This place was a really nice time. I'm very late posting this, but better late than never... because this spot deserves a shoutout. A group of us stopped here around Halloween while making a drive from London to Scotland. One of my friends loves anything spooky, so I sought out what's rumored to be one of the most haunted pubs in the area (I think we were in York... forgive me if I'm off, travel brain ). From the moment you walk in, the place is dark, moody, and mysterious with a very cool vibe. You seat yourself, and we had a table reserved. The atmosphere was lively and social, almost speakeasy-like. There's no traditional table service, you scan a QR code, order food on your phone, and it magically appears at your table. Drinks are ordered directly at the bar, which we learned is pretty common here. Fun surprise: the bartender was actually from California, so it was great chatting with someone from the States while abroad. The crowd overall was lovely, mostly locals, and everyone was super friendly and chatty with us Americans, which really added to the experience. Halfway through our meal, a live band set up right in front of us and absolutely killed it. Think Rolling Stones meets a gritty Seattle grunge band. They were phenomenal. They even invited me up to sing... but sadly, I hadn't had enough shots yet, so I declined. Maybe next time Food-wise, we ordered butternut squash, a few burgers, chicken wings, and a few appetizers. The food was just okay, not bad by any means, but not the highlight. For a pub in the middle of York, it was perfectly acceptable and hit the spot. Did we feel a spooky, haunted vibe? Honestly... not really, which was a bit of a letdown. But hanging out next to the little skeleton sitting at the bar (which I think someone has already posted photos of) was still fun. The memorabilia and décor throughout the pub are great and give you plenty to look at. Overall, The Golden Fleece is a very cool stop for a quick bite, drinks, and fantastic live music. The atmosphere and camaraderie made the night, and I'd absolutely recommend popping in if you're nearby, especially if there's a band playing. read more

The Golden Fleece is such a fun spot to check out in York! It's got that perfect blend of old-school English pub charm and a slightly spooky vibe (it's supposed to be haunted, after all!). Even if you're not into ghost stories, the place just oozes character with its low beams, creaky floors, and dark cozy corners. The drinks were exactly what were we're looking for and expected...classic pints and spirits to choose from. Honestly, it's the kind of pub you want to spend a couple of hours in, just soaking up the atmosphere and imagining all the stories those old walls could tell. If you're in York and want a pint somewhere with a bit of history (and maybe a ghost sighting or two), The Golden Fleece is definitely worth popping into. read more

Golden Fleece - The five ghosts of the Golden Fleece - Pubs Near Me - York, NYK

See all

It is a quirky little building. I enjoyed the atmosphere. For a pub the drinks are good but the food is subpar. I probably wouldn't go here for dinner, I got a salad and it was okay. It was £14 and the most underwhelming, had the thinnest layer of salad. Don't get it. Other members of my party got the fish and chips and the Nachos, they will fill you up but it's nothing to rave about. The building is quirky and fun though and the man who took our order was nice. I recommend going down to the bar to order it's so much easier. read more

No ghost sightings for us, boo! Nice pub space, great seating space and nice ambiance. The staff is friendly and accommodating, helped us figure out what to get. My husband got a Guinness, and the bartender made a shot for me that was very tasty. Can't remember what it was, but it tasted like chocolate. Even being a crowded and popular pub, we were able to find a seat, and it wasn't too loud. We were able to sit and chat and enjoy each other's company. Great spot to hit at the end of a long day in York. read more

Golden Fleece - Pubs Near Me - York, NYK

Great atmosphere. Tons of character. Floors all old and uneven. Employees were really nice. They have more stuff in this really really old pub that you could never look at everything in a night. We had the amber beer on tap. Very tasty. Didn't see any ghosts though. But it was still early. read more

See all

Best pub experience we had in England! A 1600s pub, ghosts and excellent food and drinks, what else do you need in York? Staff was super friendly, locals inside were hilarious and welcoming to us Americans! Husband had a very tasty burger with bacon and he was in heaven! He said it was very juicy and flavorful. Chips were standard and delicious! I had the hunters chicken and chips. Very moist tender chicken with bacon cheese and bbq sauce. Very delicious! Chips again were good. Drinks were excellent! Husband had "too good" of a time with generous servings of jack and coke. I prefer less potent liquor such as Kalhulua and cream. Which was slightly skimpy but not holding them up on it as it's not a drink they normally served. No ghost sightings, however the very medieval feel and crooked building make it very apparent why spirits would be lingering! Best pub hands down for a Proper English pub experience! read more

See all

A York landmark - very interesting building, reputedly haunted. Have spent many happy hours here in the past. HOWEVER, when we called in for lunch about a month ago, the food was absolutely dreadful. An indeterminate lump of anaemic meat covered in a tasteless sauce - cost £15.95!!! Extremely disappointing - won't be back for some time. read more

Out tour guide recommended this pub as being the old pub in England. We stopped in on a hot day, it was packed. All wooden long tables & chairs. As a group of around 10 people, we got 2 tables right in front, didn't realize there were more tables in the back till I went to the bathroom. We ordered quickly at the front bar and the beer came quickly. Our tour guide bought all of us a drink. Very nice of her. However the food took a long long time, they're probably too busy. I even forgot what I ordered, nothing spectacular, I guess it's just a tourist stop. read more

Golden Fleece - Pubs Near Me - York, NYK

See all

The service was excellent! The bartender asked a couple of locals if they wouldn't mind moving to a smaller table to accommodate our large party. The ambiance was so fun being a spot that dates back to at least the early 16th century we were well aware of the many ghost the place houses. Food was really good, lots of options for local delicacies and items kids would enjoy too. read more

See all

This place was good! Only problem is that it is always packed and very hard to find seating. We ended up in the beer garden instead of inside. Recommend if you can get a table. read more

Golden Fleece - Pint - Pubs Near Me - York, NYK

We weren't keen when we first walked in as it was small and cramped. Then we were told we could go to the other bar of we were eating. This improved our experience. It is fairly dark and cosy, which keeps with the haunted theme. Surprisingly this is another York hotel which claims to be haunted. The bar staff were very helpful and took our order quickly and it didn't take long to arrive. We had giant Yorkshire pud with mash and beef, fish cakes, chicken curry. The portions were generous and the food was good. We are the lot! The cost was reasonable at £24. A good time was had by all read more

See all

I must have stumbled into The Golden Fleece on the wrong night. My experience wasn't quite as good as the other reviews here. I came to the Golden Fleece craving fish & chips and I had heard theirs were the best; so I was rather excited to give them a go. I walked in and went to the bar in the back where I took a stool and waiting for a service. There were 2 bartenders working, but they were more interested in talking to each other than helping out their patrons. They did wait on me and I order the fish & chips and a pint of ale. My order of fish & chips came out rather fast, but I wasn't going to complain about that. However when I took a bit of the fish it wasn't all that great; I don't think it was cod. It tasted more like a cheaper fish and wasn't really cooked well enough. As I ate my pint ran empty and was not refilled. After finishing up I had to wait for one of the bartenders to bring me my check. This took a while, but I finally got my check and was on my way. Service was not great and this might be due to their no tipping attitude. I would not recommend the Golden Fleece for F&C. read more

Dark and a little dismal. But that is what they are aiming at, it is supposedly haunted. Two bars and an eating area upstairs. Very friendly staff and the food is above average but below average prices. Keep a lookout for the guy at the end of the bar in the rear of the pub. Holding a quarter pint and he has been there ages waiting to be served obviously (he is a skeleton). I loved the atmosphere read more

Oh man the food in here was delicious! This was my first experience of a proper English pub and I loved the old interior and the coziness of it. There were funny pictures on the walls talking about leaving swords on the bar and no tinkers allowed, which I found amusing! The food is ordered at the bar and the service was great. I tried asking for irn bru (since i'm Scottish) but they didn't have it, which isn't surprising but thought I would try my luck! For food I ordered southern fried chicken, which came with 2 breast, amazing chunky chips, salad and garlic bread. I must admit the portion size was huge and defeated me. I couldn't eat all the garlic bread but everything was cooked really well and tasted fab. My boyfriend ordered the steak and Stilton pie, which came with chunky chips and vegetables. He absolutely loved it! Next time I'm York will definitely be coming back here again. The tables were comfortable and there was plenty of seating. It's rather dark though, but it creates a nice ambiance in the restaurant. read more

See all

Most haunted pub in York on Halloween! Really great quality pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord. Wife had old peculiar. Menus sticky though (that's a no always!) read more

Even if you aren't into haunted establishments, the Golden Fleece is peak York. Uneven floors, excellent food, cold drinks, and great craic. Really enjoyed it and would return again! read more

Said to be the oldest Inn in York (1503) it also the most haunted and has been on TV's Most Haunted show. Great food. I took an American who said the Clam Chowder was better than home. Has a coutyard for eating in and a smoking area. Has rooms to stay in too. The rooms are all styled with medieval furniture and one was a secret room discovered about 7 or 8 years ago. Another room has a resident ghost and one has a 4 poster and a jacuzzi. Not expensive either. Very reasonable prices for the food. Try the giant Yorkshire puddings. Good beer. read more

Golden Fleece - Pubs Near Me - York, NYK

A brilliant English pub that is the most haunted building in York. I didn't see any ghosts though, so you probably will be alright...or not! The front area of the pub is for drinks only. We headed to the back area to grab a bite. It is a small, darker pub with a skeleton at the bar to keep you company! Looks like you can reserve tables in advance, which I would recommend if coming after 7pm. We were able to grab a spot in a little nook. Some tables are on a slant while others are barely holding on. It is all a part of the old building and its character. You can read more about the history in your menu, as I can only remember so much history! There is a selection of brews on tap, as well as Strongbow which was my brew of choice. However, they have more of a selection of bottled brews behind the counter. Food wise though, it was stellar. There are vegetarian and vegan meal options listed, as well as markings on all menu items (gluten free, mustard free, vegan etc). I had the Jalfrezi curry full of vegetables with saffron rice, a papadum and side salad. Would definitely recommend to warm up on those wet days. In terms of service, the staff were lovely. Even let us sample a few beers on tap before making our choice. read more

Golden Fleece - Goat cheese main with sundried tomato and olive spread. - Pubs Near Me - York, NYK

See all

I love this place, my all time favourite pub! It's a shame I live in Leeds. Fantastic beers at a fantastic price, I would recommend this place to absolutely anyone! The skeletons are a nice touch too;) read more

Golden Fleece - Pubs Near Me - York, NYK

If you didn't know already from the signs posted outside, this is known as one of the most haunted places in the UK! I've been here twice while traveling through York and both times it's been relatively busy, so I haven't been as creeped out as I usually am in haunted sites. There are multiple sections and a beer garden out back, as well as a skeleton seated at the bar which adds to the creepiness (or campiness). This pub definitely has character, and also looks like it has some pretty delicious food! I've only had drinks here but seeing some of the plates being carried out to other people, the spicy potato wedges with cheese looks SOOOO DELICIOUS. I almost came back here a third time just to get those! There are also a bunch of meetings and events that happen here, I think the night we were there it was some sort of a goth convention... of the sort. Maybe a séance. One of the ghost/history tours meets out front by the pub and ends here, but it'd be pretty cool to hear about the hauntings that have happened within the pub itself! If you inquire or look it up, there are signs all about the eerie happenings that have occurred here. It is also an inn so you can stay here if you are into that sort of thing and don't get as easily creeped out as I do! read more

Very friendly staff and bartenders. The food was delicious, the beer selection ideal and the company was exceptional. Decor was inviting and cozy. read more

Golden Fleece - Pubs Near Me - York, NYK

Lovely old pub, a York staple. The food portions they do are absolutely ginormous. I saw someone trying to wade enough fish and chips for a family. The prices are not bad either, I just wasn't hungry (and certainly not THAT hungry). Went for Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, recalling how much I had enjoyed it in Makeney (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/1329468-Holly-Bush-Inn-Belper#review_3386642) . It wasn't quite as good as I remembered it, but still nice. Rather like the idea of staying here sometime. read more

Super service and very mellow atmosphere. It was getting quite chilly and a pub with fireplace, food and good ale were the goal! This place checked each box and then some. Attached to The Shambles, it's actually in a good location for lunch or if you're wrapping up for the day. The fish and chips were good and the ale, too. Comfortable seating. There was also outdoor seating, but I was looking for warmth! One side of the pub is drink only, the other is drink and food (this is The Shambles-facing side). Will definitely return. They have a curry chicken I'm interested in trying. read more

Have always liked this place great beer garden decent food nice ancient building , and a good pint , blink and you will miss it , but it goes right back into a large dining area that sometimes has live music , read more

A great old fashioned pub, great beer. The food is good basic pub grub with huge portions. Well worth a visit read more

If you're a history buff then this is the pub for you! We visited it on a trip we loved it so much we went twice. The pub really gives you a feel of what pubs where like in medieval times with it's uneven floors it's very true to medieval roots from the decoration to the lighting. The walls are filled with snippets of it's history. The food is absolutely incredible and you get really good portions. As a pub it's really small and is a tight squeeze on busy nights. Didn't witness any hauntings even so, I wouldn't stay there overnight in the guest rooms which look fabulous according to it's website. read more

Nice place in the heart of York for a drink, a meal and to meet up.

I love this place. Yes, part of it is just many fun memories here, but the food is good, and it has a great atmosphere.

Characterful pub which makes great play on supposedly being haunted. There's a bar as you enter the pub which is quite cramped and another bar and room towards the rear of the pub which is a bit more comfortable and spacious. A few tables are provided outside at the back of the pub for those sunny days or even for those rainy days for today's much maligned smokers. Black Sheep was one of the beers on draught, a perennial favourite of mine, and it was well kept. I suppose our perceptions of a pub change when we view it as being hundreds of years old as this one is and we tend to judge it accordingly, so in that respect it's an interesting pub to visit, but to be honest it had a slightly grubby feel and I wouldn't especially go out of my way to visit it again. read more

Very traditional English pub, two bar, we went through to the one at the back, passing many framed newspaper cuttings about the ghost stories centred around York and the pub itself. Staff friendly, but the building could do with some TLC, lots of textured walls in need of a lick of paint. very busy, so obviously popular though. also runs ghost evenings, and offers accommodation read more

Feels a bit grubby but does have character! Friendly staff and good acoustic band playing and whilst we didn't eat the food looked good and there wasn't much leftovers going back to the kitchen from the generous portions! read more

I visited this pub as i heard many reviews and saw it on the television (as everyone does). Being a photographer and interested in history i had to give this place a visit and see it for myself. Soon as i walked in it was loverly and warm with a quiet atmosphere and a welcoming girl behind the bar. It was raining outside and i was offered a place to dry my coat and store my equipment. The pub has a lovely environment and historic appearance and friendly locals aswell as staff. People comment on the toilets a lot but the times i have been inside they were fine and even when it was busy they were satisfactory. The food is gorgeous and i only decided to eat when i saw others food arriving and looking alone tempted me. The drinks are cheap and the food is well priced for what you get overall its a good place to be when you have time to spare. I will deffinately be vising this place again soon as i intend to see the live music to which i have heard good reviews. A night out is a good thing when you spend it with good people in a place like this! read more

Very popular with tourists due to its central location and alleged ghost-infestation. Serves a modest range of real ales. Not a bad place to drink mid-week, but not such a nice atmosphere on Friday/Saturday night when it has bouncers on the door. I seem to remember that it has a pleasant beer garden at the back. read more

Called in on Sunday the 1st of June . The bar was quite dark which gave it a bit of an atmosphere . We sat down to have a drink and look at the menu. The staff were very welcoming , I went to the bar to order the meals but was told to go to the other bar area to place the order. When the meals arrived we were impressed with the size of the portions, I had ordered an extra side of chips which were not needed. My wife enjoyed her hot beef sandwich but thought a bit more gravy would have made it even better. I ordered a beef burger which was very nice and the chips were some of the best I have had. The problem was with the bun with the burger ,it was burned. I pointed the out to the bar staff,who told me it was the way it should be as it was flamed grilled. I said it was to burnt as it was black in places so he said he would take it back as I had not eaten much of it ,I told him it was alright as I just wanted to point it out for future reference . When we had finished he said he would tell the chef when he took the plates back. When he took the plates back he was not away long enough to mention it to the chef , and did not mention anything to us when he returned to the bar. As we left we used the toilets , the ladies were some of the worst toilets my wife had used. read more

toilets..oh god euwwwwww

Somewhat Insanitary bathroom + so-so breakfast + grudging service = not good enough for £ 80.

Good quality pub grub at a reasonable price in a historical, if slightly grubby pub.