The Micklegate Run Pub Crawl in York - A Local Yorkies Guide

Micklegate is a medieval cobbled street in York that runs from Micklegate Bar, the Western walled entrance to York, down towards the river. There there are many bars and pubs to pop into for a drink along the way. This pub crawl is very popular during race meetings. It is also an event considered one of York's best events for Stag nights or Hen Nights in the city. There are also a number of restaurants along the way. So, if you don't fancy getting all the way down Micklegate, you can stop off for a meal instead.

Meeting Up for the Micklegate Run

Windmill Inn

The Windmill Inn

The best place to meet for this pub crawl is just outside the city walls. The Windmill is across the road from Micklegate Bar, on Blossom Street. It has a number of bars in it. The reason this is one of the best place to meet is because of the bay windows in the front bars that face blossom street. You can get a pint and stand in the window checking out who is on the way into town from here with ease. Putting your pint down and running outside to holler across the road to friends is common place. Also, these windows are probably one of the best places for "talent spotting" in York. Once you have met up with all your friends here, it is time to down your drinks and start the run.

Wetherspoons Punch Bowl on Micklegate

Wetherspoons Punch Bowl

The Punch bowl is at the top of Micklegate, again just outside the city walls. Its address puts it on Blossom street but it is one of the closest venues there is to Micklegate Bar, so it is definitely to be included. As well as this it is a Wetherspoons. So, who ever gets this round is on a good thing because Wetherspoons means cheap drinks. They serve a variety of ales here. The quality can also vary. It ranges form a nice pint to a pint that is most definitely on its last legs. The bar staff here can range from friendly chatty students to "other" European people who can hardly understand or speak English. The clientele are also quire varied. From gentlemen and ladies having a good night out, to the raging alcoholics shouting at each other at the top of their voices right across the room. It can be quite entertaining.

The Micklegate at 127

Just inside Micklegate Bar (the big medieval gate you just walked through) this is a quite roomy place to meet up but, it can get very busy on a weekend. It is a good starting point for the run.

Brewdog York

If you know pubs you will know of Brewdog. A nice traditional decor with over 10 beers on draft every day. Another good starting venue to meet your friends in.

Time to Eat - Restaurants on Micklegate

If you have followed the route you will have had at least 3 drinks by now so, it might be a good idea to line you stomach with some food. There are also several good restaurants available at the top of the street. My personal choice would be Delrio's an Italian restaurant at the very top of the street. Also worthy is Olde Siam Thai restaurant. This is just across the road from Gibson's. Additionally there an Indian restaurants near here. The largest of these is a large local chain called Jinnah It is very open plan, but I have not tried it. The smaller one, the Sheesh Mahal, unfortunately closed its doors in 2015. I did try that one and would say was a good curry house. It is always a good idea to book ahead to be sure of a seat at these places.

1/2 way down the street there are 2 rather higher quality restaurants. It would be a good idea to book well ahead to make sure you get a table. Both The Rattle Owl and Skosh are very popular and well frequented by locals and tourists.

For those of you on a budget, you can always wait till you get further down the bottom of the hill to eat. There is a Fish and Chip shop (closes at 8pm) and the Micklegate takeaway fast food outlet nearer to the river. Both of these are good value for money and good food, especially when you have had a few more pints. There is a larger place called Vaqueiros (Brazilian bbq meat) that is suited to larger groups. You may be able to walk in here but, booking is a good idea for a group of you.

Real Ale on Micklegate

Brewdog York

Its own style of real ale is always available here. Lots and lots to choose from. In fact if you were to do a full taster you probably wont get very far along the Micklegate run at all! There are usually 16 or more brews on offer there so, be mindful how many you try if you want to go any further!

The Priory public house
The Priory

Another pint of real ale can be consumed in here. This is an ancient pub that has a ton of history about it. Take a look around the back and you might get to glimpse the 10 century original building. It looks like a traditional pub from the outside but, inside it could do with a referb and a clean really as it looks a bit rough. Subdued lighting and a reasonable jukebox are your entertainment here. The staff can be friendly on a good day.

The Nags Head

Music and beer can have this place packed on a weekend. If you are doing the run it can be fun but it has nothing really unique to make it stand out. Apart from maybe if they are still offering 3 for 1 vodka and cokes!

Pop World

Cheesy music all night long. Open late this venue plays the sounds of the 80's and a few from the 90's and 70's seem to sneak on occasionally. What ever decade it is from, you will be guaranteed it is cheesy and fun. As it is open late this can be a good place to end your run. Drink offers abound. Different 2 for 1's and other drink promotions are available on different nights. There is an entry fee on a weekend.

Artful Dodger

A small venue that is down to earth near the bottom of the run. Right next to what used to be a nightclub, it opens late on a weekend until around 2pm. Can have a lot of what were fashionable greebos (during the 60's to the 90's) in but, not always. Used to be called Walkers Bar as it was owned by the legendary Annie Walker in its day. It has been a feature of the run for donkeys years.

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