Pubs with the Best Beer Gardens in York – there are lots of fabulous pubs with beer gardens in York. I am working on visiting as many as I can and expanding the list all the time!
Guy Fawkes Inn
25 High Petergate, York, YO1 7HP
The Guy Fawkes Inn is a “medieval inn in York that stands in the shadow of York Minster, the very birthplace of the notorious plotter, Guy Fawkes.” They offer “classic British food in our AA rosette restaurant.”
They serve fantastic quality pub food, with large portions, at a reasonable price in a comfortable environment. They also have two fantastic beer gardens, complete with cosy throws, gas heaters and candlelight.
The Lamb and Lion Inn resides within an ancient building oozing with character and charm. Their beer garden nestles next to the Bar Walls and is a great place to meet friends outdoors in the summer.
In the winter the Lamb and Lion has heated igloos in their beer garden, making it a year round destination!
The Judge’s Lodging has a great position in the centre of York, with a beautiful courtyard bar, where you can sit and watch the world go by. They have a large selection of comfortable seating at the front of the building, as well as more outside seating at the back and covered cabins too.
“Rich in detail and history, our rooms offer comfortable and stylish relaxation. Bespoke furniture and a mix of fabrics, we’ve filled our rooms with characterful details. From cosy doubles to our grand feature rooms, all have beds that have been hand-selected for quality and comfort. Whether a short or long break, rest in comfort and fall in love with your own private haven.”
Las Iguanas has a hidden, but large roof top terrace and is a perfect spot for lunchtime or evening drinks.
“Get a taste of delicious Latin America in York at Las Iguanas! Our restaurant on Back Swinegate in York’s city centre offers a taste of the tropics with all the sizzling Latin American favourites alongside an impressive range of cocktails. Las Iguanas York is perfect for big parties, cosy corners, family time, lunch or cocktails at the bar. Don’t miss the hidden garden rooftop – perfect for alfresco dining & drinks all year round. See you there!”
Las Iguanas Rooftop Garden
The Watergate Inn
Situated in the heart of York, The Watergate Inn is an old coaching inn that has evolved considerably over the centuries. Once stabling for up to 50 coach horses, the en-suite guest accommodation is modern and stylish. All the rooms have been designed to ensure guests have a comfortable stay, with facilities including in the inn en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. Nice beer garden with picnic benches overlooking the River Foss.
The Whippet Inn is a steak and alehouse with a fine line in seafood too. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away as it is on North Street, but once you have been you will return. Lovely, friendly staff look after you in a comfortable and relaxed environment with a stylish and quirky decor. The food is fresh, imaginative and great quality.
The menu offers such delights as ‘Picanha- 32 Day Dry Aged, Triple Cooked Chunky Chips, Garlic & Thyme Confit Vine Tomato, Green Peppercorn & Brandy Sauce’, or ‘Poached Sea Trout Fillet with Olive Oil Potato, Puffed Fish Skin, Aromatic Herb Powder, Brown Shrimp Butter & Pea Purée’.
They have a glorious beer garden, perfect for the day or summer’s evening.
The Old Bank is on Lendal, opposite Judges Lodgings. Recently reopened after a big refurbishment, the decor is modern and comfortable. There are several booths with individual TV’s, plug sockets and USB chargers, making it a perfect spot for a recharge on a lunchtime and great for kids. Great affordable option.
Dogs are welcome and they even have a section on Facebook for visiting ‘pub pups’! The Beer Garden is quite large – much bigger than my photo below shows.
Stonegate Yard is situated in a beautiful Georgian townhouse on Little Stonegate. It’s one of our go-to spots for a cheap and cheerful lunch (I’d recommend the potato wedges – it’s a starter but will serve as a light main course). They have a pretty courtyard garden that is heated in the winter.
