The Derwent Arms in York

I visited this pub twice, hoping for a decent experience, but I was sorely disappointed both times. On the first occasion, I brought my dog along, as this place is advertised as dog-friendly. However, upon arrival, the chef made rude comments about the dogs, despite clear indications to the contrary. This contradiction was frustrating, but the chef's attitude made it even worse. He was dismissive and condescending, making me feel unwelcome from the moment I stepped in. On the second visit, I came with a group of friends, thinking maybe the first time was just a bad day. Unfortunately, it wasn't. As we were trying to decide what to order, the same chef approached us and brusquely told us that we had "two minutes to make up our minds." His impatience and lack of courtesy were shocking, especially in a hospitality setting. The chef's attitude was disgraceful in two separate conversations, and it’s clear this establishment is poorly run. With so many better options available, I won’t be returning to this so-called "pub." Save yourself the trouble and find a place that actually appreciates its customers.

This place looked great on the outside. Checked the website food served all day from 1230 to 2030, So dropped in at quarter to 5 to be told no food till 5. Ok got a drink found a table not hard as we was the only 2 in the establishment at the time. At 5 got the menue had a browse by quarter passed 5 no one had been to table despite it saying at table service. Placed our order myself at the bar asked for burger to be plain and asked for some water to go with the meal. Meal arrived went back to the bar to see the two members of on their mobile phones having a "Staff Meeting" before the rush.... Eventually got the water (Sounds pathetic I know). More people slowly filtered in all tourists like we are to the area. The staff pounced with at table service, even brung the other customers jugs of water for the tables they was at couldn't be more attentive towards them. For the prices being charged especially for wine (Get ready to sell a kidney). This establishment really was a massive let down it's only saving grace was the food was decent everything else was just a joke.

Service from the bar was friendly and quick. Sadly went rapidly down hill when encountering male "hospitality" staff who were at times rude and intimidating. Happily departed pronto, never to return.

Nice little pub, great service, had chicken and mushroom pie and chips, not great, pot pie searingly hot filling N soggy flaky pastry, chips good though, wish I'd ordered something else as other meals coming out looked better

Stayed in the field in motorhome, originally for 1 night, ended up staying for 3! Staff great, very helpful. Brilliant location next to footpath in to York, 2.5mls and number 6 bus outside to bring you back. The goat in the paddock is quite a character! Looking forward to going back for food in an evening. Thanks for letting us stay and good luck with future plans!

Lovely friendly pub and an amazing place to bring your dog!

Great pub, welcoming staff & the food was excellent. We had fish & chips & veggie nachos. Kids had the burger from the kids menu & garlic bread which all got scoffed. They even made our yappy little daschund pup welcome with treats. Totally recommend this place to anyone visiting the area.

Excellent lovely staff. Food brill

6 of us dining, so 6 different meals, we all agreed the standards of food and service were excellent, a lot of local people as well, so well done.

Food not too good.had Sunday lunch, frozen mixed veg, did complain to staff but we ate late so maybe fresh veg all gone? No dessert available, again maybe as we were late eating. Attended a camping rally here, elsan at the back of the pub. Area at the back of the pub not very clean and fat & grease all running from and around the extracter fan from the kitchen, chefs aprons not too clean! 🤢🤢 Chef in the bar area collecting glasses, not just a days kitchen wear!! Disappointed 😞

Basic pub grub. Dogs allowed in pub. Camping site attached to pub, where we stayed

Fantastic place to stay and food exellent

A warm welcome, good pub food, friendly service and camping too.

Staff were amazing polite and helpful

Absolute joy visiting this pub again after a good few years. A big welcome from the two ladies serving the drinks and taking orders. the drinks were superb, the correct temperature and poured perfectly. We ordered our food and was not expecting anything extraordinary, but WOW, it was first class. I had the fish burger with the best chips I have come across...Perfect. The the fish burger was just as good, perfectly crispy and fresh. My wife had the potato skins and they were deliciously satisfying. The staff were a credit to the UK local pub business and we are sure to be visiting the Derwent Arms again and again in the future. We recommend you visit. You will not be disappointed. Many thanks. D&M.

Excellent quality of service and a very good product quality, couldn't ask for more.

Great place to stop off and have a bite to eat on the way into York. Lots going on here but service is brilliant! We stayed on the little field at the back with water and elsan point available.

We spent 3 nights staying here and visited York. Lovely people and very nice food. I would highly recommend The Derwent Arms.

This is an amazing pub,who do loads of charity events , and the place to be for good bands ,the food wow , try the lamb burger , hallomi burger omg and the triple cooked fries. Love this place a perfect village pub. Xxx

Went for a meal on the Friday meal was really good they also had live music which added to the atmosphere place was full ended up being in a corner away from the bar but all we had to do if we needed a drink was lift our glass up and wave to the barmaid and she fought her way through the crowed with a fresh round of drinks will definitely be back highly recommend Side note for dog owners this is a very dog friendly pub

Went with our campervan very friendly pub.Brilliant staff great food live music a great weekend we shall be going back

Staff were very friendly and accommodating as we had some small children with allergies and they made the process of ordering food easy and couldn’t do more to help! All food came out at a good time especially since we were a group of 14! All the food was delicious ranging from brisket burgers and chips, lamb burger and nachos! The chips were die for! Will definitely be returning! Looking forward to better weather to sit in beer garden!

Exceptionally good local pub/restaurant

Early evening meal as service stopped at 8pm ( for karaoke session). Fish and chips good, chicken curry less so. Only one person serving both bar and food. Preferred options not available.

Probably the friendliest and most accommodating pub I have ever been to. We have a wheelchair and the staff couldn't do enough for us. The food was excellent and cooked to perfection. All in all it was a fantastic experience and will definitely go back.

easter sunday meal for family of 14 .when we arrived the tables were set out for us next to each other very pleasant welcome from the host and we ordered drinks and our meals and was asked if the children’s meals to be brought out first which was very thoughtful.we all ordered different food and afterwards we all agreed that the food was very good and well cooked my leg of lamb was very tender and nice and hot and a good selection of vegetables.

Had a lovely stay here,nice little village,the entertainment on Saturday was fabulous, will definitely be back

Had a private party here for mums 80th staff and food was lovely. Food all came out together which was all hot and fresh. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Would highly recommended

The chef's attitude was disgraceful in two seperate conversations. He told us about the individual curry on the menu not explained. The curry we had was not what you would call curry you need to open a cookery book chef!! The bowl of curry sauce served with lumps on constituted chicken is not a curry!! The scampi meal was tastless. 2 of us have been sick all night eating the curry. Your menue is poor and confusing. We usually eat high end and was not interested that the the scampi was £10.50! The price is erelevent. Will not be eating here again after eating here for many years. What a shame!! New owners should look at and taste what is served. Bar staff attentive. Its a shame nice place but the men that own it now need to look at standards and quality and their own attitude.

Went for drinks last night and sat in the bar as we had a dog with us. It’s a nice friendly local but unfortunately very cold. 2 degrees outside and the log burner wasn’t lit. We’d probably have stayed longer had we not been sitting there in our coats.

Stopped here for tea before a show in York, ordered the mango chicken curry. Was homemade, tasted amazing, home made chips, and good portion. Will definitely be returning.

My new local. Popped in a few times with our dog, lovely lady feeds him treats. We'll be back. :)

So glad we came, amazing staff and management, couldn't do enough for us. The food was lovely my husband would recommend the orange chicken, and there chips are amazing. We stayed in our campervan the first night and fell in love with the people and the pub, so much so we came back again a couple of weeks later. The live music is a must for us and and to be able to stay over in our campervan for the night just made it even more appealing. Thanks again for an amazing night and we will definitely be back.

Very nice place. Staff are wonderful. Didn’t eat there but if the smells coming from the kitchen are anything to go by, the food will be bloody good too.

Everything is freshly home cooked, so tasty. Friendly and chatty staff and owners. Will definitely be coming back

Fantastic menu choices and quality of food. Portion size is on the large size. Staff can't do enough. Very friendly and accommodating. Would definitely recommend.

Came here again last night for a family meal with 8 others. Excellent food, brilliant staff. Always a really high standard and we all enjoyed our meals. The chips and onion rings are amazing as was my steak.

Really cozy and friendly. Started going every now and then a few weeks ago and has quickly become our go to pub. Good range of drinks and nice staff. Definitely worth stopping in if you're passing.

Excellent evening for pre Christmas meal with friends nice starters and very tasty main course with fresh vegetables. Recommend a very friendly pub with good food at reason prices

Nice place to eat best chips I've had for years

Really fabulous community pub. Excellent value, excellent service and lots going on. Good WiFi too for working remotely!

Whilst visiting the area, we chose to eat at the Derwent Arms as we wanted somewhere outside of town. Upon entry at around 7pm it wasn't very busy. We were greeted and advised to take a seat and our drinks order was taken. After looking at the menu, my wife had the stake and ale pie and I had the sloppy Joe burger. Food arrived quickly and omg, the portions were substantial. The chips were really thick and cooked really well. Didn't have room for desert ! Would definitely recommend this pub if you're in the area. Great food and very reasonable prices.

Popped in on a whim Massive portions, quality ingredients and excellent value, what's not to love. Going to be a regular visitor

Went there for a family afternoon meal, food was excellent and plentiful and the staff were brilliant. Thank you

I just recently got a dog, knowing this pub to be a dog friendly place, My wife and I took a walk down for the 1st time as it's a nice walk from our house. The bar staff were lovely several other dogs in the pub nice atmosphere and dog friendly. Unfortunately my second visit with my son and dog wasn't as pleasant. Walked in with the dog bar staff were friendly, noticed the chef standing in the kitchen doorway looking at us, didn't really think much of it and walked outside to the Beer garden with our pint, decided to have one more inside before walking home. Waiting on the young lady to return to the bar my dog gave out a little bark so I went to tell him to sit down and wait, he is a very obedient dog and does as he's told. As I returned to the bar and the chef was standing behind the bar and very rudely said you're going to have to go next door with that dog... Just out right rude the dog barked once. The pub has sings all over saying dog's welcome I didn't feel very welcome this time. No idea what the chefs problem was.

Had a family get together with a meal. Good food and good service. Good parking.

We came back following a previously not great experience only for it to repeat. A number of us came for food with kids, as they headed outside one acceptedly went quickly to be in no other words barked at by the manager. The child is 6 and I would have already spoken on their return or if needed the manager could have raised their concern to me. And I mean in a way as a parent was loud and aggressive that I would not do let alone to someone else’s child The atmosphere was ruined and to be honest the latest prices don’t warrant the quality or service.

Food was awesome, I had apple and bramble crumble with cream for pudding but forgot to take a photo. The brambles were from the nearby hedge rows and the apples were from the owners garden. My daughter had chocolate fudge cake with custard. When I got home I had a food coma nap! 😂

What a little gem ... warm service from walking in from the two young men behind the bar, great polite waitress . A gentleman who we think was the owner taking time to speak & tell us about upcoming bespoke burgers .Food was absolutely gorgeous. We both had burgers expecting the usual bog standard....wrong ! . Fresh bread, burgers cooked to perfection, chips were light & fluffy, onion rings were crispy leaving you wanting more ! . Glad we are camping with the Yorkshire friends ralliers, can't wait for Sunday lunch. Well done derwent Arms we will definitely recommend you.

We stayed in the field behind the pub and ate at the pub great home cooked food and plenty of it, staff really helpful and friendly

Didn't eat here, but plenty did, and I didn't hear any complaints. Staff were lovely and had a good quiz on Thursday night. Beer prices were as expected for a pub, didn't have my usual lager but made do with Moretti which was a little dearer

Got the haddock the batter was soggy and I mean soggy (under cooked) when I complained to the owner his words were he would have eaten it but would tell the chef which he said he did and the chef said it was OK, l will not be eating again in there.

Fantastic food and drink served at a respectable speed. Popular with students so it's generally quieter over summer break. Great service from Emily!

Ale House Rock band playing brilliant

Some of the worst food I’ve had in a long long time. Nice beer garden for a quiet pint however stay away from the food, dreadful. Fishcakes were the worst. The dog ate the fishcake, he didn't even enjoy it. To the owners comment; we didn't have the fish & chips - So I have no idea what beer batter is you're referring to. If the fishcakes are made fresh you need to go back to culinary school

Didnt eat but friends have food was excellent. Night time Quiz full pub excellent . Highly recommend.

We walk to the Derwent Arms from Heworth a couple of times every month/6 weeks to have Sunday lunch. A 35-40 minute walk and then we can enjoy a bottle of wine with lunch! The wine list is very good. The food is always tasty and plentiful and is home cooked. Staff are friendly and it’s a nice, traditional pub. What more can you want? I wish we live nearer and then we certainly would come more often!

Found this lovely little village pub on our way home from an afternoon out. Got to say.... it's a beautiful little pub, the staff where helpful, really welcoming and friendly. It is a great atmosphere in here! The food was absolutely delicious 😋 😍 the fish was cooked to perfection. The prices are spot on too! 👌 It also has a caravan area to stay over night. A lovely little play area for kids. And it's in a beautiful little village. Would recommend for sure.

I Ordered surf and turf medium the steak came out well done. I complained and got another steak brought out, the guy who brought the 2nd steak out said I’m going to stand here and watch you cut into this one! I found this behaviour intimidating. I was out with friends trying to enjoy a meal and I’ve got this strange guy watching me eat. Will not be returning. Strange set up! With poor food.

Staying in our motorhome and ate in pub. Was meat night so husband had big pig burger which he thoroughly enjoyed. I had orange chicken off main menu and was very nice. Good and wine reasonably priced. Was karaoke night which is not our thing but plenty of room so no need to sit too close.

Great Sunday lunch, friendly staff and helped sort out our large group.

Just been here again tonight. Since new owners we have visited a few times now. Food yet again was excellent. Had the Derwent orange chicken previously which was lovely but tonight decided to have the surf and turf which was always a favourite but stopped having as wasnt great. However tonight with the new owners this was absolutely brilliant. Rump steak great quality and cooking excellent! Scampi so nice compared to a few years ago. Great service, staff brilliant each time we've been and couldn't do enough for us. Top chef and rest of staff too. We live a 7 min walk away and definitely coming back more often now. Thank you, Sandra

Stayed here for another weekend food was bloody excellent site was busy great people bar staff super friendly landlord's very helpful can't wait for our next trip over here thanks and best regards Mark &Mel

Stayed for the weekend on a rally site was perfect, fresh water and toilet dump. had a drink in pub sat outside which was quite busy but very friendly locals. A 40 minute walk to York which was very nice. Will definitely be back and told some friends about your excellent facilities. Thank you

Only stayed one night on a pubstopovers in motor home. Food was excellent staff were great , and the atmosphere both in and out was top class as the singer got into the rhythm. Even with entertainment the field site was really quiet. One on the best stopovers yet.

Came with a group of 5 friends for a meal and drinks, customer service was terrible seems like some new staff but manager was rude. Ordered a pork summer salad, was very disappointed to wait 40 minutes for a meal i could’ve knocked together in 10. Especially for £12.95 was a ridiculous price for what came. Pork was very dry, visible in the photos. No salt or pepper even on the vegetable and honestly looks like something my mum would serve me with leftovers when she can’t be arsed cooking something proper. Shop bought coleslaw, couldn’t finish the meal as it just was not good. Complained to the waitress and were told we could order something else but would have to pay for it. Went in to send it back and talk to the manager and was condescending and rude, told us there was nothing wrong with and we can’t just change our minds. Overall just incredibly disappointed to have paid that much and not even be asked what could we do to make it better. Never coming back and wouldn’t recommend it, best thing was the chips but very salty. We live right next door to the pub as well and had hoped to come regularly over the summer but absolutely no chance of that now obviously.

We came as locals and ordered from the lunch menu; a standard baguette without chips came in at £9.99 which was the cheapest! The order came in very standard and a few problems with the order and after we ordered cappuccinos which were expensive and I couldn’t due to an awful aftertaste and expensive again at £2,50 with no chocolate flakes or biscuit! Very disappointed and will not be returning

Despite living in a different village, this is fast becoming our local pub. Excellent service by very friendly staff, priced just about at the correct range and good quality dishes. Well done 👏

Very helpful staff, nothing seemed like to much trouble. I had a spicy veg chilli and chips which was good and some refreshing cider.

Absolutely rubbish. Ordered a mixed grill (£25). Everything either undercooked or overcooked. No gammon as advertised. Plate dripping with dirty grease as if everything was cooked in same oil. Childrens chicken nuggets overcooked and dry as saw dust (£6). Nowhere near as good as it was before it was taken over. Real shame. Won’t be returning.

Stayed last night and tonight on the campsite the food and service is amazing very friendly staff, last night I had gammon chips the best I have had pineapple and an egg, just had a pork Sunday it was perfect all fresh veg and homemade Yorkshire pudding we will be coming back.

Exemplary service, good food as usual!

Local pub so thought we would give the new menu a try - don’t write it off but could have been better We requested a bottle of Rose - don’t have that was the response, ok says I, do you have this one? Nope only got a Zinfandel which was not to our taste, shame two out of three pink wines were off. Bottle of red as third choice we found our table. Bit off putting that most were booked for 8:30 quiz night you see (we were in at 6:30) Menu choices a plenty, we opted for homemade fish cakes with chips (yummy) peas, salad and tartare sauce ( missing in action) The new lamb burger was my friend’s decision - not sure about cheese on a lamb burger unless it’s feta but she declared ok. Not long into our visit the kitchen seemed to be emitting smoke making our eyes water! Griddle too hit? No attempt to stop it coming through to the restaurant, if it had been warmer I would have moved outside. I will be back as not put me off, just need to make sure I’m not wearing anything I am worried about smelling of smoke the whole evening.

Very good staff very friendly food very good nice Bears

The food was spot on. My husband had the lamb burger and had the pubs special burger, Peanut Butter and Jelly (don't knock until you try it!!) Both were delicious and yes, definitely the best chips in York. The service was very good too and our server very pleasant and helpful. Will definitely eat here again. Only one negative. Please advise bar staff on the correct way to serve a drink. Heineken Zero does come with a head!! The barman wasn't happy when I requested it. A minor point that didn't spoil our visit however.

The food was first class so we had lunch and dinner definitely worth a visit The staff were so friendly 😋

Both the young ladies on duty were extremely pleasant. We both chose the Lamb's Liver for our main course with the condition that it was served piunk and juicy; however, when it arrived, it was more akin to paté and was totally inedible. This totally spoiled what was a celebration of a significant anniversary. On paying the bill, I mentioned the issie to the young lady/cashier who proceeded to deduct the cost of one main course from the bill.

Delicious food, enormous portion and super friendly people 😋

Camped in motorhome in paddock behind, great location for visiting York. Pub has good selection of beers and a typical menu for meals but needs to offer more choices including salads.

clean, great food fab value for money big selection of food and drinks. All the staff so lovely 😍 massive garden thank you 😊

Curry nights NOT value for money and beef in curry tough as old boots. Steak orders not cooked to requirements. One manager full of his own importance. On a plus side, the rest of the staff were brilliant and friendly under pressure.

Went yesterday for lunch with family. The food was terrible especially for how expensive it was. Never going back and definitely not recommend. The staff on the bar were lovely.

Not good twenty five minutes for two tea's and a cake.

Friendly bar staff very professional and welcoming. Food was not great for the money. Chips really overcooked pie had-undercooked pastry in the middle and burnt at the edges. Meat was tough seem not to care a great deal in the kitchen it seems. For the...

Good friendly pub with caravan and motorhome parking

We were looking last minute for a place to eat that was dog friendly and had vegetarian and vegan options. We were able to bring the dog into the bar area and eat there. Very friendly staff and the food was good.

I ordered Thai Chicken Penang. I waited for 45-minutes for this meal to arrive. When my meal arrived it was cold and the chicken was chewy. The waitress came and asked me about 30-mins later if I had enjoyed my meal. I did tell her about my complaint and she apologised. I had looked at the reviews of the Derwent Arms so that had persuaded me to book up. I wish I never had now after spending good money on poor quality food.

Very welcoming we went in for a meal Thursday night. Warning don't go when it's games night.

A good village pub food and beer excellent

Heard good reviews about the food so called in for lunch. Staff very friendly and cheerful . Our meals were very good my husband had the pie which he said was very good, lots of tender meat and good portion of vegetablesThe hunters chicken was very tasty with lovely homemade chips. Good choice of puddings and the brownie was amazing. Will definitely be calling again.

Popped in today after our dog walk & four-legged guests are allowed in the bar. Friendly welcome, nice atmosphere & excellent food. Really enjoyable, great value visit, we will definitely be back.

Great staff, good well priced pub grub and an excellent, fun, Thursday night quiz !

Great village pub. Friendly atmosphere, great food (generous portions), and good beer.

Friendly, well maintained country local.

So yes there fireplaces do really get my approval and are really 5 star as they are top notch old fashioned and look great with the style of the drinking establishment and there wallpaper of books really work with the theme of place too. I love there coffee machine the times I have been in and attended the Derwent Arms it was rather quiet and empty but you know most pub have popular locals and some not so popular locals equally and a few outsiders too who are tourist from the Caravans outside who would normally attend the Derwent Arms not very often and classed as holiday makers. Well I will say this I will not be a popular local but you may see me in there sometime soon again.

lovely cosy pub with old school character The food was delicious and reasonably priced too. Good friendly staff and food was served promptly.

a 'proper' pub in a lovely village extensive, interesting menu tasty food all only surpassed by a young lady in perfect position, a friendly, v v effective host you HAVE to go

It's ok, not super busy and was warm with small fires

Lovely local pub nice food and staff good choice of ales cosy

Really nice food, good value, busy, good atmosphere.