Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
26/08/2025
Jordi De Roeck, Pexels
York's bar and drinking scene is dynamic, blending historic pubs and modern craft beer halls with quirky cocktail spots, catering to a diverse range of preferences.
Entertainment and Music:
York offers a diverse music and entertainment scene, ranging from larger concert venues to intimate pubs and cafes showcasing local and touring acts.
For live music, visitors can attend performances at the York Barbican, a significant venue hosting well-known artists and diverse entertainment. Additionally, independent venues like The Fulford Arms and cafe-bars such as The Habit Cafe Bar provide intimate settings for experiencing local bands, acoustic sets, and jazz nights.
1. House of the Trembling Madness (Stonegate)
Type: Medieval-themed pub / craft beer bar & bottle shop
Stepping into this venue feels like entering a medieval hall, with its ancient timber beams and unique taxidermy collection creating a wonderfully atmospheric setting. Downstairs, a well-stocked bottle shop offers a vast array of craft beers and spirits from across the globe. Upstairs, the intimate bar serves an impressive rotating selection of both local and international beers on tap, providing a distinctive drinking experience.
Getting There: Walking distance from central York attractions.
2. Pivni
Type: Craft beer and real ale freehouse
Housed within a stunning 16th-century building, Pivni is renowned for its expertly curated selection of real ales, world beers, and craft keg options. The atmosphere balances a vibrant downstairs area with a more relaxed upstairs lounge, featuring timber beams and understated lighting, making it an ideal spot for enthusiasts seeking quality brews.
Getting There: Walking distance from central York attractions.
3. Brew York Tap Room and Beer Hall
Type: Brewery and Beer Hall
This independent brewery is a cornerstone of York's modern craft beer scene, boasting a spacious beer hall with up to 40 taps. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of Brew York's own award-winning craft beers, ciders, and wines, alongside guest brews. The vibrant atmosphere is often complemented by street food vendors, providing a lively social hub.
Getting There: Walking distance from central York attractions in the Walmgate area.
4. Evil Eye Lounge
Type: Cocktail bar and gin shop
Tucked away on Stonegate, this bar offers a 'bizarre, weird and wonderful' escape with its distinctive, mystical decor. It features an extensive menu of creative cocktails, mocktails, and a wide selection of gins and rums. The lively, late-night ambiance is perfect for those seeking inventive drinks and a quirky charm.
Getting There: Walking distance from central York attractions.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
