Looking for incredible York pub gardens? Well, now that summer is on its way, we couldn’t be more excited. York in the summer is one of our favourite places to be. Its cobbled streets and the majestic River Ouse make for a beautiful backdrop for a few ales. From rooftop bars to festival vibes, we’ve hunted down the best beer gardens in York to enjoy this summer.
York city centre is home to a host of beer gardens and drinking spots. The city, with amazing pubs of all shapes and sizes, is perfect for enjoying a drink outside in the summer months. With so many to pick from, we’ve hand-selected some of the best beer gardens in York city that will make your trip that extra bit special.
So, what are the best beer gardens in York to visit this summer?
1. Spark: York
Located in the Piccadilly area of York, an array of old shipping containers has been brought back to life and now plays host to a range of cool and innovative independent food outlets and bars and one of the city of best York outdoor pubs & bar spaces. They offer a great selection of benches and seating areas both upstairs and downstairs. We love grabbing a seat upstairs on a sunny day. Sitting up there with a cold beer is hard to beat or maybe you might want a fresh glass of wine or a cocktail. When the sun is out, this place is hard to beat.
Address: Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB.
2. Stonegate Yard
Set on the historical Stonegate, hidden within and backed off from the cobbled streets of York, Stonegate Yard is a real treat. The hidden gem in one of most stunning York pub gardens. The quaint square in which you can sit and enjoy a beer and some food hides you away from the bustling city streets of York. They have an array of great beers and their food menu has some real treats on it. Make sure you visit this old beer garden in York.
Address: Stonegate Yard, 8-10 Stonegate, York YO1 8AX.
3. The Star Inn The City
Taking up residence in the old Engine House on the edge of York’s Museum Gardens, overlooking the River Ouse, Star In The City has one of the best outdoor seating areas in York. You can enjoy a beer and some fantastic food with Lendal Bridge and the River Ouse creating an idyllic backdrop that rivals any riverside views in the world. This location is unmatched and is definitely one of the best beer gardens in York.
Address: Star Inn the City, Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR.
4. The Judge’s Lodging
If you’re looking for York alfresco drinking spots, then this historic lodgings for judges has two wonderful areas for you. Whether you sit out frontend watch the world go by or head round back to the stylish seating area that is over two floors with comfy lounge seating. So you can enjoy their beautiful seating area out front where you can sit and watch the world go by, they have a beautiful relaxing area out back. There is plenty of space to enjoy a beer in the sun at the Judge’s Lodging. The 5-star inn in the city centre is immaculate and known for its busy atmosphere in the summer months. Just having the grade I listed townhouse as a backdrop makes it one of the best beer gardens in York.
Address:Judge’s Lodging, 9 Lendal, York YO1 8AQ.
5. Eagle and Child
Another of the hidden York pub gardens is Eagle & Child a Leeds Brewery venue. A great pub and restaurant with old-fashioned vibes this 1640 Grade II* listed has the creaky wooden floors and quirky feel you’d expect. If you’re looking for a spot with character, this then is the spot. And their beer garden is beautiful, tucked away from the busy streets at the back of the pub. Especially at night, you can enjoy twinkling fairy lights while you enjoy a nice the pubs fantastic selection of ales or glass of wine.
Address: Eagle & Child, 9 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN
6. The Fat Badger
The Fat Badger, formerly the Lamb & Lion is an old English inn that adjoins Bootham Bar, right on the Roman York walls – and is one of the best beer gardens in York in our opinion. They have a beautiful beer garden set on the grounds of this traditional York pub. You can expect an amazing view of the York Minster from your seat. It’s a really good pub to sit and while away the hours with friends.
Address: The Fat Badger, 2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH.
7. Thor’s Sol Ást Tipi Bar
A yearly summer pop up, this is the best York alfresco drinking spot. Starting out at York’s Christmas Market, the Sol Ást tipi bar transforms into its summer version and can be found at The Milner Hotel, near York train station & in the city centre in the main square. Their outdoor space is scattered with benches and has a fantastic boho festival feeling to it that will evoke all the joys of summer – so don your glitter and hot pants and immerse yourself in that festival vibe of a beer garden.
Address:, Thor’s Tipi, Station Rd, York YO24 1AA.
8. Pitcher and Piano
Always very busy, Pitcher & Piano is the place to go it you’re looking for the popular spots during the summer months in York. It sits next to the river and is another of York’s bars that enjoy beautiful riverside views. They do a range of amazing cocktails as well as nice cold beers. The spot is beautiful and buzzing – one to get stuck into in the summer and definitely one of the best beer gardens in York.
Address: Pitcher & Piano, Coney St, York YO1 9QL.
9. Revolution York
Revolution is known for its quirky cocktails and decent deals for booze. So, if you’re wanting to enjoy a pornstar martini by the river then this is the one for you. Perfect for a gals’ day out, family time or a quick drink – this venue is built for all clientele. Some people may look down at the chain pubs, but we find that Revs is always on the nose with what’s on trend – so you can guarantee they have that craft ale or cheeky cocktail that you fancy.
Address: Revolution, Coney St, York YO1 9NA.
10. Guy Fawkes Inn
Our favourite thing about the historic city is the hidden gems and this is another of the York pub gardens that’s tucked away from the bustling cobble streets. Sat right next to the York Minster is Guy Fawkes Inn, home to the infamous gunpowder plotter. The beautiful historic pub has all the old-fashioned fittings you’d expect and the beer garden in York garden is a perfect way to escape the business of York and enjoy a quiet drink with friends in the sun.
Address: Guy Fawkes Inn, 25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP
11. Kings Arms
An iconic piece of York, this Sam Smiths pub is always packed. Their beer garden sits right on the river and their beers are the cheapest around and are still great quality. If you’re looking for a cheap pint by the river, this is the one. There may be not much room inside to sit, but with that view from the river, it’s hard to be beaten. You’ll find it tends to get queues for the bars into the street come the summer months.
Address: The Kings Arms Pub, 3 King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN.
12. Sora Sky Bar
Situating itself on top of one of the city’s most gorgeous hotels, Sora Sky Bar is one of the most stylish beer gardens in York – not only offering up stunning views of the Minster that you can’t find elsewhere, but great cocktails and even better food.
The menu is made up of beautiful Pan-Asian sharing plates, while drinks-wise, guests can expect plenty of classics and old favourites making up the menu. We’d recommend visiting this place for the views alone! Find out more here.
Address: Sora, 2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU.
13. Brew York
Brew York creates some of the tastiest beers you’ll ever experience with hilarious names that just add to their enjoyment. Found along Walmgate, behind the Enterprise complex you’ll find the beer hall and it has its own hidden beer garden where you can while away the warmer days. As well as serving up fantastic food, they also have amazing street food created by their long-term collaborators Yuzu Street Food.
Address: Brew York, Unit 6, Enterprise Complex, Walmgate, York YO1 9TT.
14. Lendal Cellars
The Lendal Cellars has a lovely beer garden in York city centre. Found just off Coney Street in Lendal you’ll find a range of craft ales to try as well as some fantastic gins on offer. Their quaint beer garden is another one that is hidden off the beaten path which means all the more fun for you.
AddressL Lendal Cellars, 26 Lendal, York YO1 8AA.
There you have it, some of York’s best spots to enjoy a bit of sunshine with a refreshing drink. All that’s left now is to head to Yorkshire’s historic city and enjoy all of the wonderful spots we’ve named—bars with riverside views, rooftop bars, pubs with stunning views of the York Minster and more. You’ve no excuse not to have a good time in some of the best beer gardens in York on your next trip this summer.
