
Quick info
About The Old White Swan
The Old White Swan is a pub in York at 80 Goodramgate, open daily. Open fires warm the rooms, with seats and snug corners set beside them, and a small secret garden sits alongside the live music and bands. The building has a separate dining room, while the bar is quieter and keeps a fire of its own. The kitchen serves pies, with steak pie on the menu, and a Sunday roast dinner. A nut roast gives vegetarian and vegan diners a main course of their own.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention homemade pies, open fires, steak pie and crispy chips.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention homemade pies, open fires, steak pie and crispy chips.
Customer Review Summary
Pies are what diners mention most, with the steak pie, beef brisket pie and chicken and leek pie all called very good, and a nut roast pleasing a gluten free and vegan diner. Chips described as crispy and golden outside and fluffy inside get praise too, as do the tortilla chips. Open fires and snug corners drive the cosy atmosphere, alongside a covered outdoor area, a small secret garden, live music and a decent ale selection. Service is mostly called quick, warm and friendly, though one reviewer found the bar staff a bit moody. Another says they weren't allowed to move two stools nearer the bar to watch a football match, and a diner who wanted a burger found only chicken available. One regular notes the pub is always busy and may need booking. Staff moved chairs to fit a highchair for one family, and a waitress arranged a lunch not on the menu for a fussy eater.
Customer Review Summary
Pies are what diners mention most, with the steak pie, beef brisket pie and chicken and leek pie all called very good, and a nut roast pleasing a gluten free and vegan diner. Chips described as crispy and golden outside and fluffy inside get praise too, as do the tortilla chips. Open fires and snug corners drive the cosy atmosphere, alongside a covered outdoor area, a small secret garden, live music and a decent ale selection. Service is mostly called quick, warm and friendly, though one reviewer found the bar staff a bit moody. Another says they weren't allowed to move two stools nearer the bar to watch a football match, and a diner who wanted a burger found only chicken available. One regular notes the pub is always busy and may need booking. Staff moved chairs to fit a highchair for one family, and a waitress arranged a lunch not on the menu for a fussy eater.
Featured reviews
- Julie Simpson
“Used to be a regular here when I was younger but haven't really been in for years. Went on Sunday with the family and would definitely go back for food again and or a drink. Had booked a table and service was very good . Quite a few of us had the pies which were excellent. My sister is gluten free and vegan and she was very pleased too with the nut roast as was my daughter. The pub hasn't really changed in all those years but still has that cosy feel and I remember listening to bands in front of the fire on a winters night. Has a nice outdoor seating area too which is lovely watching people walk passed and a little secret garden.”
- B M
“Food and service amazing. Outstanding service from Stuart who made us feel very welcome so much so we have booked for the roast dinner tomorrow.”
- Jojo B
“Stopped for a lunch. Wanted a burger but no beef only chicken available. Had a pie and tortilla chips, both very good.”
- Amie B
“Lovely pub, popped in for a drink and decided to get some food. Great atmosphere with the open fires and snug corners. Service was quick and impeccable - nothing was too much trouble!! The food was really excellent, great quality, big quantities and well prepared. Most importantly the chips were great; crispy, golden outside and fluffy on the inside! Would definitely recommend and would visit again.”
- Şebnem Özdemir
“Lovely pub. We visited for lunch while we were visiting York on a day trip. Pub had a really cost vibe, and the dining room was nice and quiet. We had beef brisket and chicken & leeks pies which were so good. And the service was really nice and warm too. Would recommend both for food and just for a cosy drink. Has a really nice and covered outside space too”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“A staple traditional British pub, The Old White Swan in York is highly rated for its historic charm and welcoming service. Visitors highlight the excellent selection of proper pints and delicious, classic pub food.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Bars near The Old White Swan
- Valhalla York4.74,2590.1 mi£10–20
ragnarok platter, mead selection, viking themed decor
- Pivní York4.61,7410.1 mi£1–10
beer selection, dog friendly pub, knowledgeable bar staff
- Shambles Tavern4.61,2670.1 mi£1–10ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
craft beers on tap, live music, fresh food
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Old White Swan | 4.43,294 | — | — | homemade pies, open fires, steak pie |
| Valhalla York | 4.74,259 | 0.1 mi | £10–20 | ragnarok platter, mead selection, viking themed decor |
| Pivní York | 4.61,741 | 0.1 mi | £1–10 | beer selection, dog friendly pub, knowledgeable bar staff |
| Shambles TavernReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.61,267 | 0.1 mi | £1–10 | craft beers on tap, live music, fresh food |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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