There's no lack of pubs in the centre of York, so the ones suggested can only be just a limited selection, concentrating on watering holes that also provide meals or at least bar food. Follow the links for more details about individual establishments.

A feature of many pubs is that they can change their character, so that what at lunchtime might feel a quiet, sedate retreat, may turn into a heaving, busy, noisy place in the evening.

Add to that the fact that many pubs organise special evenings such as music or quiz nights, can mean that it's often hard to predict exactly what atmosphere might welcome you, when you choose to call in during a casual visit to the city.

For reliable meals, try the Royal Oak or Ye Olde Starre Inn. At lunchtime, The Last Drop Inn is a quiet establishment that provides basic fare, generally involving sausages.