The Blue Bell
Tiny, traditional wood-panelled pub with original Edwardian decor and open fire, serving cask ales.. Located at 53 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF, UK
About
Experience Traditional Charm at The Blue Bell Pub in York
Step back in time at The Blue Bell, a unique pub located in the heart of the city center. This tiny, traditional establishment, with its original Edwardian décor and inviting open fire, offers a glimpse into York's rich history and a taste of quality cask ales.
What to Expect at The Blue Bell
Prepare to be transported to another era as you enter The Blue Bell. This wood-panelled pub has retained its Edwardian charm since 1903, offering a truly authentic experience. It's known as the city's smallest pub, so expect a cozy atmosphere where you might find yourself making new friends. As one visitor put it, "What an amazing way to travel back in time with a good beer. The inside of this pub is unchanged in over 100 years and is a real throwback. It's really small so expect to get cozy."
Services
The Blue Bell offers a selection of cask ales, beer, and wine. Enjoy your drinks inside beside the open fire, or if the weather permits, make use of the outdoor seating. Restroom facilities are available for customers.
Location & Atmosphere
Located in the heart of the city center, The Blue Bell is easily accessible. If you're driving, NCP York Piccadilly is conveniently close by. For a caffeine fix before or after your visit, GOLD Café is just around the corner. The intimate atmosphere of The Blue Bell is a major draw, creating a friendly and welcoming environment. Dogs are welcome, adding to the pub's charm. Another visitor states "After hearing so much about this pub and it's history I had to pop in during my visit to York, as others say it's cosy with only a handfull of tables in the pubs front and back rooms but it's friendly".
Why Visit The Blue Bell?
The Blue Bell offers a unique pub experience steeped in history. With an impressive average rating of 4.70/5 based on 1604 reviews, it's clear that visitors appreciate its charm and character. One reviewer raved, "Stopped in at The Blue Bell while in York — the city’s smallest pub. Established in 1798 and last decorated in 1903, it still retains all of its Edwardian charm. There were a few local ales on tap." The pub offers beer, wine, and cask ales at an inexpensive price level. The Blue Bell is open seven days a week, from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. If you are looking for something larger, the Golden Fleece York is nearby.
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The reviews below were last updated on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 12:55.
Stopped in at The Blue Bell while in York — the city’s smallest pub. Established in 1798 and last decorated in 1903, it still retains all of its Edwardian charm. There were a few local ales on tap, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The few patrons inside had that easy, late-afternoon buzz that makes a pub feel just right. Tried their own IPA — smooth and well-balanced. Overall, a great spot for a proper pint and a taste of local history and character. Saluti.
What an amazing way to travel back in time with a good beer. The inside of this pub is unchanged in over 100 years and is a real throwback. It's really small so expect to get cozy, but luckily the regulars are very friendly and chatty so that adds to the experience rather than detracting. Very knowledgeable and experienced landlord/bar man who shared a tale and a smile and some great cask beers to try. This really is a must try venue for anyone who enjoys ale and/or history. (Apparently York City FC were formed in the back room here too).
After hearing so much about this pub and it's history I had to pop in during my visit to York, as others say it's cosy with only a handfull of tables in the pubs front and back rooms but it's friendly with a warm welcome from the team behind the bar, I had the Bluebell IPA and it was excellent. The pub is full of charm and character, I'm looking forward to my next visit when we're in York.
Excellent pub in York, small but perfectly formed. Four or five excellent beers and the pork pie definitely fills a gap. Remember the rules though no groups, no phone noise! Though that's no problem everyone is very chatty and you'll forget your phone very quickly whilst enjoying a good pint or three.
Very signature pub in York. The pub is quite small but the drink is amazing and the decoration is so unique. You can meet a lot of local here and talk with them to hear many interesting stories abt York
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📍 53 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF, UK
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53 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF, UK