Everyone knows York is steeped in history, from being founded by Romans and its architectural heritage dating back more than 2,000 years ago.
But have you ever wondered which pub is the oldest in the city? There are bound to be plenty that have been serving pints to locals for decades.
Yet we think we have found the “official” oldest pub in York – let’s take a look (you might recognise it).
Where is York’s oldest pub?
@yeoldestarreinn_york Welcome to Ye Olde Starre Inn! Located on Stonegate in York! Come down and have a drink or some of our amazing food! 🍻 #greenekingpubs #greeneking #york #yorkshire ♬ Love You So - The King Khan & BBQ Show
Ye Olde Starre Inne on Stonegate is believed to be the "oldest" pub in York.
The Grade-II listed pub is now owned by Greene King and describes itself as "possibly York's oldest public house".
It was first built in 1644 and during the English Civil War was used as a hospital and mortuary for the soldiers.
The Greene King website jests: “When you are gazing at our majestic views don't be surprised by a glimpse of ghostly shadows of soldiers and a pair of black cats who lived here 300 years ago.”
Ye Olde Starre Inne also has the "longest continuous licence of any pub in York", as reported by Jorvik.
The tourist website explained: “You cannot fail to see the inn’s sign (from 1733), which proudly hangs over and across Stonegate, directing you on through the narrow snickelway to a courtyard and finally the inn.
“The inn’s spectacular views of the upper part of York Minster make it worth visiting, if for that alone, especially when the Minster is floodlit, but you’ll be tempted in to try its huge choice of real ales and good old English food.”
It added: “The ‘old star’ is said to be King Charles I, in line with the then landlord’s Royalist stance in the 1640s. Unfortunately for the landlord the Roundheads gradually invaded the inn and went on to make use of its 10th-century cellar as both a hospital and mortuary during the Civil War. In 1662 a Thomas Wyeville bought the building for £250. It was yet again sold in the early 19th century when it still had a bargain price of only £850.”
Fast forward to today, Ye Olde Starre Inne boasts a 4/5 rating on Tripadvisor from 1,508 reviews.
A recent customer shared: “One of the few pubs that serve my favourite ale that being Theakstons Old Peculiar. We all loved the atmosphere, the food, the service from the bar staff and of course the beer.”
Recommended reading:
- Why these 4 pubs in and around North York Moors are worth discovering this summer
- York gastropub serving 'legendary' Sunday roasts among UK's best short breaks
- This North York Moors restaurant with rooms and 'wonderful' food is among UK best
Someone else posted: “We found an intimate corner in one of the many characterful little rooms. Our meals of Duck Hash and Fish and Chips were great.”
This couple also wrote: “My partner and I were in York with our dog, we decided to pop in for a drink on seeing it was dog friendly. There was an outdoor seating area at the back of the pub. It was under a huge umbrella which was ideal as it was raining, plus there was a big TV screen and we were able to enjoy a drink whilst watching the olympics, which was fab. Overall it’s a nice old pub and worth a visit.”
Ye Old Starre Inne is located at 40 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS.
