York’s smallest, and in my experience, friendliest pub The Blue Bell is a haven for the social and reserved kinds alike. This red-brick Edwardian pub and its fine selection of locally brewed cask ales is a must-visit for all.
Perched peacefully on the side of the bustling cobbled streets of Fossgate sits The Blue Bell pub. I first stopped by after a job interview just across the street; we can all agree a pint of cask ale always succeeds in calming the nerves. Its red-bricked exterior and classic Edwardian interior have housed happy memories for friends and lovers alike for over 200 years and upon my visit, it did not disappoint.
“What can I get for you, love?” – After being away all summer, a warm Northern welcome from a more than hospitable landlady brought me home. I was faced with a tough decision when it came to my drink of choice. I felt as though to order a lager in a pub such as this, when I could get the same in any local boozer, would be an insult to the history that this pub evidently holds dear, and would make me not worthy of one of the few remaining pews in this wood-paneled church of local ale.
“Blue Bell IPA please.”
“Pint, love?”
“Yes please.”
The drink was delivered with similar enthusiasm to that of a child when asked about the chance of more cake.
As I took my seat in the small front room and waited for my pint to settle, I took the chance to admire the interior of the pub. As soon as you walk, in you are hit with the smell of a classic old boozer. The smell of drunkenly spilt pints and cigarette smoke still lingers on the old red carpet in the back room. The wooden floor in the front room has slight creeks as you step up to order your drink. To my right, one wall is draped in framed awards; one being the pub’s ‘CAMRA Pub of The Year Award 2022’ and for others; the faces of the famous. Not famous to you and me but to the large community that this small pub houses. Those they can no longer share a pint with on their way home from work.
The front is a large frosted glass panel which leaves a glaring reminder of the modern world outside. But for now, you are taken back to a simpler time. If you sit in the front room on your visit, you will no doubt be sucked into the conversation of those around you. Some are couples who are visiting the city for the day and may be here upon recommendation or by sheer luck. Two were men who came in alone, maybe lonely, maybe not. Still, there was no doubt that nobody in there was lonely as we chatted and laughed with people whose names we would probably forget by the time we walked out the door. Given the age of some of the clientele, I would say maybe sooner.
The beer itself was brilliant.
A Brass Castle creation, it was hoppy and slightly fruity. At 4.5%, it won’t knock your socks off and one or two on a quick trip into town is my recommendation. I fear that with any more I would be stuck there all night. As I found myself laughing with the man sitting next to me who I had only met a pint of ale ago, I was already planning my next trip back. But before that, “Another pint please love.”