Address:
53 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF

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Telephone:
01904 654904

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Opening Times:
Monday: 12:00–23:00
Tuesday: 12:00–23:00
Wednesday: 12:00–23:00
Thursday: 12:00–23:00
Friday: 12:00–23:00
Saturday: 12:00–23:00
Sunday: 12:00–23:00

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Description:
The Blue Bell is York’s smallest pub and one of its most carefully preserved. Established in 1798 and last redecorated in 1903, its Grade II* listed interior retains two intimate rooms filled with original Edwardian character. The bar specialises in beautifully kept Yorkshire cask ales, including its exclusive house IPA, with pork pies available for anyone requiring something solid beside their pint.

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Good for:
Yorkshire cask ale · historic pub interiors · quiet pints · traditional IPAs · proper mild · pork pies · solo drinkers · couples · dog-friendly visits · escaping modern distractions

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Nearby:
Fossgate · Merchant Adventurers’ Hall · River Foss · The Shambles · Shambles Market · Walmgate · St Crux Church · York’s Chocolate Story

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Make a Day of It:
Explore The Shambles, visit Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and wander along Fossgate before slipping into The Blue Bell for a pint and a pork pie. Visit on a weekday afternoon for the best chance of finding a seat, switch your phone to silent and allow conversation to provide the entertainment.

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The Tidy Take:
The Blue Bell is tiny, historic and magnificently uninterested in changing with the times. The cask ale is treated with proper care, the Edwardian rooms are a joy and the house rules protect the peace. Arrive without a crowd, mind your language and order the IPA.