biddenden Cider, and various other European beers are also sold. The ale averaged out at �3.00 a pint, which seems to be the average throughout York, with the Notable Exception of Samuel Smith hostelries.
It's got a totally different atmosphere to The Blue Bell - they are both superb, and having given The Blue Bell 9/10, I'm also giving The Maltings an equally liver-quivering 9/10.
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The Maltings is a strange real ale boozer in that it has bouncers on the door... the main reason for this is that it might be the first point of call from those arriving by train before going into town and also the last. I called in last Sat night and the pub was indeed busy, but not to the point of being a pain. The beer was well kept and overall I would say this is a good pub to start and finish the night before getting on the train...
Always a warm and welcoming pub especially on a crisp autumn day with the sun coming through the windows.... well worth a visit !
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I think Sunday evenings may be the best option for a weekend visit if you don't want to have charm the doormen to allow you in, only to stand wedged up against a group of outrageously overpriced and status symbol marking lager drinkers. Why do people insist on forcing themselves into a pub which has punters virtually falling out of the windows? However if you pick a quiet time the rewards are plentiful. A pub with great character, with a prominent signs telling you to watch your language dotted in between the many other visually entertaining ephemera on the walls. The staff are relaxed, attentive and up for banter, and the regulars are a decent, sociable crowd. As for the beer, well I can only echo other comments, and just say it's of the highest order in terms of both quality and range (prices reflect that unfortunately). And where else would a barman let you have a pint for free because it is near to running out but is still perfectly drinkable? OK lots of places you may answer, but not THAT many I'll wager. A delight.
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Excellent boozer. Always found the landlord sociable and his staff very pleasent and efficient. The beer is always superb (if a little pricey) although the price of food is much kinder on the pocket and of huge portions.
Can get rowdy at times but always a good atmosphere. 8/10
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Best pub in York with great real ale selection. Always like going...and make it a point to stop in each and everytime I am in York...
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Good Pub, 6 real ales I think, nice atmosphere. But it is very small. Great when not busy. I had no problem with the staff, thye were friendly and helpfull.
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Always drop in here when I'm in York, great choice of beers , some quite unusual, good food, friendly staff. Can get very busy though but boring it's not!
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Don't go to this pub - the beer is ok - the landlord is ok - the staff are WANK**S. It will take you an age to get served even if like last night there are only 2 customers. They speak down to you as though you are 3 years old (I am in my 40's) even though the staff themselves are only teenagers. What an utter disgrace - OH yes it is also the most expensive pub in York - RUBBISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Good pub, beer and service.
As below, the only thing is it gets busy.
This is only an observation, this proves they are doing what they do well.
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The only thing weong with this house is that it is too popular and often is overcrowded.
Stocks Biddenden real cider - sometimes goes off in the barrel, & staff don't know as they're all ale drinkers. If you get a dud just let them know and if there is another barrel in the cellar it will be brought out. Good food. The chilli is not for the fainthearted.
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Thought this place was OK. Good range of ales and some unusual bottles in the fridge, including Schenkerla Rauchbier. Reminded me a bit of the Red Pig in Keighley. Not sure about the blood red walls, but we enjoyed our visit. Nice pub, and I dare say it's excellent on a busy night.
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Don't mind this pub but certainly not a favourite in York.
Beer prices a bit top heavy. �3+ a pint.
I don't see what all the fuss is about this place; average at best. Handy for railway station
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Situated close by the end of Lendal Bridge over the River Ouse, the Maltings is a long established real ale orientated pub that really should not be missed on any York crawl.
It's the first pub that you come to when you leave the railway station, a 5 minute walk away in the direction of the City Centre. Don't let the rather forbidding black painted exterior discourage you.
It's a bare boarded single bar pub with the atmosphere and d�cor of an ale house, notably decorated with old enamel signs ( eg Rowntrees, Wills, Gold Flake ) and, unusually, a ceiling that is covered with old wooden doors.
A blackboard outside tells us that the Maltings was the "Cask Ale Pub of Britain 1998". It's been a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular in recent years. The pub is advertising its 18th Anniversary as The Maltings and is having a "Coming of Age" Beer Festival for three days this coming October.
The pub normally has 7 real ales and 4 ciders on. On my recent visit, beers on included Black Sheep and Roosters YPA ( and a few others which I forgot to note ). With the exception of a beer called Chockwork Orange ( ABV 6.5% - � 3.50p ) , beers were priced between � 2.80p and � 3.10p. The Roosters YPA - � 2.90p - was in good form. Drinkers of foreign and bottled beers are unlikely to be disappointed by the selection available.
This is an excellent pub to start or finish a crawl of York's many fine pubs and should not be missed
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As a frequent visitor to York, I used to make a point of visiting this pub. It used to have the best selection of ales in York and friendly staff. No longer! The owner looks at his customers as if they were a pain and the staff are'nt much better.
The days are long gone when a publican could treat his customers with contempt and this is evident by dwindling clientele of this establishment.
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We tend to avoid the Maltings these days. The landlord is aggressive and rude. He seems to forget that customers make paydays possible! The beer is passable, if a little uninspiring, and with a pint of Roosters nudging the �3 mark, its expensive, even for York.
For those coming to York by train, a suggestion; rather than doing the main tourist drag towards the York Minster over Lendal Bridge, turn right out of the station and follow the walls round to Micklegate Bar. You'll avoid the Maltings and come across such gems as the Brigantes and the Ackhorn.
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From the BBC website 26//03/10:
"Next month, pubs and licensed clubs in England and Wales will have to make free tap water available to their drinking customers.This requirement is being imposed by the Home Office on 6 April in a new code of practice on alcohol retailing".
If they are not going to make it available free of charge, with or without good grace, then they are failing miserably. Had Greshon and his mates walked in and just ordered 4 glasses of water, the staff could have been justified in asking them to back that up with actual purchases, but the attitude described above, if accurate, is very, very poor and disappointing from one of my very favourite pubs. We visited for the first time in three years just two days after this sorry episode and enjoyed two rounds of excellent beers.
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Had heard great things about this pub and was really looking forward to going. Got in and saw the great range of drinks, and it seemed a friendly enough place. Ordered a round of pints for me and my two friends, after which I asked for half a pint of tap water, no ice. The landlady plonked the water down on the counter in front of me, looked me in the face and said "70p" in quite a defiant tone, which took me back. I genuinely thought she was joking, and asked her if she was. "No, she said, "that's 70p." "We don't get it for free, you know," chirped in the enourmous landlord. Her turn again next: "You can't just come in here for water." At this I had to answer back. "Just come in here for water? We've just spent over �10 on a round and were going to have a couple more. That's not 'just' water, is it?" I couldn't believe it when the landlord then told me to "Shut up". The whole pub was silenced in listening to this little conflict, and the customers then preceded to whisper to each other - the incident seemed to spark off somehting of a debate. Needless to say, we didn't stay any longer after our round (the quality of the drinks was excellent, I might add) and none of us will ever be coming here ever again - and I doubt if the owners care less ("See you lads" said Enourmous, sarcastically, as we left. But isn't this just completely out of order? If we had just wandered in and orrdered a round of waters, then fare enough. Or if one of us was only expecting free tapwater. But we ALL ordered premium priced drinks and, as it was a very hot day outisde and we were lugging heavvy bags, also wanted a glass of water - and didn't expect to pay through the nose for it (70p! Does that mean a pint of water would be... �1.40?). And she didn't listen to me, surly woman: I said NO ICE!
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I miss my local......the Maltings! Will be back soon enough, however. Best pub in England and a must visit when in York. Gotta get me a pint of Roosters (or 5) and watch 1st Leeds Utd game when they play in Championship League next season.
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Really friendly bar staff, good range of beer and we had some cracking nosh too. The portions are seriously generous!
Slight gripes were a) very small, so of an evening it can be difficult to get a seat, and b) we were told we weren't allow to play cards. I suspect this rule stems from a particular incident, and though a bit odd/inconvenient, is obviously only a minor issue.
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My idea of what a boozer should be - friendly and efficient staff; a good selection of beers which are always good and usually excellent; good VFM food.
Just a shame that it's so small and, therefore, gets very crowded at times. But, there again, perhaps that is a plus point?
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I really like the interesting decor, friendly staff and excellent beer - always something dark and tasty. It gets very busy with a mix of people not necessarily seeking real ale. Hard to complain if other people like it too, you just can't bank on a table to enjoy your beer at.
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Fab. great selction of beers, always go inwhen in york.
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Ever-reliable real-ale boozer. Four or five ciders on when I visited recently also .
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I've just had an overnight stay and found the Malthings via BITE and it is one of the friendliest, most hospitable pubs I've been to...ever. I went in to read a book and have a few pints and the book remained unread as I first talked at length to the owners who were on their night off. The beer was excellent - even the Chocolate Orange Stout which was rich and bitter/burnt like a good stout should be that I tried with some trepidation, but somehow this was secondary to the atmosphere.
So to Sean who looks at this site but doesn't care for ratings and Maxine who didn't know about it congratulations on an excellent pub and thank you for a wonderful evening. As I write this you are #11 in the listing.
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York CAMRA stalwart with an idiosyncratic nature-although the 'no nonsense' approach is countered somewhat by the off-the-wall interior, including a toilet bowl as a seat and doors on the ceiling in the small single room-interesting enough, I suppose. It stands inbetween the railway station and the city centre and as such is perennially popular, always packed, which is good for these times. Locale status is justified-York, Leeds & North Yorks microbreweries dominate the handpumps, Black Sheep always being available. Beer quality always excellent on my visits. Food is also served. Not sure about the new completely black exterior paintwork- it almost looks trendy! A must visit when in York though.
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Very popular pub. The first time I tried to get in I gave up as it looked so crowded. I tried again the following day and was successful. The seats don't stay vacant for very long!
A spit and sawdust type place.
The clientele was very mixed in dress, age and gender. Some people were just having a swift one or two after work others appeared to be in for the duration.
Good atmosphere and plenty of real ale.
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One of the best pubs in England. Consider the Maltings to be 'my local' and I live 5600 miles away. Always a great selection of real ales-- all of which are spot on and well kept and cared for. Top notch food at good prices. But the best part about the pub is the effort that goes into making it good. Landlord is the best and is concerned about the overall quality of his place...that's why it's always packed full of customers. They do all of the little things well: clean glasses; clean tables; make conversation; know customers; etc. A good example of that is whenever I walk in the place, whoever is behind the bar will immediately start to pour me a Roosters. To bad I live in Texas and can't get there more often, but the fact of the matter is that when I am there, they know and I am cared after. Ten rating for me! Don't forget: Big Vern says 'Bollocks!'
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Absolutely love this pub! Usually the first pub we visit when we arrive in York (if we can get in - always very busy).
Shaun (the owner) looks a bit scary I must admit but he's not when you get to know him! Always makes us feel very welcome! Food fabulous - but only eat there if you're really hungry - huge portions!The look on some poeples faces when they see the size of the portions is a joy to behold!
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From the outside it is a dreary, dark looking square building & not really very inviting. Packed to the rafters on my visit so it must be doing something right. Good choice of beers, fruit wines & ciders. I really enjoyed a superb pint of Knaresborough YPA. I'm not sure whether I would consider the interior quirky or tatty - there is a fine line, & I don't think a wall where you can stick your used train tickets as artistic. However the idea of using a toilet pan as a bar seat is very funny & has a unique novelty value. Can't claim to be as enthusiastic about it as some other reviewers but it was worth a visit.
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Another visit to this excellent pub and new beers to try and enjoy were Dark Star Double Chocolate Stout and Lancaster Black. Very popular and busy yesterday but the staff always seem to find time to chat and make you welcome.
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Lovely pub serving good beers. Has a good atmosphere, but so popular it is difficult to get a seat if you want a meal. Food is reasonably priced and good quantity. Chips are brilliant. We enjoyed Maltings (Milestone) MAD Xmas, Milestone Dasher the Flasher, Roosters Yankee and Nelson Jammin Jack this visit.
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We had about half an hour to kill at York so took a five minute walk to this place. Decent little pub, 7 ales including some small breweries like Green Tye, Bird Brain and Black Tower. Also from Wentworth, York, Roosters and their regular Black Sheep. Some foreign beer on tap including both regular and dark Budvar, Erdinger and Liefmans Kriek. Worth seeking out.
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Loved this place. Very small and cosy ... nice atmosphere.
The food was nice and huge portions.
The homecooked chips were the best I've had in years.
Couple of proper ciders on tap.
Well worth a visit.
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Bit of a gem this place. Great staff, excellent beer and good food. Olde Worlde decor with a few quirks thrown in (there's a toilet bowl serving as a seat in the bar). Well worth a visit.
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Excellent place - 6 beers and several real ciders. Tried 3 different beers yesterday - 2 were great and one OK. Food was also excellent and great vfm. Staff friendly and efficient There was one reserved table at lunchtime which was only used by the staff themselves - strange really as the place isn't that big!
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Loved this place, there is a good comfortable atmosphere, plenty of great ales to try and the after work banter is great. I cannot believe that people can reserve tables though, not in a pub like that. The staff seem knowledgeable about the beers, apart from their own bottled versions, which are very steeply priced. Overall, probably my favourite York pub now.
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Great pub with excellent beer and bar meals. Customer service was excellent - my Black Sheep was off but was replaced without quibble for an alternative beer, our lunch order was delayed however the friendly staff gave us a free round of beers even though we didn't mind or complain. All in all a very enjoyable lunch.
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Good pub which can get very busy.
I had a nice pint of Black Sheep.
Good range of beers available.
Decor different !
Kind of put off by burly looking person who was wandering around inside and outside the pub although there seemed to be a very good atmosphere.
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The best pub for lunch in York. Portion sizes are massive. Beer is excellent. To the people complaining about resevered signs - they are usually clear enough to see. If not then a quiet word with the staff will sort out any problems. There is not much better "all round" pubs in York.
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Goof choice of beer in excellent condition, but can get very busy at lunchtime!
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Initial impressions of this pub were not good. There was one free table and as my companion and I sat at it, a barman (who I subsequently realised was the owner) shouted across that the table was reserved. So we sat on stools at the bar, before managing to secure a table.
I counted five or six pumps - Fuller's London Porter, Black Sheep, Lincoln Cathedral Fosseway, York Guzzler and Hoskins Dolphin. I sampled the Fosseway and the Dolphin, neither of which were particularly impressive. I gave up and had a pint of Black Sheep, which was good. As a notice above the bar informs you, you can ask for the beer 'nozzle free' which I did, but it didn't make my beers any better.
As other reviewers have commented, the decor is a bit weird - I'm really not sure about the ceiling made of old doors.
Reading the reviews below, I have to say that this pub is extremely overrated. And the 'reserved table' nonsense brings my rating even lower. Not a pub I will be rushing to again.
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Strange place this. The beer is consistently good, it has a nice atmosphere and the customers are a friendly bunch but the same cannot be said of the staff who seem totally disinterested. The last time I visited I couldn't even get in. It was 10.45pm on saturday night (yes saturday) and my wife and I wanted to call in for one on our way home and the doorman said they had stopped letting people in! In future we'll give it a miss as there are other better pubs in York. NIce beer, shame about the customer service.
MBMan - 28 Jul 2009 22:48 |
Sorry, but I was very unimpressed with this pub. Yes, it does have a very good selection of real ales, but my pint of York Brewery Guzzler was OK, but nothing special.
As for the d�cor � it could have been designed and built by Steptoe & Son. To me it just looks very tatty and the seat that I sat on was very uncomfortable. This sort of thing may appeal to some, but drinking only average quality beer and surrounded by materials that have probably all been found in rubbish skips is not for me.
There are much MUCH better pubs in York �
Beer 3/5, ambience 0/5.
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Famous eccentric pub, the nearest good one to York railway station. Always Black Sheep Bitter plus six changing guests on the handpumps, classier European beers on draught and in bottle, generous helpings of food available from the Soup Dragon. Almost always busy due to the high quality of the beers and the pub's character. The customers are best described as �eclectic�. The interior is largely tatty and made of timber offcuts, decorated with old enamel signs. The ceiling and bar front are made of old doors. Occasional beer festivals are held here. A unique, wonderful pub and not to be missed.
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We visited The Maltings for the first time on Friday. We agree with the previous comments about the good range of ales and the abundance of character this pub possesses. Highly recommended.
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A great little pub with bags of character and a cosy interior.Perhaps it is indeed a little odd-looking outside,but do not be discouraged and head right in.Wide range of ales available and a couple of guest ciders were also available.I visited at 3pm on a wednesday and the pub was quite full.Definately a 'destination pub' for me in York now,and a serious contender for my favourite York pub of all.
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One of the classic 'must-visit' pubs in York (and there are a few of those) the Maltings benefits by being close to the station and just far enough out of the warren of that constitutes the town centre that you don't get too lost on leaving for your train.
There's usually 7 ales, with Black Sheep bitter the regular. Had a pint of Otley on my last visit, which really was tip-top (and got some banter for wearing my Wales top). Noticed there was a decent range of Belgian beer available, plus a real cider.
The exterior has been painted black (presumably because of the Black Sheep connection) which does make it look a little intimidating to the casual observer, though I think it looks quite smart myself.
The interior is really quite small, with an old tiled floor, rudimentary furniture and numerous old tin signs along the wall advertising products long since gone. When it gets busy (which is a given after 7pm most days) you may well find yourself standing. Noticed that the place had been voted AFC Bournemouth Exiles Pub of the Year - guess that long journey must be worth it.
A definite 'must-visit' pub in general and a great place to take a tourist to if in York. Well done.
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How did I manage to miss this place on previous visits to York?! A very eccentric little boozer with a friendly feel to it, great ale selection, and handy for the railway station. Now painted all over black - which I think could put some people off, as it gives the place a studenty-goth sort of look to the casual observer.
But get past the door and you are in for a treat.
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Went in again Thurs. 12th wonderful meal, potato skins, salad,cheese & chive dip, would still reccomend it to anyone, beer in great nick, can,t fault it, but mind the chilli unless You have an asbestos mouth
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Still one of the UK's must-visit pubs. Brilliantly eclectic interior with old signs and bric a brac, great range of real ales and bargain lunches. No wonder it's always busy whenever I visit.
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A really friendly real ale pub not too far from York station. Haven't visited since last winter. But the real ales were in good order, and there was a good selection of 5/6 real ciders. The chips were especially tasty. Along with the Rook & Gaskill across the city, The Maltings is undoubtedly one of the best if not the best pub in York.
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This is an excellent pub that is almost always very busy. Has quirky things around the walls e.g. an old 1p slot machine that still works. Great selection of ever changing beers that are all kept in peak condition. Very friendly with a good mix of locals and tourists. A must vist pub whilst in York.
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Late review from November and another must when visiting York whether for beer and/or food. Found 3 new beers for me this visit all served in usual excellent condition.
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Went in today at 11=55 one punter in, 12=01 2 dozen for food, You wont go out feeling hungry, smashing range of food, caters for all palates, beware the Chilli, staff very friendly and helpful I would reccomend it to anyone
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Clearly a pub for those that enjoy real ale. On our secind visit to York this past Feb., we sought this one out and were quite happy we did. Easily one of the best pubs in York with a great selection of ales and ciders. Black Sheep Bitter was excellent on our visits- great pub!
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This is my local pub- and I'm 5600 miles away. GREAT selection of very well kept real ales (7 on at any one time) as well as a variety of lagers and ciders. Great staff who care a lot about the patrons (Big Vern says 'Bollocks'). The kitchen is very good, too. All in all a 10. I would very much recommend a stop in if you are in York or have a long lay over at the train station! Be careful, though, not to miss your connection!
Too bad The Maltings can't be in Texas.......
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Quirky pub with interesting interior - probably not as old as it might appear to be but well worth a visit. Had three guests on during my recent visit - not your mainstream guests too, so worth popping in and you might find something new.
Staff friendly and welcoming too.
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Just as good as everyone says. Beer is never short of great, they do particularly well with stouts and porters. The real treat is the food though, which is delicious and amazing value. Only problems are the size of the place (it's tiny) and the tourists (particularly on race days), neither of which can be helped. Everything else (especially the friendly & knowledgeable bar staff) more than makes up for it.
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Simply, York's best. Run by Shaun and Maxine, it's York's finest pub. Love it!
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One of those spit & sawdust type of pubs. All the better for it. Warm friendly, excellent beer. For the apple-heads there are 4 different ciders on gravity. My only complaint was that by 5:00 on a Friday it was rammed beyond belief.
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Very handy for the station & a very good range of real ales, had a pint in here recently & was not sure if it was on the way out or whether it just had an unusual taste, the bar staff saw me obviously not 100% happy & without me saying anything offered to change my pint, which i did & the next one was excellent
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From the outside, this pub may not look particularly invititing but it is DEFINTELY worth a visit. A great choice of well kept ales, imported beers and good value food. When visiting York, I usually arrive by train and this pub is just a five minute walk from the station. Don't miss it.
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One of the biggest variety of ales/ciders available out of any pub i've ever visited. Got taken in here when visiting a friend and was pleasantly surprised. A few decent beers and a huge mound of chips with (very) hot chilli-con-carne later and I was a very happy man!
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There's always a different beer, stout or cider to try here. Always guaranteed a good drink served by friendly and knowledgable staff. The only downside is that it does get very busy, a tribute to how good a venue it is.
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Like the Golden Fleece in York the character of the pub really makes the visit. The service is good and the choice of real ales & ciders are excellent.
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This pub is a must for any real ale fans visiting York. Intersting interior and excellent food. Good choice of ales available and served well by knowledgable staff. What more do you want. Near enough to the station to pop in.
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My favourite pub in York. Always a good crack, often with people you just meet at the bar. Of course, this place benefits from a fine selection or ales` ,best being York Guzzler. Near the train station, so no excuses - so take a look !
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The perfect pub. Real cider, real ales & english wines and proper pub food (non of this chain pub deep fried nonsence).
Also boasts the bests chips in the UK.
I want my ashes scattered here...
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TBluewinkle clearly has no idea what he is talking about - what a load of rubbish! Personally I don't visit pubs for the quality of their toilets like he clearly does. Anyway. Maltings is one of the best pubs in York, fantastic for the real ale fan. The interior of this pub is fascinating, and there was an excellent atmosphere in there when I visited on 2 consecutive weekday afternoons. Available for selection was Green Tye Cascade, Grafton Blondie and York Guzzler, as well as 2 others that I forget. The Blondie was very nice as well. Must visit pub.
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Great pub, nice ale, good food. Only been disapointed once a few years back when rude staff or were they doormen? began snatching unfinished drinks from us at about ten past eleven. You had to keep a firm clutch on your drink!!
brisk - 23 Aug 2007 13:20 |
Overpriced for some foreign beers with a premium of at least 60p compared to other pubs selling the same product. The pub itself is too small and the furniture too uncomfortable and as a result you don't feel comfortable in stopping for more than one pint.As well as this the toilets are in need of a refurbishment and it would not be a pub that I would drink in if I was in York as there are a lot of better ones around the city.
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An excellent pub and very convenient being only a short walk from the railway station.
The wide variety of real ales are always excellent. The food is absolutely tremendous, substantial portions at an extremely reasonable price.
Gets very busy at lunch times, you need to get in early to get a table!
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Went last wednesday during an alldayer around York including an earlier tour of the brewery.
Not quite what i expected - very small inside but enjoyed the atmosphere and the range of european lagers - Erdinger, Budvar dark and Liefmans Criek a cherry beer which just half a pint of hit teh spot - would definitely return.
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Great place,I always make it my first stop on a weekend in the city..love the ales and the food...though found it unfriendly on a couple of occasions,once when a 72 year old ukraine friend of mine was refused service(1st drink of the day too!) by the landlord as"he talks as if he is drunk and is slurring his words"...he still talks with an accent..he has lived here for 60 years, fought for us in ww2 & is a better man than the landlord will ever be! Otherwise, the best pub in York, the landlord owes a longterm apology,I tried to explain at the time but he was adamant.From Long standing High Peak CAMRA member & officer.
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Renewed acquaintances with this marvellous pub after a gap of about four years. Happily, nothing has changed at all. Fantastic range of beer, jammed full at times, but excellent service from welcoming barstaff. We had bought some of the house bottled strong ale on the Saturday night and returned on Sunday lunchtime for a couple before we left for home. The lad that served us with those bottles recognised us again and enquired whether we had enjoyed them (not drunk them yet...)
Nice touch, but he won himself even more brownie points by serving us our pints and pointing out that the Black Sheep bitter was right at the end of the barrel and that we could have them for free! If they weren't up to scratch, we could have returned them for two fresh pints of something else, which we would have been glad to pay for. They were absolutely fine, though...Exceptional service.
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the best drinks in York, (except Cocktails) really nice atmosphere everytime you hav eto visit if coming to York
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Visited this pub just before Xmas. As usual a fine atmosphere and good ales.
One big downer was the attitude of one of the bar staff. We arrived after they had stopped serving food (We had asked for a menu), so I politely asked if I could buy a couple of sandwiches from elsewhere and bring them into the pub. I received a rude, negative reply.
I left the pub and went to eat and drink elsehwere
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Brilliant! Great atmosphere, loads of beers to choose from. I would have tried the ciders on offer but was driving. I had a chip butty and didnt eat for the rest of the day! My fella had chilli & chips, not as firey as reputed but gorgeous all the same! We could have stayed all afternoon. Everything a proper pub should be! Can't wait to return.
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I have called in here several times now. In my opinion judging on ale alone, this is the best real ale pub I have visited to date in York. I still have quite a few to visit though. Never been disappointed with what is on offer. Always something new to try. never eaten here, but friends have said food is good. My last visit was New Year's Eve when I expected it to be heaving, (it's normally very busy) but our group got a table easily. The atmosphere like the ale was great.
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Great pub. Fine selection of real ales that are well kept and rotated frequently. Black Sheep is main pull and is the anchor. Very nice selection of ciders and perries-watch it b/c they are strong. Bar staff is professional and courteous. Can get busy but is still a good place to find a seat and drink your fill! Big Vern says, "Bollocks," but is a very good manager and runs a tight ship. Well worth another visit from Texas and I am looking forward to it.
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The landlord has a very shiny head. Didnt he used to be on the TV programme 'The Premiership'?
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Very much like The Sun Inn @ Acomb. Great selection of beers, has a festival when a greater selection is available. Can get a bit busy with toursits etc, but worth the squeeze for a good pint.
Excellent bike parking directly outside for night transport home!
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Only managed 3 visits this year, but each time the food and beer was top class. The chilli is strong and reccommend you enjoy a couple of pints first, if you have a third with the chilli, you may as well be drinking smoothflow as you won't taste it......
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Great pub in every respect. Have never eaten there but apparently the chillie chips are to die for! The booze was good, great selection of ales and one of the nicest rose wines I've drunk in a pub. The staff were really friendly. The atmosphere was nice and had a varying mix of people in there. The food being served look fab! Def recommendation to anyone visiting York.
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Visited late afternoon Sunday 24 Sep. Initial impression was of slightly surly service, but that was probably because the lass responsible was due off on her lunch break. Judging by the amount of the appetising nosh she packed away, she was clearly very, very hungry.
Tremendous selection of ales, including some very heavy-hitters alcohol-wise from all over the world, ditto the scrumpy, of which no less than 4 are served here.
Place is bedecked with old metal advertising signs, but I don't think they do still serve WD & HO Wills fags at 3d for 10. You could try asking the pleasingly sarcastic landlord for an interesting response.
Great pub. You'll need a sense of humour, but other than that, everything your heart may desire from a pub is provided for you here. Daresay many have lost afternoons or whole weekends in this place.....
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Went there for some Monday blues - one man playing Robert Johnson blues. Inviting atmosphere and service that made us Norwegians feel welcome. Great music, outstanding british real ales and a great pub. And of course their pickled eggs that tasted good with the ales.
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Visited York yesterday, sampled the culture and a few beers, as you do. Called in on the way back to the rail station and had some really nice ale from the York Brewery. A really nice boozer, but be warned, if you call in after arriving by train, the next time you leave may be to board your returning train. Recommended.
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Revisited today for lunch with a friend... What can I say place was packed, great beers on, and the food...!!
Superb!! Both of us absolutely full, beautiful home made chips, great portions, good friendly service from all the crew!!
So impressed wanted to write another review, and increase my rating. This pub should be rated higher!!
Come on people, visite and rate!!
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Excellent beer on a hot afternoon. A good mix of locals and foreign tourists, all drinking the real ale. The man on the next table rated the chilli as "Take your head off" and his chips looked yummy. They sell a lot of fruit wine although I've never seen anyone actually drinking it. Check out the doors on the ceiling...
AngeK - 26 Jul 2006 17:30 |
Definitely Premier League. Excellent draught beers with plenty of German heavyweights (beers not the locals). A must in a city with several good boozers.
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Probably the best pub in ork, which is saying something.
I made the mistake of not eating there!
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Excellent pub, spent a few days in York just before Christmas, this became our local.
Beer superb, food excellent - real chips!!!
Staff - a good laugh.
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When visiting York by train, it can often be tempting to just stay in the Maltings all day. The pub is only a few minutes' walk from the station. A smallish venue, always busy, with a superb range of real ales and cider. Staff are friendly and efficient. The bar meals are substantial and tasty. I had the chilli last time which was quite vicious! Probably in my top 10 pubs, anywhere.
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splendid beer, wines, toasties and chips: small but perfectly formed pub
anonymous - 14 Feb 2006 13:01 |
Seemed an OK pub, had a stinking hangover which soured my visit but hardly the pubs fault! Would recommend a visit..
TheGP - 21 Dec 2005 21:18 |
Excellent pub. 7 pulls with Black Sheep Bitter being the solid fixture. The real ale's are all excellent and change pretty quickly always to be replaced by another nice choice. Their guest ale list now is over 40 strong, so the patron will get a lot of variety. Also, the real ale's are great b/c the lines are clean and the staff is very professiona. It's a bit cozy, and does get full, but it's well worth the sit down for several pints.
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Was here on a Monday in September and enjoyed the blues player. Had a really nice time drinking a variety of well kept real ales. Very friendly staff - and clientele. Try their pickled eggs.
During our 2 days visit to York my friend and I managed to visit 13 pubs. Very varied pubs, and the standard is high! The Maltings got our highest BITE-rating.
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i lost my beer blickers in this place - does a nice range of imported beer - all listed on a menu, fantastic. very friendly place. watch out for the chilli they do warn you on the menu - it is vv hot but worth a try - overall the food is excellent. great range of real ale to. forget the minster this is york to me
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Great pub. Good selection of beers. Quirky and laid back. Lovely atmosphere. One of my favourite places.
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Went to the beer festival on sunday tried a pint of Born in the USA which is from the Leadmill brewery from Ripley 5% and �2.30 a pint, you never need to ask for a top up as its done automatically for you, with a BBQ outside, this finishes on tuesday well worth a visit.
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Went in last night very busy around 7 but when I went back at 10 there was plenty of room. A group in the corner playing folk music and Guzzler at �2.20 can't complain, then Ruby Tuesday cider at �2.70, only problem with that was it was warm but a fantastic pub.
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Canget a bit chocker-but the beers usually excellent & theres normally a good atmosphere
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If you are in York it is worth seeking out this pub. I tried all of the Real Ales on offer (hic!)and they were all well kept. Sadly the cider I tried from the barrel behind the bar was not so well kept as it was a bit warm.
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Brilliant beer, I was like a kid in a candy shop with the choices on offer...
Nice paraphernalia all over, friendly staff and most importantly a huge and cultured selection of fine beers from around the world.
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A truely excellent city pub. A place that serves a massive, and intelligent choice of beers, ciders, wines etc. always well kept and pleasantly served. The food is excellent, giant portions, all home made, and home cooked individually. In terms of setting it is really pleasant, dark interior might pub off some but it shouldn't as the bar is brilliant.
In fact thinking of criticisms is difficult, it is small and can be very busy, but that only really adds to the atmosphere in my opinion. There is however, one bar man who can be really quite cocky when talking to customers, almost to the point of rudeness, and he is the only thing stopping this place getting a 10/10 rating... Go to this Pub
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Have been to York several times (occasionally for the history, more often for the football - shame they are not in the League at the moment). Every time I've been up there I've paid this pub a visit - Black Sheep always a good shout other real ales pretty good too. Not the largest of pubs so can get crowded if there's a lot of beer-know-it-alls about!!!
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Fine ales and porter. Friendly patrons and staff. Good service. I only visited once but intend to go back.
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Beers normally excellent, food is great.
Cider has normally been Saxons in very poor nick, it lets the pub down.
anonymous - 19 Jan 2005 19:58 |
small crowded pub, full of choice,quality and character
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Went round a few pubs in York and found this place on the way back to the station. Great beer, 7 real ales on offer, friendly staff, and a good atmosphere. I wish I could have stayed longer. Next time I come to York on the train I don't think I'll be making it across the river.
palmwinedrinkard - 17 Sep 2004 14:13 |
Just spent 5 days in York and found this pub great!!! Exceptional beer and cider. Very friendly staff and good grub. definitely our favourite hostelry. We stayed in Moat House round corner and will def. return to York and the Maltings... We went in for lunch 1 day and the staff remembered us the next day. We are not ancient and we dont have beards.
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Nice pub, the bearded ones aren't all that ancient.
Beer & food is always in good nick, cider is often mousy or too old.
Gill - 26 Mar 2004 11:58 |
good pub, good selection of real ales
andy - 26 Sep 2003 19:51 |
Down to earth real ale pub. Good selection of proper cider, scrumpy. No music - although I've heard some at times, it's unusual - so it can seem very quiet sometimes, especially when gazing at the other (mostly bearded and ancient) drinkers. Bottled Belgian and German beers, great real ale. Small and nice atmosphere. Older crowd, more unusual people.
Gabrielle - 22 Sep 2003 20:44 |
Great beers but expensive-try the Ackhorne nearby also a great pub
Marco - 5 Sep 2003 16:17 |
No trivia machines, no music (unless you count the live music nights), no pool and a fantastic selection of beer (loads of guest ales, plus bottled Belgian and German beers and Leffe on draught!) - fantastic!
A combination of the pub's small size and proximity to York railway station mean that it gets unbelievably packed on race days and at weekends.
Simon Ward - 11 Aug 2003 10:35 |
I've only been here once, but I don't hestitate to recommend it. I don't know which is better, the food or the ale. I'll be back...
Gordon - 22 Jul 2003 23:16 |
Meals are fantastic value - suggest the cheesy chips if hungry. Beware of the chilli though, it varies from very hot to explosive (but tasty).
A real ale pub that can get crowded but is a good starting point from the station to other pubs in York
Andrew Ward - 2 Apr 2003 14:11 |
Fantastic real ales, but great pub and atmosphere even if not a real ale fan - prob. is you can't swear, dance or sing
Vicky Green - 19 Jul 2002 00:05 |
