Evening York

York certainly knows how to party – after all, the city does have almost 2,000 years experience in this field! The Romans started it all, of course, dressed up to the nines in their togas. The Vikings – well, their alleged antics may have earned themselves the reputation similar to that of a stag party on the rampage, but they did have a more civilised side to their nature too! Medieval times saw the introduction of a social life revolving around the city’s inns, with plenty of entertainment on the streets as well. And then there were the Georgians – the wealthiest and most fashionable Londoners built the elegant townhouses that you see in York today, so that they could come up and enjoy the famously good social life of the city on a regular basis, visiting the theatre, dining and entertaining every night of the week.

Today, York has so many pubs, bars and wine bars that you could choose a different one for every night of the year. The beautiful city centre is compact and largely pedestrianised making it a great place to cruise from one place to another during the evening. Ghost walks, moonlit river cruises and pub trails all add to the endless possibilities for a fun-packed evening.

BARS

1331 – 13 Grape Lane (Opened 2005) Tel: 01904 641750 A trendy but relaxed bar and restaurant set on 3 floors. Offering a wide selection of drinks, an outside courtyard and live music and comedy on selected night. Bar 1331 also offers a great selection of food from light snacks and Sunday Roasts to the a la carte menu in the top floor restaurant.

Alleycats – 3 Coffee Yard, off Stonegate Tel: 01904 643307 This small bar is hidden away up in one of York’s many ginnels and it offers candlelit dining with a wide range of salads, tortillas, pastas, curries and steaks. They have a good selection of bottled beers, so you can also just pop in for a drink.

The Biltmore Bar and Grill – Swinegate (New for 2006) Tel: 01904 610075. Housed in the old Elim Pentecostal Church in Swingate, The Biltmore is one of York’s trendiest bars. With its modern contemporary interior, it oozes style! Set on two levels, this spacious bar offers a selection of meals and grills on the ground floor and a more formal dining experience upstairs in the Restaurant and Champagne bar.

Bobo Lobo – 5 Little Stonegate (Opened 2004) Tel: 01904 621900 www.bobolobo.co.uk The only Latin Bar in York, based in the Quarter, Bobo Lobo offers the very best of the Latin American experience. From the exciting flavours of the food, inspired by the Spanish and Portuguese settlers and the Native South American Indian Culture, to the great cocktails, salsa and merengue music, the vibrant atmosphere and ambience of the décor, not forgetting the 30 or more different tequilas and rums offered!

Buzz Sushi Bar – 20-24 Swinegate Tel: 01904640222 This modern-looking sushi bar is York’s first incursion into the world of Japanese cuisine. It has a very contemporary and stylish feel in the inside. Although small, it manages to incorporate tables and chairs, the trademark conveyor belt and swanky communal leather cube seats in the bar. It serves a range of noodle dishes, teriyaki and bento meals. Drinks vary from traditional Japanese, such as cold sake, takora plum wine and beers, to standard bar drinks and cocktails.

City Screen – 13-17 Coney Street Tel: 01904 541144 www.picturehouses.co.uk Housed in the old Yorkshire Herald press works building, the City Screen offers an impressive café-bar – the Sky Lounge – with a terrace overlooking the river. The Basement Bar hosts diverse music, poetry and comedy events, plus a regular film quiz night.

Evil Eye Lounge – 42 Stonegate (Opened 2004) Tel: 01904 640002 www.evileyelounge.com Called the most bohemian bar in York, the Evil Eye offers a large range of excellent cocktails and smoothies, as well as absinth, but doesn’t serve any beers on tap, just bottles. They also have an internet café on the first floor.

Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen – 13-17 New Street Tel: 01904 655868 www.hahaonline.co.uk Tucked away on New Street, this is a relaxed open bar with plenty of space. It offers an excellent menu of Mediterranean foods as well as a cool and trendy wine bar atmosphere. Top local DJs play funk and disco both Friday and Saturday nights and it is one of the few bars in York with a new 1am licence.

Harkers – 1 St Helen’s Square Tel: 01904 672795 Probably the first of York’s new trendy bars – this opened in the early 90’s in the old National Yorkshire Insurance building, a superb Georgian building built in 1824. The false ceilings were taken down and the building was restored to its former glory. Champagne breakfasts are a great way to start the day! At night Harkers has its loyal following of York’s residents – both young and old.

The Habit – Goodramgate The Habit is set in the shade of York Minster, close to the historic Monkbar. It is a modern café bar and restaurant with a contemporary twist. It offers a wide selection of hot and cold meals throughout the day and evening. There is also a wide selection of fine wine, beers and spirits as well as hot and cold beverages.

Kennedy’s – 1 Little Stonegate Tel: 01904 620222 Set in York's trendy Quarter area, between beautiful historic buildings and with a modern stylish décor, Kennedy’s boasts three levels, including a conservatory, a well-lit sun terrace, main bar and a basement dance bar. They offer great value food, with an excellent wine list and regular specials. There is live music on Wednesday, Thursdays and Sunday, as well as DJs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Late licence.

The Living Room – Merchant Exchange, 1 Bridge Street Tel: 0870 22 03 001 The Living Room is situated on the first floor within the new riverside ‘Merchant Exchange’ development on Bridge Street, adjacent to the Ouse Bridge. It has fabulous views across the river Ouse. The inside of the bar is large and it also includes a restaurant. There is live music Wednesday to Saturday.

Old Orleans – 9 Low Ousegate Tel: 01904 620158 Authentic New Orleans cuisine, classic cocktails and a vibrant party atmosphere combine to ensure that whatever the occasion you’ll enjoy a real feast for your soul. Live bands playing swing and Jazz feature mid week. Plus the restaurant offers numerous Deep South dishes, including a 'Cajun alligator'!

Oscar’s Wine Bar & Bistro – 8 Little Stonegate Tel: 01904 652002 Another classy wine bar with an excellent outdoor heated area. The style of the interior creates a warm and modern atmosphere. It stocks numerous European beers and a fine selection of wines from around the world. It offers great food, both traditional and worldwide cuisine.

O (formally Orgasmic Café) – St Martin’s Courtyard, 13-17 Coney Street Not the gourmet equivilant of Ann Summers but an independent cafe bar which is passionate about food and drink. This bar, which is located on the banks of the river Ouse, in the heart of the old city centre of York has a very spacious interior and offers a nice view of the river. The food menu is great, with a good choice of pizza, filled flatbread and burger dishes and they also have a great range of the wines and beers.

Pitcher and Piano – Coney Street Tel: 01904 658580 Flash surroundings and fabulous interior décor – opened in 2000 to coincide with the opening of the City Screen cinema next door. Its balconies overlook the river Ouse.

Plonkers – 5 Cumberland Street Tel: 01904 655307 This is a popular wine bar near the river Ouse. It has an 80's theme décor and offers excellent Thai dishes. It often attracts a rowdy crowd, but with a fun atmosphere. Great value prices!

Revolution - Coney Street (new for 2007) Tel: 01904 674428 With a chic but relaxed atmosphere, Revolution is one of York's busiest bars. On the riverside, it has a beautiful balcony view, it is resonably priced and has great quality food. Alongside the many different flavours of vodka that are available, the menu contains many of the standard lunchtime burgers, sandwiches and salads.

Slug and Lettuce – The Courtyard, Back Swinegate Tel: 01904679900 A worthy option for daytime drinking and reading the papers, as the music is not too loud. It has a great roomy bar with leather sofas. The menu offers typical gastro-pub cuisine and their themed nights have some quirky touches.

Slug and Lettuce - 1 - 1a Low Ousegate (New for 2007) Formerly called Capital One, this became York's second slug and lettuce in 2007. It is a very modern and trandy bar overlooking the River Ouse.

The Parish – Micklegate (Opened late 2005) Tel: 01904 643424 Tombs are just one of the things to set The Parish aside from many York bars and eateries. The Parish was formerly St John's Church and then converted into an arts centre, but much of the ancient stonework has been preserved and the décor and ambience certainly provide a talking point. The bar, new and gleaming, is built upon a glittery tiled floor which looks perfect for spinning around in those party shoes.

Varsity – 6-12 Lendal Tel: 01904 541284 Varsity opened 2000 and it’s mainly aimed at the student market. It is packed most nights and there are discount drinks for students mid-week.

Victor J’s Art Bar – 1a Finkle Street (off Sampson’s Square) Tel: 01904 541771 Victor J’s is a great place to have a chilled night out, escaping from chain bar fever in York. It has an informal atmosphere with paintings for sale on the walls (hence being an art bar). Food served includes great wraps and nachos. No beers on tap, just bottled.

Vudu Lounge – 39 Swinegate (New for 2006) Tel: 01904 627627. Situated on Swinegate, Vudu Lounge is a modern, funky bar with a dark and vibrant atmosphere. Set on two floors, the cosmopolitan bar offers a wide array of cocktails, food and live entertainment.

Wilde’s Wine Bar – 21 Grape Lane Tel: 01904 610370 Wilde’s is a lovely, little, old-fashioned wine bar. It’s popular, friendly and with a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. They have some foreign beers on tap – but they serve only half pints. Their food is great and it covers all tastes, from Mexican to Italian to traditional English dishes.

YO1 – 5 Fossgate Tel: 01904 615411 Formerly YO1, The Terrace changed its name in 2007. It now has a much trendier look and serves food with good prices.

PUBS

York Brewery Pubs

Established in 1996, York Brewery is both a tourist attraction and a working brewery, providing customers locally and around the country with the first traditionally brewed ales from within the walls of York for over 40 years.

Their Visitor Centre on Toft Green, Micklegate, includes a bar and a retail shop where various brewery merchandise can be purchased including York Brewery home brew kits, and the five different bottle brands brewed by the brewery. Tel: 01904 621162, www.yorkbrew.co.uk

The Cross Keys - 34 Goodramgate Tel: 01904 686941 Its name derives from the keys on the arms of the Seal of York, meant to signify the gates of heaven. The Cross Keys has a popular beer garden in the shadow of York Minster, live music and big screen sports.

The Last Drop Inn – 27 Colliergate (York Brewery Pub) Tel: 01904 623490 Called ‘York Brewery’s First Pub’, the Last Drop Inn has been open since the year 2000. They stock a nice selection of York Brewery’s beer and guest ales. Try the Minster Ale for instance… Quality snacks also available.

The Maltings Pub – Tanners Moat Tel: 01904 655387 This building has been an inn since about 1840 and it is probably the first pub people see if they enter York from the train station. It is a Black Sheep Brewery pub and it sells an original selection of real ales and country wines.

The Punchbowl – 7 Stonegate Tel: 01904 615491 This 300-year-old pub is on one of York’s most historic streets and sells traditional Yorkshire ales. It also serves good food and there are regular quiz nights. It is considered one of York’s most haunted pubs.

The Three Legged Mare – 15 High Petergate (York Brewery Pub) Tel: 01904 638246 This is not one of York’s historic pubs – in fact it is one of the newest and just what you’re looking for if you don’t really like pubs! No jukebox, no pool table, no TV, no dartboard and no children! Tasteful, rough and ready furnishings and besides York Brewery's own range, a good selection of Belgian beers. High Petergate.

Yorkshire Terrier – 10 Stonegate (York Brewery Pub) This pub is owned and run by the York Brewery and it serves at least eight of their super beers on tap, as well as some guests ales. It is situated in a lovely looking building and it is behind the York Brewery’s shop. They serve food and their upstairs room is non-smoking.

Other pubs

York is packed with pubs, many of which have fascinating histories and more lively spirits than just those in the bottles behind the bar. It is claimed that in York you can have a drink in a different place every night of the year so here are a few suggestions to get you started....

The Blue Bell – 53 Fossgate Tel: 01904 654904 Possibly the smallest pub in York, The Blue Bell is a hidden gem on Fossgate. They have real fires in winter. They have just started to offer Tapas, which has taken some of the regulars by surprise – more used to pickled eggs!

Judges Lodging – 9 Lendal Street Tel: 01904 638733 Part of the Judges Lodging hotel, this is a cellar bar with plenty of character and choice of ales. It is divided into three small, brick-walled, low ceiling rooms. It is very busy in the summer, as it has one of the most popular beer gardens in York.

The Black Swan - Peasholme Green Originally built as a rich merchants home, this is one of the best surviving tudor buildings in York and a tourist attraction within its own right.

The Golden Fleece-Pavement Originally belonged to the Merchant Adventurers who were responsible for the woollen trade on the River Ouse, this is the oldest and most haunted coaching inn in York, dating back to at least 1503. And if you think that the floors are a little uneven, you haven't had too many - the building is made entirely around a wooden frame and has no foundations.

The Old White Swan – Goodramgate Tel: 01904 540911 Also called the ‘Mucky Duck’ – this pub has a great atmosphere, alongside a friendly landlord and live bands. One of the few pubs in York with a pinball machine, this pub attracts both students and locals for a lively evening.

The Roman Bath - St. Sampsons Square

Renamed to capitalise on its history, the pub stands on the site of an old Roman bath house, the remains of which are now one of the main attractions, along with its bath-scene murals, stone statues and stained glass windows.

The Royal Oak – 18 Goodramgate Tel: 01904 653856 www.royal-oak-pub-york.co.uk Located just a stones throw away from York Minster, this 16th century award-winning inn has a warm and cosy atmosphere. It serves a range of traditional ales, as well as delicious home-cooked food. There is a non-smoking room and function facilities.

The Snickleway Inn - Goodramgate Very traditional pub in every way - with no fewer than nine ghosts and once a week - a male voice choir to serenade the drinkers.

The York Arms – 26 High Petergate This Grade II listed building, lying beneath the shadow of the Minster, is one of nine Samuel Smith's houses. It is a homely little pub that attracts an off-beat crowd of locals. There are two main lounge areas, and a tiny snug at the front of the pub. It serves a good pint of cask beer in a traditional and friendly atmosphere. It is also said to be one of York’s haunted pubs.

CLUBS

Fibbers – Stonebow House, The Stonebow Tel: 01904 651250 www.fibbers.co.uk Café bar by day, music venue by night, Fibbers features an eclectic range of performers every night of the week, including local and national circuit acts. It is open all day for quality food and great Italian coffee.

The Gallery – 12 Clifford Street Tel: 01904 647947 This city centre club is located within the same building as the York Dungeon. It has two dance floors with mostly mainstream music. A very ‘fun’ place to party!

BPM – 1 George Hudson Street Tel: 01904 625438 Along with its partner Nexus across the road, BPM is a popular spot on Fridays and Saturdays. It is open every night of the week, with a live DJ playing a mix of music to get the party started. There are two floors, upstairs is no smoking. Entry is free and closing time is 1.30am.

Nexus – 3 George Hudson Street www.nexusyork.co.uk Nexus is a popular spot on Fridays and Saturdays. Small beer selection, but it offers a good variety of other drinks. It has dance areas around the pub, including the upstairs Lounge Bar. Closing time is 2.30am Thursday to Saturday.

Toffs Nightclub – 3-5 Toft Green Tel: 01904 620203 www.toffsnightclub.co.uk A long established favourite with the locals of York, after a half-million pound refurbishment, Toffs is back as the ultimate party destination! Their new state of the art sound and lighting system is complemented by a new line-up of the very best DJs and entertainment. Tends to attract an older late 20s, 30s and 40s crowd. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are student nights.

Reflex – George Hudson Street Tel: 01904 645161 Reflex is an 80s-themed pub which has a late license most nights. The 80s theme is everywhere and the bar is also home to a revolving dance floor. It's located at the base of the Micklegate run and entry is free.

Ziggy’s – 55 Micklegate Tel: 01904 620674 Resembling a derelict house, Ziggy’s is York’s oldest nightclub. Depending on what type of night you are looking for, Ziggy’s has got to be the cheesiest of them all, but probably the most fun!!! Mondays and Wednesdays are student nights.

RESTAURANTS

Ask at the Assembly Rooms - Blake Street A chain resturant - but when you look inside, there is nothing "chain like" about it. Situated in the grandiose setting of the Assembly Rooms, Ask makes for an impressive, yet inexpensive evening. Unpretentious, in luxurious surroundings. Tel: 01904 637254

Blue Bicycle – 34 Fossgate Tel: 01904 673990 www.thebluebicycle.com Expensive but relaxed with an unparalleled reputation. The restaurant takes the blue theme to heart in its décor and design.

Cafe Concerto A cafe by day and a candlight resturant by night - Cafe Concerto is York's best kept secret! A favourite with the locals, it has established a huge reputation for fine food and a relaxed continential atmosphere. A licensed restaurant in the evening, it is a truly independent bistro, which is well worth a visit.

Delrio’s – 10 Blossom Street Tel: 01904 622695 A fabulous, top notch Sardinian restaurant, with great food, background live music and the opportunity, for those who dare, to venture onto the dance floor at the end of the evening. It is located in the basement, which gives it a sort of catacomb feel.

Henry J Beans Bar & Grill – Hilton Hotel, 1 Tower Street Tel: 01904 613807 American style diner with the best cocktails in town and delicious food served from the open grill. It offers a great selection of burgers, sandwiches, steaks and salads. Their bar has an extensive stock of spirits and a great range of wines.

J Bakers – 7 Fossgate (New for 2006) Tel: 01904 622688 With an eclectic mix of modern, international cuisine set against a backdrop of the trendiest of contemporary interiors, J. Bakers is one of the most popular eating and meeting establishments in York. Owned by Michelin starred chef Jeff Baker, the restaurant provides outstanding service and quality of food, complemented by a comprehensive wine list, which should suit all tastes.

Melton’s – 7 Scarcroft Road Tel: 01904 63434 www.meltonsrestaurant.co.uk Classical music, 1930s murals, and an impressive wine collection, sophisticated without being pretentious. Set in a converted Victorian house, Melton’s is a very distinguished restaurant and the food is excellent, with a strong commitment to the promotion of local produce.

Melton’s too – 25 Walmagate 01904 629222 www.meltonstoo.co.uk Melton’s too is the second venture restaurant from Michael and Lucy Hjort. A historic building, which used to be a saddlers, is the new location for this informal café bar and bistro with quality food and wine in a traditional setting.

Pizza Express – Museum Street Tel: 01904 672904 This restaurant is located in a 19th century listed building and it has exquisite views of the river Ouse. There are lounging sofas and a Grand Piano in the waiting area, alongside a variety of pizza toppings and other succulent dishes. There is live jazz Thursday to Saturday. Late night cuisine – serves until 12am Friday and Saturday.

Plunkets – 9 High Petergate Tel: 01904 637722 With a Mexican and American rock n’ roll theme, this classic restaurant offers a fabulous selection of chilli dishes, plus lots more! Their claim to fame is the signatures of the Rolling Stones, which can be found on the upstairs walls from a visit by the famous band in 1963!

St William’s College – 4-5 College Street Tel: 01904 634830 Their restaurant situated within the splendour of St William’s College offers a wide selection of homemade dishes, prepared daily from fresh ingredients. You can also enjoy a freshly ground coffee or a light snack in their magnificent surroundings, with the Minster towering above.

The Tasting Room – 13 Swinegate Court East Tel: 01904 627879 www.thetastingroom.co.uk Tucked in a charming courtyard in the city centre, The Tasting Room offers fresh home-prepared food within a spacious and contemporary environment. Bistro by day and restaurant by night, it offers the very best British cuisine with a hint of Continental flavour and style.

Cinemas and Theatres

City Screen: A stylish redevelopment of the old Yorkshire Herald press works, the city screen is an appealing mixture of art-house and standard cinema, showing an enticing range of offbeat and big box-office films as well as regular comedy and musical evenings. City Screen also has a trendy restaurant, wine bar, juice bar and unbeatable riverside panorama, situated on Coney Street. Press Contact: Nathan Hazel Tel: 01904 612940, nathanhazel@hotmail.com, website: www.picturehousecinemas.co.uk

Theatre Royal: The welcoming and imposing Theatre Royal in St Leonard’s Place has attracted stars of stage and screen for many years, and can offer a great night out with dinner included. Press contact: Duncan Clarke Tel: 01904 658162, website: www.theatre-royal-york.co.uk

The Grand Opera House: The Grand Opera House on Clifford Street hosts performances all year round and the extensive programme offers something to suit every taste and age group. Press Contact: Celestine Dubruel, Tel: 01904 655441, email: celestine.dubriel@sfx.com

Vue Cinema: The Vue Cinema complex in York offers 12 screens with a wide variety of the latest blockbuster films. Because of its stadium seating the cinema guarantees a good view for all. Clifton Moor Centre York, YO3 0XY, Tel: 01904 691147.

Friargate Theatre: Friargate Theatre is York’s most intimate theatrical venue, it opened to the public in May 2000 and is the permanent home of the Riding Lights Theatre Company. Productions range from Shakespeare to original musicals. Tel: 01904 655317, Email: rltc@rltc.org Website: www.ridinglights.org

AND FOR ADDED ENTERTAINMENT…

Everyone has a selection of pubs, resturants and theatres....so here are a few evening ideas that are unique to York....

YorkBoat Cruises Take a cruise along the River Ouse and get a different angle on the city. YorkBoat offers various themed evenings, including ghost cruises, summer night parties and floodlit evening cruises. Tel 01904 628324, website: www.yorkboat.co.uk

National Centre for Early Music Home of Britains acclaimed York Early Music Festival, the centre offers a year round programme of activities. The centre is situated in St.Margarets Church on Walmgate. For further information, please phone 01904 658338 or visit www.ncem.co.uk

Ghostwalks are a perennial favourite in York; hardly surprising, perhaps in the city, which is the home to more ghosts than any other in Europe. The Roman legionnaires spotted in the basement of the Treasurers House are perhaps the most famous, but you may have your own favourite by the time you're finished.

Ghost Trail of York 7.30 pm every evening from Minster entrance (West End) – no need to book. Traditional tales, Victorian tragedies and true accounts of ghostly phenomena. “Shockingly enjoyable!” Tel: 01904 633276, www.ghosttrail.co.uk

The Ghost Hunt of York 7.30 pm from the Shambles – no need to book. Takes you through the streets and snickleways with a professional guide for an evening of horror and hilarity. Tel: 01904 608700, website: www.ghosthunt.co.uk

Original Ghost Walk of York 8 pm from the King’s Arms Pub, Ouse Bridge – no need to book. An exploration of the world of folklore, legend and dreams. Expert storytellers reveal all kinds of secrets about the ancient city of York. Tel: 01904 764222, www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/yorkghostwalk/

The Haunted Walk of York 8 pm from Exhibition Square (in front of the Art Gallery) – no need to book. No masks or gimmicks – just story telling at its best! The history, haunting, murders and mysteries of Europe's most ghostly city. Tel: 01904 621003.

The Ghost Detective of York 7.30pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November to March, outside Jorvik Viking Centre – Meet the Ghost Detective of York. Follow him as his evening walking tour takes you along narrow passageways and dark streets to investigate bloodcurdling tales of scandal and death. Tel: 07947 325239, www.garygoldthorpe.com

AND FINALLY… NEED TO PAMPER YOURSELF BEFORE THE PARTY STARTS, OR PERHAPS A LITTLE HELP WITH THE RECOVERY PROCESS THE FOLLOWING DAY?

Alquimia Spa – 18- 20 Stonegate Tel: 01904 632888 Ancient and modern healing methods based on a respect for nature, this is the ideal place to relax and pamper yourself in superb period surroundings. Treatments take place in Georgian-style bedrooms rather than clinical massage rooms. Physiotherapy, reflexology and aromatherapy are available, as well as yoga and Pilates classes.

5 Senses Spa

Tel: 01904 623745 Reminiscent of the beautiful spas in Thailand, The Five Senses Thai Day Spa offers the ultimate in relaxation and pampering with treatments and massages that indulge, enhance and appeal to the 5 senses. The spa's philosophy is 'high touch, low tech' and body and face products used are imported from Thailand. Thann and Harnn range of products are exclusive to the Spa within the UK.

For any further information and your free guide to York please contact: York Visitor Information Centre, Tel: 01904 550099, email: info@visityork.org or visit the website at www.visityork.org

Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager - Visit York, Tel: 01904 554451, email: kh@visityork.org website: www.visityork.org