Burns Hotel in York

Cheap and cheerful Sam Smiths pub, changed its name back from The Handsome Cab ,always been a popular drinking establishment in the city centre.

Fantastic old fashioned pub.no mobile phones allowed bonus

Sam Smiths pub, cheap beer, no mobiles, no tablets or laptops, no music, frequented by students and some local characters, quite enjoyable

Fair if you want a quick pint, now't to shout about, wet house only lol 😂 xxxx

Just popped in for a beer .nice staff food looks nice

Decided to pop in as passing and saw the sign about children and dogs on the way in, having just visited Whitby the dog rule was welcome lol. Lovely looking pub, with booths, the staff served us quickly and were friendly. We saw the rest of the rules on the beer mats when we sat down, fine pubs are allowed to enforce whatever rules they want and it was nice not having to listen to other people's phone calls, or football matches. Would of liked a bit of background music but it didn't spoil our evening.

We loved how encouragement is being made to restore good old conversation, as phone and laptops kill the art of an enjoyable time in a pub. When I go out with someone I don't expect to be ignored or be second best to someone else who isn't even in the same room. We'll done ✔️ I totally agree with them,

I was there yesterday (*Tuesday 6th, at approximately 7.30pm - reply to owners’ query). Having heard a stream of profanities from a local raconteur at the bar (in contravention of company policy clearly outlined in notices around the pub) ignored by the nearby bar staff, a friend was pointedly admonished for (silently) using his phone to search for a nearby restaurant by one of the bar staff. Concurrently, another punter’s phone loudly alerted him to a call which he took, shouting into his phone at length without censure. Clearly a pub where anyone “not local” isn’t welcome. It didn’t help that I (to my taste - it wasn’t ‘off’) found the beer was barely drinkable, so we left with my pint barely touched. Not the best experience I’ve ever had.

Nice enough however, as I was on my phone working on work related emails and logistics of my upcoming work in the area, I was told I can't use my phone. The lady said, and then I saw the signs, that it is to encourage drink and conversation. I get the concept of this Samuel Smiths pub policy but; I was on my own!!! I was not going to speak with myself, or anyone else. I wasn't speaking on the phone, not playing games nor playing music, just quietly minding my own business and planning the logistics of my work over the next couple of days. The lady was adamant that she won't allow me to continue despite me explaining the above. Can't some pragmatism, or a sensible approach, be exercised in the managing of this policy? I'll not be using this bar again when I'm in the area with work, shame but no problem, lots of other wonderful bars to use where I can be left to mind my own business without interruption from curt staff forbidding me to continue. On A final note, before I left, 3 blokes at a table on a phone conversation, which was on speaker, not a word said to them and they were left to continue, other staff said nothing!!!

I always come to this pub when we visit York as it holds many memories of my college years. What a big disappointment. No hand pulled Sam Smiths and the bar staff on duty was unwelcoming and no interest in serving me as she had something else to do! I found a much better experience at a local bar thankfully Bring back the atmosphere this pub had when it was The Hanson Cab!

Avoid this crazy place at all costs! The rude and obviously drunk maid behind the bar is racist and unfriendly. After two minutes of relaxing, she came over to me to say that there is a strict no-phone policy. I was just about to find my train and book a ticket. I used my phone to pay for a pint, and that was okay, lol. The place is stinky and full of obvious local alcoholics who definitely appreciated that I just left my half-full pint on the table and left that crazy place.

Always great service in this classic pub in the town centre.

Totalitarian bar! Got told I’m not allowed to use my phone . I don’t think so . My husband went to the toilet and the barmaid came right over to tell me to get off of my mobile phone. Got up, left my drinks that I’ve paid for. Never be back and will advise all friends and family not to attend this establishment. If I’d known prior to ordering drinks I would never have entered the door. No wonder it was empty! !

Popped in for a drink with my wife, bar was empty apart from ourselves and 3 locals. They had had a few too many and were very vocal with each other, plenty of swearing amongst other things. Staff didn't seem to bothered by they're behaviour, anyway I took my phone out to check on the kids who were at home (teenagers) and the staff were on my like a rocket and told me I couldn't use my phone. Not one to make an issue I put it away, 3 locals still gobbing off at this point. Later I got a text off my kids so got my phone out only for the staff to be there instantly telling me not to use my phone. She then asked the rowdy locals to calm it down. I know it's a stupid sma Smith pub rule but in this day and age, it's pathetic. I'm all.for talking rather than texting but the staff need to prioritise who they are having a go at. Will not be going anywhere near a Sam Smith pub ever again.

Went in for drinks, a tablet and phone free zone, which was great! Friendly staff and comfy chairs that made my father in law look like Rowley Birkin! Will probably be back tonight for a swift half.

Great pub and beer and absolutely amazing

HIDDEN GEM IN YORK!! Great service, immediately served, two pints for just over £7, no laptops/phones/children allowed = absolute bliss, we loved it

Friendly, traditional pub. Regulars supporting a nice pub. A great place to meet friends and have a drink and a chat. What freedom to chat and enjoy time without phones and laptops etc. Hurrah . People actually chatting and listening to each other. Plenty of other pubs for using Wi-Fi, using your phone. Nice atmosphere and a good red wine.

Well I thought at first what a lovely quaint stop in very busy York. I’m travelling solo. What I didn’t realise sitting on my own is the pub has a digital detox to encourage conversation (which is fine if you’re with a friend but alone it was very uncomfortable). I was looking up directions and got a ‘telling off’ for using my phone. Well I left and won’t be back. I would suggest a common sense approach is applied here - we are adults after all!

Really cheap prices (hence the extra star). Due to the nutjob rules of the owner, there is no background music and the place felt like a wake. Also, we were told to not use our mobile phones (we were looking at where to eat in York, as part of our stay). Due to this draconian rule, we swiftly left, leaving our glasses full. We won't be back u quaker/brethren nutcases, enjoy your cheap beer! 🤬

This is a Sam Smiths pub hence mobile phones etc are not allowed , a rule which is rigorously enforced. Drinks are cheaper than most places and food is served though limited in scope. Despite the name it is a pub, not a hotel. Due to the phone rule it is mostly an older crowd. Gay friendly.

I used to love this place, it was a proper pub, no messing, just good.... Feels like it's a dying business now unfortunately... Sad really, I hope these Sam Smith's pubs are rescued quickly from the toxicity of the owner

Went in for lunch, walked in straight away thought typical old man's pub but decided to stay. Got a drink, ordered food sat down. Got phone out to look at places in York was then told no phones allowed was a digital detox pub and pointed to a small sign. We saw no signs in the window or door on entering the pub and walked straight past this sign. Found it weird no phones or any technology yet landlord happily let's you pay for your food and drink via your phone....noticed he kept watching if we actually decided to use our phones throughout. If not had paid for food would have left. We chose to sit and chill to be able to research bits in york via our phone. To be fair food was nice. Many people came in unaware was no phones etc allowed and many were secretly using them. Saw one couple leave quickly, yet a lady was sat on a kindle yet nothing said. Last time I checked that's technology. Apparently it is Sam Smith breweries rules that any item of technology is not permitted. Not a place would visit again, was a typical old man pub. Great if you want to chat away, not if you just want to sit and chill with your phone in silence.

Smelly sticky tables and stale sandwiches . Old man’s smelly pub . Not cleaned the tables . Very cheap pints and food was terrible, waited ages for three sandwiches and the bread was rockhard, either stale or quickly defrosted absolutely disgrace to the city of York. seems like usual clientele every day who sits up in and they smelt terrible.. no fresh air could wait to get out of the place

Visited here last Saturday afternoon while visiting York and went to the bar for drinks. Meanwhile my wife and granddaughter went to find a seat and were yelled at by a gentleman who had some sort of needs,okay a lady apologised for him but it put a dampener on our visit. Beer was cheap but not very good and the atmosphere was dank. Staff were okay but all in all place was not very welcoming.

Got told off for using our mobiles. Good beer though.

This is a gadget free zone, no mobiles no laptops just an environment to enjoy a drink and converse with each other like we used to do. The staff are lovely, polite and well mannered and the beer is great, what's not to like?

A step back into the past a haunt for my husband in his youth lovely pub

Great Samuel Smith pub .. no WiFi thankgod.. people have to talk!!!

Went in Xmas Eve place was dead wife got her phone out only to be abruptly told about the no phone rule. She went to the loo and was swiftly followed by a member of staff no doubt checking she wasn't breaching the rules. Felt like being in prison didn't even finish my drink which wasn't very nice anyway no wonder the place is dead.

Very rude staff were unfriendly was told to stop looking at my mobile phone whilst trying to find direction. Apparently mobile phone free pub. Ridiculous, especially as was only told after buying drinks. Left straight away will not return. Nothing good about this pub.

Small, long friendly pub, mainly locals during day, good atmosphere, no phones allowed at all, well maintained very clean pub, friendly staff

Went in for lunch, walked in straight away thought typical old man's pub but decided to stay. Got a drink, ordered food sat down. Got phone out to look at places in York was then told no phones allowed was a digital detox pub and pointed to a small sign. We saw no signs in the window or door on entering the pub and walked straight past this sign. Found it weird no phones or any technology yet landlord happily let's you pay for your food and drink via your phone....noticed he kept watching if we actually decided to use our phones throughout. If not had paid for food would have left. We chose to sit and chill to be able to research bits in york via our phone. To be fair food was nice. Many people came in unaware was no phones etc allowed and many were secretly using them. Saw one couple leave quickly, yet a lady was sat on a kindle yet nothing said. Last time I checked that's technology. Apparently it is Sam Smith breweries rules that any item of technology is not permitted. Not a place would visit again, was a typical old man pub. Great if you want to chat away, not if you just want to sit and chill with your phone in silence.

Brilliant pub! Staff were brilliant.

My first Sam Smith pub. Takes some getting used to but the no phones rule is refreshing this day and age. The prices were brilliant and the ale very nice.

Slow bar staff. Waiting on change while they were talking. I walked away without mine. Their attitude was a little off. Whether they had been upset earlier but no reason to take it out on everyone

Ordered two cheese and pickle sandwichs plus a portion of chips and two beef sandwichs and that came with chips and gravy There was hardly any cheese on the sandwich and the chips were cold the portion size for the beef sandwich and chips would have been more suitable for a child. The barmaid shouldn't be in hospitality as she did nothing but pull her face when we had to change our original order due to them not having what we originally wanted. The tables were dirty as were the ladies toilets if I could have give them a zero rating I would have.

Nice pub, good prices for the beer. However, the chagrin vs electronic deivces is daft and unneccessary.

Fabulous, friendly, very busy pub: and so it should be. Locals, staff all very friendly and good prices.

Excellent traditional pub , serving , a great selection of cask beers. Very friendly staff .

Didn't have food but had an awesome afternoon in this bar loving the no phones had a great laugh with family

A annual visitor to York, and the great Burns Hotel, never let's us down with great beer and calm atmosphere, though being told off by a customer that we wee too loud in our chatter was a first - we were having a great time and catch up with old friends! The staff are brilliant and the digital detox is fab!

Another traditional pub that can become crowded at busy times which makes it difficult to get to the bar. There's a great atmosphere and a buzz of busy shoppers.

I think I overheard a voice on a walkie talkie in the pub saying something about a customer using a mobile phone in the pub, an activity which is banned there. If this is the case, customer behaviour is monitored, making this surely the only pub in the UK with its own in-house stasi. I felt fearful raising my voice above a whisper. I braved it and stayed for a pint, but at least a dozen people came in and departed while I was there, not bothering to even order. In a manner surely reminiscent of the way many of the locals voted in the referendum, I thought it was better to leave. Brexit in a pub. Avoid.

Typical Sam Smith's pub no atmosphere only 1 server on a Saturday lunchtime ridiculous 🙄

Service was friendly enough. The atmosphere on the other hand was miserable. Much like the faces of everyone in there. If you ever feel that you are just too happy, I recommend thirty minutes in this soulless hellscape.

What a lovely old fashioned pub. Local Brewery and Distillery supplied. Great prices. Saw people having Fish and chips and it looked superb. Got politely told off when I got my phone out by a member of staff as phones and laptops are banned in the interests of good conversation. Brilliant

Very little atmosphere in the pub and was surprised to see it so quiet on a Saturday night, found out soon enough why because I got my phone out to check my train time to go home and a female staff approached us and told us quite rudely to put them away. Fair enough with what the pub is attempting to do but no need to act the way she was. Would not go back and would not recommend to anyone.

We stumbled upon this pub without planning and we were so glad we did, we didn’t know about the ‘Digital Detox’ policy until we sat down with our drinks. We both struggled and kept (auto response) to lift our phones, but on reflection it was great! We did actually sit and chat to each other for an hour - and we laughed at how we have become so reliant on tech and more involved in the people inside our phones than the person opposite us. Great idea and very very effective!! Drinks were fab too, I had house Gin and Ginger Beer and my Husband had a few pints of Taddy Lager. We really enjoyed them. Service behind the bar was great too, polite friendly and chatty! Will definitely come on our next visit.

Typical Sam Smith's pub, not phones allowed as per all their pubs. No food served

The pub it's self is nice. BUT it's a Sam Smith's pub, NO laughing, NO modern devices, NO enjoying yourself. Other than that the lager was very nice

We found this place walking around York centre after we had eaten. It had signs by the entrance saying that children and dogs weren't welcome, fine by us as we have neither, but we were more impressed by the signs saying that it was a no mobile phone/tablet site as well with face to face conversation encouraged. They didn't have any hand pulled beers on tap but my partner said the electric Samuel Smiths bitter was good. I noticed they had a whisky from Rochdale, which I didn't know existed. It tastes like a bit smoky not unlike a west coast Scotch. I went on to try their black rum by a maker I unfortunately can't remember, which was lovely and recommended by one of their locals. Good for an evening drink if you don't want to be disturbed by youngsters or people with on their phones or preoccupied with tech. The prices are also very reasonable.

As soon as you enter you’ll notice big signs saying it’s a “Mobile phone and Laptop free zone” and to talk to your companions instead. This does make this venue somewhat unique! It’s an interesting idea and I’d say that my work mates and I did have a decent chat without missing our phones very much. A couple of times we accidentally picked up our phones (to find a restaurant for dinner, share some photos of a recent holiday, and to reply to a text) over the hour and a half we were there. Once the barmaid did see us and told us to put our phones away. We just awkwardly put them away and apologised. I can see if you refused that things could escalate. Overall it was a fun experience and a bit unique in this modern age of always being connected. Not sure I’d make the experience a regular one but it was certainly fun for the evening :)

Used to be a nice little pub and alot busier. Was surprised to see it so quiet when we visited yesterday. After taking my phone out of my bag to do nothing more than check the time I understood why. A staff member who would be better suited to working in 1940s Germany approached me and very abruptly told me that phones were prohibited or I would have to leave. She seemed to bark quite a few people up the wrong way during the short time we were there. I understand what the pub is trying to do, however the approach of the staff towards paying customers is disgraceful. Certainly not somewhere I'd visit again!

Old guard pub with superb product,good staff

Great old school pub where you can have a quiet pint. Nice, helpful staff. I'll definitely return next time I'm in the area

Angry, rude, ignorant manager. Don't waste time here, go to other pub Three Cranes, friendly/welcoming.

I've changed my mind about the no phones rule. It's like an oasis to get away from the phone zombies in the street.

Nasty regulars, nice Taddy lager.

If you're an antisocial technophobe this pub is the place for you . If, like me, you have, autism, social anxiety or agoraphobia however it is Litterally the worst pub I've ever been to. Unfriendly atmosphere and unfriendly staff. They have a no phones policy and There was a sign in this pub saying "no phones TALK to eachother" I took this to be a sign that meant no phonecalls are to be made inside the pub, no problem, I thought, I will just look up some ticket prices for the York dungeons quickly and put my phone away, within literally the three seconds it took me to type "York dungeon ticket prices" into Google and before the results even loaded the bar maid was storming over me shouting at me to put my phone away and I wasn't allowed to use it in the pub, AT ALL, not even to check the time. This uninvited and aggressive response gave me a panic attack that lasted several hours and made me want to sit and cry because now I was experiencing a huge anxiety attack because I wasn't allowed to figure out where I was going from here and I wasn't allowed to look at my phone at all. I was told I could go and stand in the street outside if I had to look something up, being agoraphobic and this being the middle of York where pick pockets are rife, this was not an acceptable solution. As such if you suffer from any kind of social anxiety or issue regarding needing your phone to self soothe or reassure yourself in any way avoid this place. All this could have been avoided if I was just allowed the thirty seconds it would have taken me to work out where I was going next from here while sat tucked away in the corner. I would also like to point out that upon entering the establishment I witnessed several people arguing and shouting obscenities at eachother very loudly despite a similar sign stating that no swearing was permitted on the premises this however seems to be a rule they don't care if you flout as no effort to enforce this rule was made. As such I would label this pub the unfriendliest pub in york and would recommend anyone avoid if you want a friendly atmosphere, good service and a welcoming bar staff and patron's that aren't screaming at eachother like a bunch of larger louts go to litterally any of the other wonderful pubs in the area. Litterally. Any. Other. pub. Oh. And they don't accept debit cards either. It seems no technology at all is permitted on the premises. Good job I didn't bring my headphones.

Quality beer and a welcoming barmaid. One of the smarter sam smiths pubs.

Great pub, pity about the owners sad attitude regarding mobile phones etc, he really needs to move on!!!

Typical Sam Smith pub the old brewery pint was quite good

Deceptively bigger than it looks from outside and really nice looking pub inside. A good selection of Sam Smiths beers.

Loved the digital detox, encouraged to chat. Friendly place, good beer

Exactly what it says on the tin :)

Bar maid serving on Thursday early afternoon was ignorant and not nice at all Sam Smith could do without her bad for business.

I absolutely love this pub, The fact you don't use mobile devices and can actually start up any conversations is wonderful.

Humphrey has certainly killed his pubs and managers is all I can say, even the beer is getting worse. Feel sorry for his family's future.

There are many good things about this place: the pub is really pretty and the drinks are well priced. If you don’t need to check your phone, there are no further concerns. However, should you need to check your phone for more than 1 minute, expect to be sternly told not to check your phone again or leave. The no phones, tablets or laptops rule is diligently enforced and not taken lightly, which is important to note. Personally, I found the enforcement of the rule, rather than the principle of the rule, to be quite unwelcoming and a reason I won’t be going back. In short, nice but militant!

Visiting family in York, stopped here for a couple of drinks. Very comfortable pub, excellent prices.. Love the mobile phone rule. Would recommend.

This is a fun old place one should visit at least once. Interesting local clientele and very old fashioned interior, plus remarkably cheap drinks. Definitely worth checking out for a couple of pints and with a friendly attitude towards the regulars.

Like this place quite alot. Nice quite place , good for chat and beer or soft drink also.

I was served a lovely pint and was made to feel welcome. Most people know the rules in Sam Smiths pubs, if you respect them there’s no problem. Lovely pub, my first visit but it won’t be my last.

The young lady who usually frequents here and works here too, decided it was a good idea to spray deep heat in the gents toilet . it was so bad myself and several others left as the place became engulfed in an unbearable eye watering beer killing cloud of chemical.

A nice pub, good service all at good prices

Ok place .Nice inside.has most are...but don't expect to use your fone ..has I learnt..expect bar staff to come marching towards you with a big sigh in her hand..and customer's stared when using it .so no no.

an Ossis of peace in a busy Xmas market - good beer great prices!

If you’re just looking for that quality illusive pint of lager in York go here, and order a pint of Taddys Organic Lager, it’s a place where no digital stuff is allowed, ie, laptops and tablets/phones, but if you want quality lager get as mentioned above, I know how poor lager is these days, I’ve had plenty..:)

A little like how I imagine a North Korean pub would be, with its rule based agenda. No phones, no laptops, no swearing. I will make a special effort to avoid the Sam Smith's chain. Good luck with the business model.

Nice quiet pub you aren't allowed to use your phone in there. Keep it in your pocket. Nice beers

Very small local pub. Worth a visit

Always makes my visit to York worthwhile,lovely pub great beers

We passed this whilst in the centre of York. Never been in before so thought we’d give it a try. I never realised it was a Samuel Smiths pub until we went in. In my opinion, the worst lager ever produced, so I had a glass of wine. This was very nice actually & only £3 a glass. On a Tuesday afternoon it appeared to be frequented by only middle aged men (myself included) but my wife was the only female in there. Despite this, the pub was ok & the landlord was very friendly & the wine was nice and cheap.

Not bad, relaxed place we visit her once per week !! Great place to enjoy a chat and a drink.

We found this gorgeous pub on a family trip to York and when you step inside it’s like stepping back in time thanks to the gorgeous wood paneling and the chill atmosphere with no phones, music or screens policy. And yes, this is a good thing! I can’t believe people get so upset about this policy, when it’s so nice to put the phones away and have a chat around a (cheap) pint. A big thumbs up from us, I just wish more pubs were like this!

Popped in for a quick drink and noticed then I digital devices and realised it was a Samual smith pub! Drinks were awful . Beers were tasteless and the gin was horrible. We left our drinks and noticed lots of others had left drinks too on tables. Not a nice feel about the pub, was loud and tables sticky we won’t be back.

A bit grim...but maybe we just called on a miserable day

Wouldn't recommend it to nobody

Call Lynn the Burrows hotel for a lunchtime drink when we got our drinks and sat down. I took out my phone to check photos and I was approached by a barmaid who said you’re not allowed to have your phone on. I explained I wasn’t on my phone, I was just checking the photos still you’re not allowed your phone okay I said but I’m leaving anyway the drinks that you have given me the glasses of are dirty and looking around, I could see the surroundings will very clean as well and all around. I could hear very bad language too, so we left our drinks and will not be return in again

In this day and ages no phone policy etc.... I apologised as i had not realised but as a visitor trying to find another pub on Google maps! No wonder you have very little trade, sad old lonely men.

We popped in for a quick drink with friends and were greeted by a plethora of signs including one about ‘No Phones’. As my husband has recently been told that his cancer treatment is no longer working and he only has a few months to live, he sat quietly reading an email from his oncology team on his mobile. On seeing this, the landlord chose to shout at my husband across the bar for using his phone. We finished our drinks and, on our way out, my husband approached the landlord and told him what he had been doing. His response was, ‘if someone from the brewery walked in and saw you, I would be sacked’. Consequently, rather than take straight to TripAdvisor, I chose to write to the brewery, whose response confirmed that they totally condone the huge upset caused to my husband on their premises by their landlord enforcing their ‘strict’ no phone policy. The brewery chose to compare this policy with some breweries not allowing dogs on their premises. I have no idea what Samuel Smith’s policy is regarding dogs, but presumably they meet their statutory needs in respect of assistance dogs. As it is estimated that one in two of the current population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime, which may involve reading an email from an oncology team, I had hoped that my letter offered Samuel Smith the opportunity to consider whether there are other things they could do, not just to make people feel welcome, but to ensure they do not discriminate against disabled people. In their reply, the brewery also chose to advise me that, the landlord can ‘bar anyone from the pub without needing to give a reason’, and if I don’t like their policy, ‘it is probably best [not to] patronise their pubs again’. I can confirm it is very much my intention to stay away and, with policies like theirs, I suspect that it won’t just be me who chooses to do so.

Been in the past won't go again, but the no phone's , tablets or lap tops, sorry not for me. I don't get away much as I have elderly parents and need to be in contact all the time. I have to say this has he happened before in Whitby, the 2 emptiest pubs I have ever been in . No atmosphere or friendly welcome

Loved it treasured place in my memories

Popped in for a quick lager - Pure had run out but Taddy was fine. The mobile phone ban is still in place at the chain. Quiet on a Tuesday night. Toilets clean.

This pub is like the place where time stood still. No telly or juke boxes, just traditional and comfortable. Advertises itself as a digital detox and we loved it. Prices were great, barmaid was chatty and friendly, nice atmosphere. Well worth a visit!

Clean, relaxing and quiet. What a relief. The perfect place for a quiet drink or a natter. Oh nearly forgot to add This pub is a no mobile phone area... Perfect.

Nice quiet and cheap pub Typical Sam Smiths

Love this place nice and peaceful atmosphere. Good selection of drinks. Love the fruit beers 👍🏻👍🏻 definitely a place to visit when in york. A place we're you can just sit back and switch off.

It does its job. Pure Brew is Brew Brew. Great to see Phead again!