Kings Arms in York

Thought I’d go here for a quick drink whilst I waited for the ghost walk to start outside. I was on my own and was immediately met with hostility, with the bar staff not very subtly pointing at me and talking amongst themselves. I asked if I could have a cola and was met with an incredibly patronising ‘you can love but can we see some ID first’. They suddenly stopped talking to me like a child when they realised I’m nearly 30. Then I sat down and put my phone on the table as I don’t like to keep it in my pocket and was told I wasn’t allowed to use my phone (I wasn’t actually using it) and a sign about it being a ‘digital detox’ pub held in front of my face. I realised I’d made a mistake at that point and it was almost impossible to exist in there as a solo customer. I felt very awkward and the atmosphere was terrible. Also out of the 3 women’s toilets, only one locks AND you have to deal with the toilet seat coming off when you sit down - grim All in all terrible experience - didn’t finish my drink and am writing this from a cosy, friendly pub round the corner

Love this pub it is full of character and in a perfect spot right on the river. We visited on a Friday night and the barman Mike was brilliant. Within minutes of entering the pub he had us laughing and chatting and made us feel very welcome. Another plus is that they serve Samuel Smiths beer.

Nice location, expensive soft drinks

The attitude of the bar staff on the afternoon of 23/09/24 goes against every good customer service aspect you could think of ….. due to it being a pub that you can’t use iPads, mobile phones etc, I stood outside whilst using my phone and was going to follow my husband inside, however he came back out and was seething, he’d needed the loo, so thought he’d go there first whilst waiting for me !!!! No the bar man shouted in front of everyone … “the public toilets are down the road”, how dare he even presume !! Making out that people are tramps etc, and to shout it out publicly too. So when my husband came out, I had to stop him going back in to sort the idiot behind the bar out, so I said we will just go next door, so please please think twice before going into this pub, it’s an absolute joke, actually also I went in on Saturday and was talking about the first time I went in which was 34 years ago and I asked about the beam by the bar with the flood levels on, a man behind the bar said I didn’t know what I was on about and that’s never been there ?!?! How dare people try make others look stupid, the staff must have been trained on how to make customers uncomfortable!!! Avoid at all costs

Run out of sovereign on the day, but all was not lost

Great location, good selection of beers, but surprisingly had no prosecco when we visited which displeased the Mrs ! Hence looses a star, but would def visit again.

Tried to serve me stale beer by topping up a half pulled pint which was already behind the bar. When I asked for a full fresh pint the barman refused and the lady barmaid told me it’ll was fine and it had only been there for 2 mins prior to my arrival. I ended up walking out only to hear them both say derogatory things about me when I left. I’m sure this practice is in breach of regulations. It can’t be right to serve a customer stale beer. Their attitude was dishonest and disgraceful. I will never ever return to this place or their RUDE staff. Tourists (which I’m not) please avoid.

So dissatisfied with my visit here today. I was alone and ordered a pint of Stout. The bar staff male proceeded to top up a half pint of already pulled beer into a pint glass. I had no idea how long it had been there and when I asked for a fresh pint he said it’d only been poured 2 minutes ago. I said I really would like a freshly pulled pint but he refused and a female bar staff member told me it’ll be fine as it was almost fresh. I told them to forget it and left to which i heard them both say derogatory comments about ME. Really disappointed and would NOT recommend this establishment. Am I wrong do ask for a freshly pulled pint when paying full price. Sooooo rude and I think may also be in breach of serving regs and recommendations. This is how establishments like this rely on tourists. I am a local Yorkshire man and it disgusts me to their attitude, they probably thought I was a tourist they could serve stale beer to.

It smells musty and there is no refrigerator, which is a pity! The towel arrangement in the room is quite ingenious! However, I am very satisfied with the water pressure and the temperature of the hot water. There is a pub downstairs. If you are afraid of noise, you may want to consider it.

As a 16 year old girl I went in here to just get something to eat and as most teenagers do I went on my phone and heard someone trying to get my attention to tell me to get off my phone and I just assumed they were joking around and then when I saw other people using there phone they were being very horribly yelled at to get off there phones. Another point my dad went up to ask for ketchup like it was an impossible quest to get some sauce? And the person behind the counter gave him the most horrible look on her face. It was so horrible being inside of this pub and wanted to leave after being in there for 10 minutes but unfortunately we had already paid for the food so couldn’t leave, also to add more negativity the food took at least 45minutes to arrive at our table and the chicken looked pink inside when receiving. I also read a sign saying “no swearing Policy” but all I seemed to hear was cursing coming from the people working there so I find it a bit weird how you can tell customers not to swear but yourself not being included

Nice old Sam Smith's pub down by the river.

If you like a Pub that offers the opportunity for good conversation without electronic interference, loud music (or in fact any music at all) getting in the way, then this (or any other Sam Smith's pub) is the place for you. A refreshingly inexpensive venue, watch out for the flood-o-meter on the wall which shows the height of encroaching river water over the years. Oh by the way no children under 18 allowed inside, depending on your circumstances this may be a plus or a minus.

Went here for a quick drink before we headed off to a restaurant for the evening. I couldn't believe all the negative comments I'd read on Google and wanted to see if it really was that bad. I'm happy to confirm it is! Everyone welcome as long as you don't have fun, smile, talk, joke and be happy. On the plus side, it's next door to some good pubs that are happy to have your business.

It seems like a nice pub, but the “no technology” rule is weird - especially when they shout at you that you can’t have your phone out to take photos, but no worries if you are using it to pay. I wanted to search the history of the pub and find out where the Samuel Smith’s brewery is located in York, but the bartender shouted at me from across the room to put my phone away. It’s wrong to belittle customers. I bet if you shouted at the customers before they ordered, sales would be way, way down. I know I would have walked away. There are way too many other, nicer places in York.

Visited Tues 20 August 2024. Greeted by a very rude lady behind the bar yelling at my friend, as they got their phone out to pay, about being a tech free pub. (They do accept Apple Pay?!) Ordered food, cold, cheap products. Poor girl serving didn’t have a clue. Feel this pub feels they don’t need to bother as tourists will continue to come, My advice- don’t bother you do not get a warm welcome or even warm food.

Wish we had looked at some reviews before stopping here for a drink and lunch snack (Tuesday 20th Aug). We too found the staff very rude, one of our friends who tried to pay with his phone was shouted at, he thought it was a joke but it wasn't....food was very low quality which was a real shame as it distracted from the start of a lovely few days in York with friends for the races.

Good place to have a drink. Beers...

I’ve been traveling to most of the pubs in England and this is the worst pub I’ve ever been to. The staff were extremely rude. Shouted at me just because I was taking a picture in the pub. She could’ve told me in a polite way as she’s a staff and I’m a customer. I just wanted to take a picture of the pub because of the history and character. I could understand that there is no phone policy as I had been to pubs with this policy before but I’ve always been allowed to take a quick picture for personal interest. I really hope this review can get to the manager, I recommend the staff should be put on a communication skills course! As they don’t know how to speak to customers I wouldn’t recommend this pub to anyone.

Great view, great seats, great food, great pub, great toilet

A rough pub trading off its location on the river. I came here many years ago and had a great time and have just bought the family down here on the promise of seeing the "pub that goes underwater". We bought a pint of pint of Sam Smiths beer (nothing else available, a shame in York which is know for good bars and good beer) and a glass of wine. The bitter was OK. The wine was poured into a wine glass...... then upended into a half pint glass(!!!) and passed to my wife. My wife nipped to the loo while I came out here to join the other patrons on the terrace overlooking the river while I wrote this review. My wife has just returned, ashen, telling me that was an experience not to be repeated. Apparently the ladies toilets smells of a mixture of pee and vomit (it's about 7pm) with no paper or door locks. I have naturally apologised to the family. I am sorry. So, so, sorry.

Best place on earth as far as I'm concerned.

Came here on a splendid night out, the staff were really friendly and spot on. The atmosphere was full of conversation with a large variety of topics. The alcohol was affordable and good, with the pub being in a lovely spot by the river.

Nice little pub, with great views

Great value £2.60 a pint. Can't beat a cold beer sat by the river on a hot day.

Great pub, best price around and really good ale. Highly recommend.

We happened to find this place as it was right on the river and had a lovely area outside to sit and watch the world go by. I went in to what is a beautiful old building and found the most dreary atmosphere with such a dated selection of drinks. There was a long queue as only one person on the bar, who also had to serve the food. This pub has the best position and building but lacks everything to make this a really wonderful spot to say I really want to go back there!

Great little pub on the riverside, could maybe do with a fre more staff st busy times. BUT customer service was excellent, and all were very friendly. Would recommend, the drinks prices were very reasonable for such a prime location. Would have preferred sun shades as very hot this weekend.

Really nice pub at a great location with great staff and the beer is very cheap

Waited for what felt like an hour long and then got served with cold horrid food. Complained and then food that was BITTEN was thrown into the fryer. Once we told the chef we didn’t want the food they threw an absolute tantrum and stropped away back into the kitchen. Do not recommend for when you go to York.

The Kings Arms pub in York is a charming and historic establishment situated directly by the River Ouse, offering a picturesque setting for visitors. Known for its prime riverside location, the pub boasts a spacious outdoor seating area where patrons can enjoy stunning views while sipping their drinks. The ambiance is both relaxed and inviting, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists looking to unwind. The Kings Arms is celebrated for its extensive selection of beverages. The pub offers a wide variety of drinks, including a robust array of traditional ales, lagers, ciders, and an impressive collection of spirits and wines. This variety ensures that there is something to suit every palate. Despite its proximity to the river, which occasionally leads to minor flooding, the Kings Arms remains a popular destination, cherished for its unique location, friendly atmosphere, and diverse drink offerings. Whether you’re looking for a quiet pint by the water or a lively evening with friends, the Kings Arms provides a quintessential York pub experience.

You know how you sometimes feel that as a customer you're actually a bit of a nuisance? Long time since I've had such a frosty welcome somewhere. Told off for using my phone in the pub, but they were happy for me to use it to pay for my drinks. What a shame. Tourists, not a pub for you, I guess, despite the waterfront location.

My husband and I popped into this Pub for a quick drink. The queue was backing out of the door. One man, pushed passed all the queuing customers, put his empty glasses on the Side of the bar, asked the barman for drinks, and then went to the toilet. When he came back his drinks were on the bar, he paid for them with no thought for others who were queuing patiently. I asked the man if he didnt believe in queuing, his reply was, these are already paid for, which was a lie, because he paid the barman with a £20 note. Is this the usual practice of staff in this pub? If we put our glasses on the bar, go to the toilet, we have no need to queue? Also, a customer in front of me asked the woman bar person for Pinot Grigio, her reply was, we have Chenin Blanc? he said it would have to do, again, her reply was, with a shrug of her shoulders, it's all alcohol!!! is she serious? where have you dug her up from? That's like saying, Whittards Jasmine tea and Tetley tea bags are all tea! But she would probably would say that anyway wouldn't she? So, the upshot is people, don't queue at this pub, put you glasses on the bar and push to the front

Great little pub on the river side. Probibly the cheapest beer in York. Strictly no phones or electric gadgets inside. Phone detox pub.

Lovely place for a pint down by the river if the water level is low. This place is well known for flooding. The pub has a no mobile phone policy which was welcome. Great beers. Food was also fab. Service friendly and jovial.

Was in york for couple of day with my hubby , Love having few drinks here so friendly drinks was fab love this little bar ,didn't have any food but it did look lovely

One particular member of staff was so rude that I wanted to leave immediately. This is not the pub I used to know. The management of this place needs to do something about it. What an awful experience.

Great location next to the river with outside chairs. Beer and wine served in plastic glasses. They ban mobile phones for some reason. Staff look depressed and miserable. Won’t be going again

Excellent service ,staff made us so welcome great craic,will be back

Not pleasant staff. Makes no effort to help with understanding, and according to 11:30 a.m. had drunk more than his customers. Otherwise the terrace is pleasant!

Loved this pub. Not a fan of the football so it was lovely to go to somewhere where you could actually speak to the bar staff and other customers without having to shout. Staff were super friendly.

Maybe our favourite place to eat and stay. Coukd not fault anything staff even though young were amazing and attentive. Food was hot, well cooked and tasty. Room was clean and had everything you could want including a complimentary scone with jam and cream on arrival. Oh forgot to mention they have their own brewery on site, heaven.

Staff are awful. Atmosphere akin to East Germany - with staff shouting at customers for using their phone (using their phone to call a friend outside to ask what they wanted to drink). One staff member also made a passing homophobic remark. Not a particularly nice place and will not be returning.

Staff are extremely rude. And the no devices thing, I don’t really get it myself. But when they’re actually shouting at customers, “we are a no technology pub” the customer laughs thinking it’s a joke, to be told “no we’re not joking” it’s a bit far. Interestingly enough they don’t mind you taking your phone out to pay though…

Great pub, always happy. Great atmosphere right on the water 👍😀

It's incredible that they don't allow the use of electronic devices. I had my Kindle to read while enjoying the atmosphere, but they made me leave because I couldn't use the device inside.

Cheapest pub in York £2.60 a pint

Horrible place, witnessed the manager swearing in a women’s face, because her friend took a photo of the group in the pub. Shouting and balling at women. Definitely a coward as when a group of lads did the same , he asked them nicely. Worst pub in York. As per request below, the staff member was about 5'9, late 40's, maybe early 50's and thinning strawberry blond hair. The barmaid who was also very aggressive, but nowhere near as bad was about 5'4, long brown hair in a ponytail with glasses.

Absolutely awful pub! Staff shout/swear in your face for using your phone! And call woman a pack of silly cows for questioning his aggressive manner. Whilst I appreciate the rules of the pub are that you do not use your phone, I think staff are creating bigger situations with customers by their rude attitude and lack of Customer Service skills and professionalism! This is evident in other reviews on here! I hope the brewery that own the pub read these reviews as I am sure that the takings must be down!

This pub was highly recommended from a local that we met and has some really good history to it and was well located on the river front. We were told it was cash only but when we got there, they now do accept credit cards. You can take your drinks and sit outside in the designated area, but will be given plastic glasses due to safety ordinances. This is a Samuel Smith pub so all the taps and the full range of their ales. Really nice to see them all available. Great for people watching as well.

Typical Sam Smith pub. We should have taken our drinks outside because there’s honestly more atmosphere in a morgue! Such a shame an interesting old building is made to be so unwelcoming especially by the staff. Try having a conversation with them, the hundred year old beams have more personality

Avoid like the plaque food came out cold after it took a hour to cook two chicken burgers and chips the chicken was dry and burnt no sauces on it just a burger bun and a piece of burnt dried offering of chicken one star is to much for the food , I’d sack the chef and get a chef that knows how to cook and cares about what they serve up , bar staff friendly

Ok but have to queue sometimes pain

Great pub along the river with friendly staff. It’s especially funny watching how many people will get their phones out despite the numerous ‘digital detox’ signs around!

I'd post some photos but not allowed to take them as no electronic devices allowed in the pub. Which is brilliant (means folk have to talk - probably led to a higher than average divorce rate associated with drinking at this establishment) great beer range although a good few unavailable at time of visit - lunch on a sunny May Sunday). Good prices.

Great little pub that's been here for ages. It has a bunch of outside seating that's prime for sitting by the river. Food I'd avoid, we had a BLT which was alright, but the salad was old, but we'd just arrived in York after a 2 hour drive and it was alright for a quick snack. Great beer which is what most people will go for

Next to the River Ouse, perfect for a beer and fish and chips.

Just been into this pub, and because of the rules and regulations, ( which in a small way i agree with, no Phones etc ) however, they have sucked the life out of wonderful establishment, cracking spot and wonderful building. Huge shame...

Excellent beer, good food, and no-nonsense staff. Thought the no-phones and no-electronics policy would keep out the rabble, but alas they still come, and then give bad reviews because they didn’t want a traditional pub where conversation is encouraged. Brilliant place.

Me (bev ) and my husband Trev were on holiday for 5 days and visited this pub. Sam Smith's pub loved the no mobile or electronic devices people actually spoke to each other.known for flooding and had a board with the heights of the flood and when. Mike was so friendly and told us a lot about the pub and how they dealt with the problem .Mike was really the star of the place that's why we went back most nights for a drink and a chat.he works so hard keeping the place tidy no dirty glasses on tables etc hope they appreciate all the hard work he does

Awful pub. As Soon as you walk in there is a list of rules. You have to queue in line for a drink. One member of our group went to look at which ales were on offer and was instantly shouted at by the staff to get back in line. Rude and not welcoming, so we left and a few other customers also did. AVOID!

What a rude bloke serving, didn’t even manage to order our drink. Wouldn’t bother, go to the next bar down. Rude prick

Great Smiths pub right on the river in the centre of York

This place occupies a lovely spot by the river, gorgeous around sunset. However, the issue is the “No phones/Electronics” silliness. Whilst I actually enjoy and support the idea that people shouldn’t be aimlessly scrolling, FaceTiming their mates, or posing for Instagram pictures, surely a bit of common sense wouldn’t go amiss?! Like some sort of bizarre comedy sketch, the barman stumbled backwards when I got out my phone to pay, as if he had never seen such a device. It is 2024 - yes it’s nice to be unplugged but honestly, take yourselves a little less seriously. My friend and I chatted over a couple of drinks, and he got his phone out to show me a picture of his cat - well, to say we were chastised like naughty school kids was an understatement. As others have mentioned, when a sign says no phones in 2024, most people take that with a pinch of salt. The staff here seem to pride themselves on acting like the mere sight of a phone burns their retinas. Honestly, it’s a bit much.

They served me a dirty glass with lipstick on it and when I came to tell them the issue she just drop the coke in another glass without even apologising or saying a word. The whole place looked dirty and the were so rude. Not coming back ofc.

The barman is really friendly and dealt really well with a man who is obviously a local but possibly SEN. I was impressed with his compassion in dealing with him (patient and addressed him by name, despite the patron growling at him). I, a 35 year old woman, was actually told off by the female owner for using my phone. I had seen the signs but I honestly thought they were ironic. She walked past me several times when I wasn’t using my phone and said nothing to me, no ‘friendly Northern’ welcome, which seems to be more of an urban myth than a reality. But she practically leapt across the bar to reprimand me like I was a 5 year old who had refused to eat their greens when I briefly went on Google maps. She lives for it! Go in, use your phone and enjoy the good ol’ Northern welcome that follows, love.

Lovely staff hopefully they will be ok wit dat River Ouse raising thanks all @ The Kings Arms 140%

Came in to meet 5 other colleagues for a reunion drink. Arrive 1 hr earlier as wanted to get out the rain. It’s a digital detox blob evidently. When I started to message my friends that the river wasn’t up and to come along I was told off. I was in of two people in the pub in a corner by myself and the lass made an effort to come over and show me the sign. Aside from that the beer was nice. I won’t be back. Couldn’t even call my husband without going outside in the rain. Bonkers.

On the outside, it appears to be an unusual establishment that is renowned for being "the pub that floods." Regrettably, that is about all there is to it. A "pub that floods" is bound to attract tourists from all over, but be warned, it is NOT SAFE for anyone, especially tourists. The interior, as mentioned, is unconventional and appears to be reminiscent of the 70s. While I appreciate the establishment's unique character, I must express my concerns regarding the atmosphere, service, and strict and outdated "digital-free zone" regulations. The atmosphere was completely ruined by the absence of any ambient background noise (i.e., music or TVs). The loud and boisterous behaviour of the bar workers and patrons, who seemed to be on friendly terms with the staff, created an awkward and uncomfortable environment. It was the only noise you could hear in the pub. Overhearing their multiple conversations, particularly one that mentioned "Jimmy Savile," was unsettling, strange, and quite alarming. The service provided was absolutely poor, as the bar staff showed impolite behaviour and were more focused on their personal conversations than on providing excellent customer service. The beer was nothing to shout about, to be honest. The final and most concerning issue was the outdated and restrictive rules. After conducting some research, as it was such a peculiar and restrictive set of rules, I discovered that Samuel Smith Pubs are "digitally free." In this modern era, it is unreasonable to expect patrons to refrain from using their phones or accessing Wi-Fi, as they may need to contact loved ones or even take their minds off things. My mother, with whom I was having a drink before the Ghost Walk Tour, was reprimanded and shamed for using her phone, even though it was on silent mode and she was in the middle of a text conversation with her husband. The barman and his associates then chose to further embarrass her by stating, "If you do not put your phone away, you will have to buy drinks for everyone." The entire conversation was rude and quite aggressive while he stated his demands. This behaviour was not only inappropriate but also disrespectful toward an adult for simply using their phone. What is even more perplexing is the fact that while we were prohibited from using our phones, we were permitted to use them for payment purposes. Surely this doesn't make sense? Additionally, there were a few other individuals using their phones, but they were not reprimanded, which suggests that this rule is selectively enforced as a means of bullying or targeting certain individuals. The barman chose to target a larger group for using their phones, and they were forced to apologise. Furthermore, there is a rule against 'swearing', yet the bar staff and their close patrons use profanity without any consequences whatsoever. I must say, in all honesty, that this pub left a rather unpleasant impression on us. The service was lacking, the rules seemed unreasonable and aggressive, and the ambience was uncomfortable overall. If you are a tourist or anyone considering a visit, I would kindly advise you to reconsider your choice and avoid it at all costs. Instead, visit a pub or Wetherspoons where they allow their patrons to do what they want respectfully because, after all, we are in the 21st century.

On the outside, it appears to be an unusual establishment that is renowned for being "the pub that floods." Regrettably, that is about all there is to it. A "pub that floods" is bound to attract tourists from all over, but be warned, it is NOT SAFE for anyone, especially tourists. The interior, as mentioned, is unconventional and appears to be reminiscent of the 70s. While I appreciate the establishment's unique character, I must express my concerns regarding the atmosphere, service, and strict and outdated "digital-free zone" regulations. The atmosphere was completely ruined by the absence of any ambient background noise (i.e., music or TVs). The loud and boisterous behaviour of the bar workers and patrons, who seemed to be on friendly terms with the staff, created an awkward and uncomfortable environment. It was the only noise you could hear in the pub. Overhearing their multiple conversations, particularly one that mentioned "Jimmy Savile," was unsettling, strange, and quite alarming. The service provided was absolutely poor, as the bar staff showed impolite behaviour and were more focused on their personal conversations than on providing excellent customer service. The beer was nothing to shout about, to be honest. The final and most concerning issue was the outdated and restrictive rules. After conducting some research, as it was such a peculiar and restrictive set of rules, I discovered that Samuel Smith Pubs are "digitally free." In this modern era, it is unreasonable to expect patrons to refrain from using their phones or accessing Wi-Fi, as they may need to contact loved ones or even take their minds off things. My mother, with whom I was having a drink before the Ghost Walk Tour, was reprimanded and shamed for using her phone, even though it was on silent mode and she was in the middle of a text conversation with her husband. The barman and his associates then chose to further embarrass her by stating, "If you do not put your phone away, you will have to buy drinks for everyone." The entire conversation was rude and quite aggressive while he stated his demands. This behaviour was not only inappropriate but also disrespectful toward an adult for simply using their phone. What is even more perplexing is the fact that while we were prohibited from using our phones, we were permitted to use them for payment purposes. Surely this doesn't make sense? Additionally, there were a few other individuals using their phones, but they were not reprimanded, which suggests that this rule is selectively enforced as a means of bullying or targeting certain individuals. The barman chose to target a larger group for using their phones, and they were forced to apologise. Furthermore, there is a rule against 'swearing', yet the bar staff and their close patrons use profanity without any consequences whatsoever. I must say, in all honesty, that this pub left a rather unpleasant impression on us. The service was lacking, the rules seemed unreasonable and aggressive, and the ambience was uncomfortable overall. If you are a tourist or anyone considering a visit, I would kindly advise you to reconsider your choice and avoid it at all costs. Instead, visit a pub or Wetherspoons where they allow their patrons to do what they want respectfully because, after all, we are in the 21st century.

The young girl behind the bar was absolutely appalling! Shouting at a customer when she couldn't understand a basic drink of whisky and coke. Then shouting at the customers stood waiting for looking at her?!? The older guy on the bar with her said calm down, she shouts I am calm!! Absolutely shocking pub. The 'pepsi' is so thin and weak it's almost see through. Dirty, dingy and smelly. We took our drinks outside, had a mouthful, threw them away, and left.

Ordered food. Waited 45 minutes for watery Lasagne, frozen pie, frozen veg and frozen chips. Nothing fresh. Awful food which you have to pay for before you see the meal. Strange no mobile phone rule too!

No better place to be on a sunny day in York.

We were going to go in for a drink, but then saw the “no children inside” sign on the door, which was a shame for a couple of reasons. First, this was a city-centre pub on a Sunday in the middle of the day in a touristy area. Banning kids seems unnecessary. Second, my partner was a student in York and was keen to show my son (7) the flood gauge inside. Anyway, as we walked away, disappointed, I realised this is a Sam Smith’s pub. Having suffered these several times before, overall I think I’d had a lucky escape.

Bloody awful place! I was a female on my own who stopped off after a walk along the river. I sat down with my drink and my book. I took out my phone and was then subjected to a female bar tender putting a sign on my table which stated no use of mobile phones and was told I could not use my phone, it was embarrassing. I asked if she could stop me to which she responded not really no. The bar man then loudly asked what I'd said, she told him and he then proceeded to speak loudly "You should have told her it was your pub and the rules and you can ask her to leave". I thought I'd heard him say i will ask her to leave. No one asked me to leave I read my book and did not move. Everyone who was told this rule, drank up fast and left. I would absolutely not recommend this place to anyone.

I (Leon) was here this week with my partner (Miles). We stayed in York for 3 nights and this pub was the best things about our stay. The beer was so good, and the digital detox policy made it a nice change. But most of all it was the company of the bar staff, especially Mike who works at the Kings Arms. Mike was one of the friendliest people we met during our trip to York. Even taking some of his own time on his day off to show us more of the city. He clearly loves his job at the Kings Arms and has a great understanding of the beer that this pub sells. He is very passionate about his work and was always so friendly and generous to us both. Cheers Mike 👍

I think this pub gets custom purely on its location. My husband and I went in for a drink whilst we waited for a local ghost walk and whilst I wouldn’t consider myself someone who swears a lot or uses phones anti socially I found the house rules restrictive considering their main clientele will be adults. I pointed out those same electronic devices I wasn’t allowed to use were the same ones I was paying for my order with, so a blanket ban wouldn’t make commercial sense. Apparently using banned devices to pay is absolutely fine. I was then subject to about five minutes of two staff members complaining about other staff members not turning up on time for their shifts which could be easily overheard. Very unprofessional. If you want to moan about your colleagues be my guest but don’t do it in front of your paying customers.

My favourite pub in York, always decent beer (love a taddy lager) and nice they have a no phone/no large groups policy

Was in York last week from Tuesday 13th to Friday 16th Feb 2024 and unfortunately this pub was closed due to the river Ouse flooding levels were over the bank.Shame really cos great Sam Smiths beer at a reasonable price.

No stag. No Hen. No groups. No mobile phones. No cards. No sitting on ledge. No standing at the bar. Had a right laugh.

Has mice running around The mice are the staff. Very rude shouted I can't sit inside even though I'm 20 a friendly have you got ID would have been nice. Pub next door is 10 times better. The phone rule is good but unacceptable the way they shout at customers!! A polite talk would be better rather than the whole of york hearing you wobbling your gob to some customers using phones. Signs are easy to miss when your main focus is on choosing a drink. Won't be returning until new owners take over. Was glad to finish my drink and get as far away as possible Update hahaha your pub flooded

Used to drink here in the 70s and don’t think they have changed the furniture or decor since then! Barman doesn’t say thank you or even recognise your existence. Signs to say you can’t use your phone and yet surprise surprise they let you pay with it? It’s only saving grace is the riverside area.

No mobile phones, no swearing, and cash only. Utterly ridiculous to maintain these rules, a totally backwards pub that I wish would be taken over by any other brewery just for the sake of turning a pub into somewhere worth visiting.

Historic flooding pub of York. Great selling point. Used to be friendly and welcoming but not any more! I don’t want to be told I can’t look at my phone in a public house, especially now when it’s so miserable, nobody talks to you. They have even taken down the flooding levels board which was a feature. This used to be an essential part of our annual trip to York but no more. The cheap beer is still there, but who wants to visit a pub where you feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Cheap beer although it is only sam smiths Strange electronic devices policy company polict New lad taking over running spot on Seems to have a few locals spot on and real fire I'd return

Just yuk, toilets were among the worst I’ve ever seen. The wine was undrinkable, in a dirty plastic glass. Extremely rude staff, sat outside as upon entering the pub we were glared at as if we’d landed from space. Such a shame as it could be a great place with a deep clean and change of staff attitudes.

Fantastic place! Authentic pub with traditional values. How refreshing to find something more down to earth and real rather than trying to be yet another gastro pub - We visited during storm Babette and the river was threatening to flood-The staff were under stress and removing everything possible to upstairs safety. We wanted to help but they were grittily determined to do it themselves and clearly resigned to the possibility they could be closed for a while. How awful when this is their livelihood. They still managed a smile and a chat with their customers though! I really hope they can carry on and have a great comeback - The beers are really good, not overpriced at all. The concept is completely different- set your expectations for exactly that! An experience never to be forgotten.

First and only visit, lacking in character it's only selling point is the fact it gets flooded once in a while. The back half of the place smelled like a corpse was rotting in the gents toilets, the gents smelled worse. A terrible example of a pub, if you're a tourist stay away.

Possibly the worst service I've ever experienced in a pub

Perfect place for a drink if you want to be served by a rude barmaid who doesn't say hello back when you walk in & talks like she has a mouth full of marbles.

Worst “pub” I have ever been too Staff where fine, I get it’s not their fault, but no music, no atmosphere, no connection with people Beer is cheap but that’s about the only positive Toilets were vile. Toilet handle holding on by a thread. Needs a handy man to do loads

Updated review - after watching the bar tender throw a broken bottle into the river instead of the bin this now gets a generous 2 stars - and really only for the view on a nice sunny day. The view from the beer garden is actually very good. Would be great if they had some ales on cask or a better selection of Sam smiths in the bottle - and a bartender that didn’t pollute the river with rubbish.

Very overpriced. Bar staff ignorant. Toilets were the most disgusting I have ever seen. Broken glass under our table outside so we had to move as we had 2 dogs. Location is only thing positive. Will never be back. Learn by mistakes.

Excellent value. Perfect pint of dark mild on the river.

Ok only one experience but bought 2 larger shandies paid by card contactless and noticed next day they had charged me £56.40. I did call back and showed the transaction on my phone and they did refund the £50 with cash. So yes cheap beer but a cautionary tale for all contactless transactions.

Pub is absolutely fabulous, a must to visit in York

Oh dear, what could have been a pleasent experience, not happened. Massive own goal from brewery, please put a proper sign outside stating your rules, train your staff on how to speak to customers. When a group drinkers came in yesterday afternoon, the poor girl was a rabbit in headlights , stating your rules abruptly, this only led to these jolly chaps to bend the rules , then another staff member came who must think she's has the skills to deal this situation, wrong . It was like watching fawlty towers . Think twice before you go in, as its like being in the dungeons round the corner. On a positive note beer is nice.

Noooooo, only go here if you have been to York dungeons, as it seems the fun continues, watch actors posing as staff forcing a medieval atmosphere if you break the rules , the ye olde worlde banter, ranting manager and the plauge victims in the corner added to the ambience, be warned not for the faint hearted, what fun was had , they should charge for it.

Wow. Just wow. What an absolutely vile place. I'm well aware of the Sam Smiths odd rules through visiting many of the previous establishments but this was something else. This HAS to be acting. No customer service can be this shocking by accident. Offensive. Rude. Nasty. Vile. I've absolutely no issue with Digital detox. That's fine. However, the way that rule is enforced is ridiculous. I took my device out due to habit - the seething, snarling and catwailing commenced. The viciousness of the verbal attack and medusa-like glare send a freezing zest of doom through my entire body. We opted to sit outside. Even if it had been throwing it down, I'd have rather sat outside to get away from the horrendous staff. The only partially redeeming feature is that it's a nice place to sup a pint next to the river. It's worth a visit just to see how randomly obscure and awful it really is. If you want a pint in Nice surroundings, just walk on by to absolutely any other pub. Shocking!

Awful beer in plastic glasses probably the worst lager I have had the displeasure to drink Terrible staff Would have been given 1 except location is lovely

I'm really surprised at some of the low reviews for this place. Anybody who doesn't like the rules should read up on Humphrey Smith. I found the staff atmosphere and beer all great and would definitely make it my base pub whenever in York.