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The Blue Bell (Punch Taverns)

Beer (sort)Average Score (sort)No. Samples (sort)
Bradfield - Farmers BlondeExceptional2
Caledonian - Double DarkExcellent1
Acorn - UK Chinook IPAExcellent1
Ossett - Silver KingExcellent3
Brass Castle - Blue Bell IPAExcellent2
Timothy Taylor - LandlordExcellent1
Wold Top - BitterExcellent1
Ilkley - BestExcellent1
Maxim - Andersons Best ScotchGood1
Half Moon - F'Hops SakeAcceptable1
Bradfield - Farmers BitterNot Tried0
Bradfield - Farmers StoutNot Tried0
Rooster's - Oaky CreamNot Tried0
Rudgate - Ruby MildNot Tried0
Rooster's - YankeeNot Tried0
Salamander - Turn TurtleNot Tried0
Rooster's - YPA (Yorkshire Pale Ale)Not Tried0
Half Moon - Old Forge BitterNot Tried0
Brew York - Brew York Brew YorkNot Tried0
Rooster's - CC Rider (superseded by 4.3% version)Not Tried0
Picture 1. The Blue Bell, York, North Yorkshire
Picture 2. The Blue Bell, York, North Yorkshire
Michael Croxford

Visits Details

19 Sep 2024 (Archie14)
Outstanding small heritage pub with interior of outstanding historical interest, grade 2 listed, completely unspoilt and full of charm and so much to see, not decorated since 1903, excellent atmosphere and fabulously served real ale. A real gem…
BeerABVScoreNotes
Timothy Taylor - Landlord4.30ExcellentStunning example of this multi award winning ale. Excellent condition maintaining its head throughout with great lacing, smooth, zesty bitterness.
Wold Top - Bitter3.70ExcellentExcellent amber, traditional bitter, well balanced malt and hop, lovely.
Bradfield - Farmers Blonde4.00Excellent
Brass Castle - Blue Bell IPA4.50GoodCollaboration house ale, excellent condition but had that distinctive over hoppy flavour that is all the rage these days.
Rudgate - Ruby Mild4.40Not Tried
27 Jun 2023 (Magnus Greel)
Mid afternoon and rammed in this iconic classic pub to which is my first visit, we shared a table with the old timers in the back bar.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Brass Castle - Blue Bell IPA4.50ExcellentAn IPA as it should be, light refreshing and hoppy with a respectable not OTT ABV..
Timothy Taylor - Landlord4.30Not Tried
Rudgate - Ruby Mild4.40Not Tried
Wold Top - Bitter3.70Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Blonde4.00Not Tried
14 Sep 2017 (Stephen Harris)
This marvellous little pub was busy at 4:30pm on a Thursday and I ended up stood at the bar in the front room with a pie and a pint.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Acorn - UK Chinook IPA5.00ExcellentAs good as ever from this long-running single hop series. I wonder who in the UK is growing Chinook.
Timothy Taylor - Landlord4.30Not Tried
Rudgate - Ruby Mild4.40Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Blonde4.00Not Tried
Brew York - Brew York Brew York4.90Not Tried
Rooster's - CC Rider (superseded by 4.3% version)3.80Not Tried
08 May 2014 (HSB)
15:15 Sat in the front bar for a change as back bar was busy. Usual excellent atmosphere.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Half Moon - F'Hops Sake3.90AcceptableGreen
Timothy Taylor - Landlord4.30Not Tried
Rudgate - Ruby Mild4.40Not Tried
Rooster's - YPA (Yorkshire Pale Ale)4.10Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Bitter3.90Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Blonde4.00Not Tried
Half Moon - Old Forge Bitter3.80Not Tried
03 Jul 2013 (HSB)
14:30 three others in the back bar. Usual pleasant atmosphere.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Ossett - Silver King4.30Good
Timothy Taylor - Landlord4.30Not Tried
Rudgate - Ruby Mild4.40Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Bitter3.90Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Blonde4.00Not Tried
Rooster's - Yankee4.30Not Tried
Salamander - Turn Turtle4.00Not Tried
22 Jun 2012 (HSB)
My favourite pub in York. The back bar was busy but not overly so.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Ilkley - Best4.00Excellent
17 May 2012 (ChrisE)
Unbelievably quiet, I sat in the back bar which was deserted at the time but I eventually had the company of a couple of German visitors who were on a twinning visit. I was unable to make a note of all the beers available as I was only able to peer through a serving hatch.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Ossett - Silver King4.30ExceptionalOne of my favourite beers, and this was in exceptionally good condition. The visitors from Germany enjoyed a couple of pints as well.
15 Feb 2012 (Wittenden)
We needed a copy of Juvenal's Satires:where else to go but Fossgate.Having found it,I had to celebrate in the Blue Bell.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Bradfield - Farmers Blonde4.00ExceptionalThey do this type of beer well in Yorkshire. Very pale gold but approacheable,cultivated and creamy.
Maxim - Andersons Best Scotch4.20GoodI had a taste of this-it reminded me of my days in County Durham in the 70s. A bit too sweet for me nowadays.
Timothy Taylor - Landlord4.30Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Bitter3.90Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Stout4.50Not Tried
02 Nov 2011 (Wittenden)
I'm surprised more contributors to these pages haven't commented on this pub. A gem of a place with a beer list I can only dream about. Quietly busy on a Wednesday afternoon with beer lovers from around the land. Only wish I could have stayed for more than one pint.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Ossett - Silver King4.30ExceptionalI'm more a brown bitter man, but these deathly pale Yorkshire beers hit the spot. Rasping hops,best leaf tea,dried lemon peel.
Timothy Taylor - Landlord4.30Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Bitter3.90Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Stout4.50Not Tried
Bradfield - Farmers Blonde4.00Not TriedNo time for this, I'm ashamed to say
Rooster's - Oaky Cream4.30Not Tried
17 Nov 2009 (Flying.geordie)
Busy locals pub.
BeerABVScoreNotes
Caledonian - Double Dark4.60Excellent

About The Blue Bell

The pub sign. The Blue Bell, York, North Yorkshire

Summary of Beer Scores

 Total
Exceptional3
Excellent7
Good3
Acceptable1
Poor-

Website.

The pub is found in York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9TF.

Olde world pub and a drinkers' pub in Fossgate. Has an Edwardian central bar serving two small rooms, side corridor served by a hatch, and wood panelling. Local CAMRA branch Pub of the Year 2022.

We have visited this pub 10 times, seen 20 different beers and tried 10 of them.

Map location

Postcode: YO1 9TF