The Cosiest Pubs In York To Try In Winter

You’ve pottered the Shambles and gazed in awe at the stunning Minster, and now it’s time to escape the colder months in York. Something that we pub connoisseurs here at The Yorkshireman can certainly help with. Whether it’s a historic retreat you’re after or a hidden hideaway, we’ve rounded up the cosiest pubs to try out in York. But, what makes a pub cosy? We are talking deep, cosy chairs, warming fires and a nice warm ambience.

York has so many pubs that sometimes it is hard to know which one to visit. If you’re visiting one in this historic city, then you want it to have character and be full of warmth. We are talking roaring fire, real ales on tap and hopefully some board games to sit and play – maybe even some nice pub grub.

So, what are the cosiest pubs in York to enjoy a pint?

1. Eagle & Child

A cosy pub just a short walk away from the Minster, the Eagle & Child provides a bright and airy vibe, complete with comfy leather booth-style seating, cosy snugs complete with armchairs, and a menu packed with traditional pub fare. Because what more could you want on a cold winter day? We’d recommend exploring this place as it is quintessential York, with its cosy rooms and uneven floors – and make sure you get a glance at the menu as there are some tasty treats on there. Eagle & Child, 9 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EN.

2. Ye Olde Starre Inne

Located on the historic Stonegate, Ye Olde Starre Inne is a proper traditional boozer, boasting a historic building as its home and plenty of cask beers on offer. Keeping within the traditional theme, the pub has a low-lit and cosy atmosphere, complete with plenty of low-ceilinged corners to snuggle up in when it’s cold outside. There are lots of little rooms to cosy up in with friends and the best thing about this place is the busier it gets the warmer and nicer the atmosphere feels. You feel like you’ve been transported back in time at some points. Ye Olde Starre Inne, 40 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS.

3. Golden Lion

Right in the city centre, you’ll stumble upon the Golden Lion, a pub that toes the line between modern and traditional with smart leather furnishings and nods to its history. Close by to the Minster and many of York’s best attractions, the Golden Lion is the perfect place to hibernate from the cold with a tipple of your choice, pub grub included. Golden Lion, 9 Church St, York, YO1 8BG.

4. The Three Tuns

If you’ve ever pottered around York in all of its Medieval glory, you’ve probably spotted the unique-looking The Three Tuns. Dating back centuries and boasting traditional Tudor architecture, The Three Tuns is as cosy as they come, with plenty of nooks and crannies to escape to.

Think plenty of ale and comforting pub grub, all within a warm and welcoming space. The Three Tuns, 12 Coppergate, York, YO1 9NR.

5. Minster Inn

The Minster Inn can be found just a stone’s throw away from the historic Minster, boasting traditional touches at every turn, cosy finishings, and the fantastic addition of delicious wood-fired pizzas.

Enjoy one of the bar’s many wines, or opt for a classic ale in the warming drinking area. Minster Inn, 24 Marygate, York, YO30 7BH.

6. Valhalla

Keeping in the theme of York’s history, Valhalla exudes all things Viking, including ales and mead and boards piled up with meat.

But it’s the cosy, rustic atmosphere that we love the most. A true escape from the bustling city, Valhalla boast low, intimate lighting within a warming, wood-filled space, the perfect place to hide from the winter chill. Valhalla, 4 Patrick Pool, York, YO1 8BB.

7. Lendal Cellars

A unique spot found off a side street in the city centre, Lendal Cellars is hidden below a brick-arch cellar – an arch that provides an unusual cosiness that can’t be found at any other York venue.

From wines and cocktails to classic beers and warming pub grub, you’ll forget you’re even in York at all while visiting Lendal Cellars. Lendal Cellars, 26 Lendal, York, YO1 8AA.

8. The Market Cat

Found close the The Shambles, The Market Cat opts for a more modern, upmarket feel, including lavish mahogany and rich-toned leathers. Serving some of the best beers around, fantastic wines and delicious pizzas made in-house, The Market Cat is the perfect place to warm up on a winter’s day. The Market Cat, 6 Jubbergate, York, YO1 8RT.

9. House of Trembling Madness

Located on Stonegate, just a stone’s throw from the York Minster this is a tiny spot that has all the trappings of somewhere you want to while away the hours. The walls are adorned with stunning objects, you’ll spend half your time staring at whilst in the bar enjoying a few pints.

It’s found upstairs above the beer shop that sits below and is an absolute gem away from the busy city centre. 48 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS

10. The Blue Bell

The smallest pub in York is worth a visit. You can imagine this place through the ages being packed full to the brim with most people standing up either propping up the bar or taking in the tiny little venue. They serve up some fantastic ales and are known to have a lovely pork pie. Just what you’ll need as you seek refuge after shopping the busy streets of york. Definitely one of York’s best pubs that’s for sure.

There you have it, use this list as a guide the next time you find yourself wandering through the historic Shambles and marvelling at the breathtaking Minster, thinking it’s time to find a cosy spot to escape York’s colder months. Whether you’re seeking a historic retreat or a hidden gem, we’ve gathered a list of York’s cosiest pubs for you to try.