The Golden Fleece in York

Perfect for a quick pint and a quick bite whilst in York, definitely felt the spooky vibes.. the staff was very welcoming and friendly! Thank you

I don't normally believe in ghosts and wotnot, but I felt very odd from the moment we walked in. I am clearly psychically talented and had no idea. It was busy at a Sunday lunchtine - if you want to eat here you will have to book in advance. NB: Psychically talented people order Neckoil from friendly bar staff.

Great location. Very old and probably haunted pub. However, that's where the good stuff ends. We waited nearly an hour for food and when it arrived, it was the worst we'd ever seen. Probably about 8 chips, a tiny chicken burger, with 2 of the tiniest pieces of bacon that were so small, the Hubble telescope would have had trouble detecting them. I wasn't sure if the skeleton at the bar was a hangover from Halloween, or simply a customer waiting for his meal. One day, when the stars align in the heavens, world peace breaks out, and somehow, the staff at the Golden Fleece get their act together, the food will still only aspire to be very poor. Do yourself a favour, there are dozens of better places to eat nearby....check them out.

Nice place, how ever service not the greatest. Very slow and disorganised but lovely venue

Food was good. Its very difficult to get a table so best to book in advance. So many people were turned away.

Had a cheeky pint,when we visited york

Lovely stay here and evening meal was lovely fish and chips where massive portions.

I was really looking forward to visiting the Golden Fleece. I’ve travelled from Birmingham to York and planned to attend this pub with a few friends and upon arrival I was told I could not enter. They asked how many ppl was in my party which I advised 6 or 7 to be told we could not enter because they was too busy in the end bar, I pointed out I could clearly see there was two tables which was empty at the front from where I could see from outside and after speaking with the manager he said we could not enter ‘because they was busy’ and he was too busy talk to us and walked back into to the pub . We was told if there was 6 ppl would have been let in however, as there was 7 we was refused entry. I’ve never written a review so I thought i needed to incase any one else was travelling in as a group 7 lol and was planning on visiting this pub. I’m disappointed and gutted we couldn’t get in and it’s our first night in York and heard so much about it and didn’t get a good feeling from speaking to the staff so I personally wouldn’t recommend it just off the experience from the staff that spoke to us!

I recently visited this lovely pub in York, drawn in by its warm and inviting decor. Unfortunately, the experience was ruined by the lack of basic decency when it comes to accommodating families with young children. As a parent, I simply asked for my baby's food to be warmed up, a request I've never had refused in any other establishment. Yet, this pub flatly denied it, leaving me baffled and deeply disappointed. For a place that seems so welcoming on the surface, their disregard for the needs of parents with infants is astonishing. While the ambiance may be charming, their customer service leaves a bitter taste—especially if you’re expecting even a shred of empathy for families. If you’re a parent, I suggest finding a more family-friendly spot in York.

Had a glass of pinot which was off. Barmsn refused to change it. Never going back here again

Visited on a cold and windy Sunday last week. A unique environment and really helpful, friendly service .A fantastic Sunday lunch with the family and a great selection of beers and lagers. We left fulfilled and happy. Many thanks to all the staff.

Was packed from about 11am but good atmosphere

Interesting pub, haunted? Well I saw many ghost ships!

Independent pub in the centre of York, makes a big difference! Fab service great selection of beers and food portions are enormous!

A very entertaining traditional pub.

Meal came and the corn on the cob was ice cold so they took it away and microwaved it the staff serving on the bar kept on disappearing in the back so you were waiting for some one to serve you

Staff were great! Wanted to stay for a few nights but prices are NOT comparable to other places at all!! Food was edible.. just. Very disappointed considering my partner has been many times before & raved about it.. shame it’s been bought out by a chain😔 Would love to experience this haunted establishment (love haunted places) but I guess I’ll need to save up for a few more years.

Sound place lol enjoyed it, wee dear like x

one of the most haunted pub s in the uk

Another pub in York charging £7.50 fir a pint of lager. Dick Turpin.

Great atmosphere, good drinks selection, staff were lovely and friendly with quick service. There was live music on and the place was heaving. There is a great outdoor area at the back with seating.

Used to come here years ago and it was a lovely, atmospheric and chilled pub. Unfortunately now there is a very surly barmaid who didn’t make anyone feel welcome, snappy and rude, added to this a dirty bar, toilet out of order and very sticky tables it’s now a no no. Such a shame as this was a go to for us previously.

Very nice place easy to find, food, rooms very good. Loved it

Went in here for a drink on the 26th September 2024 beautiful old inn but the ladies toilets were disgusting, worst I've seen in a while, such a shame as the Golden Fleece itself is a lovely old place, as you have a lot of customers maybe get them checked and cleaned several times a day

Wasn't expecting a Very modern menue , a bit like a brewers fayre pub. If you prefer more traditional food try elsewhere Dessert portions very small for price Staff very friendly, would go back for drinks

Food was super good, and reasonably priced, definitely haunted though lol

Quirky and squint, ye oldie worldie. The pub is split between two bars divided by a sloping corridor, live music most nights. It has an interesting atmosphere, friendly staff and it wasn't overly busy despite being in central York, well recommended. They serve food too, however I didn't have anything.

Horrible experience. We went there for lunch, 4 of us. The waiter (mind you he was the host, the bartender and the waiter too) took our orders, no problem. 45 minutes later we still haven't had our starter yet, but the table with 3 girls who arrived 30 minutes after we did received their food. When we asked what happened, He said, the starter isn't done yet (50 minutes in) and then served us a plate of burnt nachos and walked away. Needless to say, serving burnt started almost an hour later and pretending that it's alright is unacceptable, not worth mentioning if the starter took an hour how long the food would've been?

Always like a visit to the Golden Fleece..with its spooky history and stories makes for an interesting evening..or a day time meal.x

They do not have wifi, there is no large refrigerator, the room is very good

Fantastic bar with lots of character and friendly staff and patrons.

Just went in for a drink, it was very nice

Amazing old pub, with leaning floors, a must visit, even if it’s just for a visit and a drink, like we did. Our only surprise was that they didn’t stock York gin as the shop is next door!

Hugely disappointing. Directed to back bar by to find a queue of three people. Bar staff managed to serve everyone bar us, even though only handful of people at bar. 10 minute wait, and still not served despite lack of footfall. Service absolutely crap. Left without purchasing a drink. Would not repeat the experience when so many other good pubs available.

Unfortunately we didn't see any ghosts😂 Food was ok, back room was very busy but the front was empty so plenty of room. Drinks were good.

food took about 35mins to arrive but the toastie was good.

Wanted to come here while i was in the area because of its reputation of the most haunted pub in England. The pub itself was great and i loved all the little history bits and death masks on the walls, but sadly the food was awful, i had the bbq mac and cheese burger and it didnt have any bbq sauce and the burger was so processed that it didnt even taste like food.

One of the most tasty Sunday Roast I ever had in Uk. I really liked the location, very historical/typical pub in the heart or York. Service was a bit slow but staff been friendly. Absolutely recommended for Sunday roast!

Been taken over by another large chain ...no atmosphere at all..just smell of paint I tripped over the plastic on floor ..had to clear used glasses food dishes etc and ask for cloth to clean a table. Was thrown a cloth..dear dear..what has happened..looks run down and unkempt..staff..Well zero comments...

I have loved this pub previously, having visited many times she stayed over a few times too. On this visit (just food and drinks) we were disappointed. The food was overpriced and typical chain pub affair. Previously I’m sure the food looked more homemade. Portion sizes were small and my beef chilli nachos started was awful-hardly any chilli!!! I’d go here for the quirky atmosphere but certainly not for a decent meal. X

Came to dine. Service was slow and apathetic. Every plate had something wrong. Sauces forgotten. Dessert forgotten. I had to walk up to the bar more times than I'd like to. Wouldn't recommend, won't return with so many other options around. Expected more of a spooky atmosphere too. Pop music playing and just kind of generic.

Wanted to show friends the character of York so picked this historic pub. Whilst the character lived up to act sadly the food did not. The food was awful, go for a drink have a look at the surroundings but do yourself a favour avoid the food.

Lovely pub with a good selection, the staff were friendly and nice. Went for one drink and for the two of us it was £12 which even for York is quite a lot. They ran out of the drink we ordered, and although they did replace it it was something different even though they had the same drink in bottles rather than on tap.

Unfortunately we didn't see any ghosts, dinner was ok though.

We have been visiting the Golden Fleece for years when we come for our yearly holiday to York and I’m sorry to say that the food was shocking and the pub is very dirty with sticky tables and carpets it’s such a shame because it used to be so much better.

Beautiful beer terrace at the rear of the oub

I love this place and always try and visit when in York. Enjoyed the open mike night on Monday. The atmosphere is fantastic due to the wonderful people who frequent this pub. The only disappointment is that Old Peculiar was no longer being served at any of the pumps at the bar. I really hope it returns.

The hotel is very English, the only thing I didn't like was the old, uncomfortable and highly requested elevator and above all that they don't have air conditioning, in the room you will find air fans in summer.

Amazing pub and very spooky. Unfortunately I haven’t seen any ghost. But what was horrific is the food. Very cheap food, cold and dirty. Disappointed for the food. I only recommend to go for a drink or a visit.

Always enjoy a drink here when in York.Great place to relax and have a meal too.

Great pub right at the bottom of the shambles (the most haunted pub ) 🤷‍♂️ but the beer was good and the staff were friendly and efficient but I'd recommend booking a table if you wanna see any of the live entertainment as it gets extremely busy in that area of the pub

After we paid our non refundable deposit to book, we arrived with our name on the table. The table was dirty, with the last groups mess all over it. You would think the table would have been cleaned for us, as it had our name on it ready for us?? We walked out. Also the staff we less than friendly when we came in for our booking. Sorry, but it was a miserable experience. Won’t we coming again.

The worst pub food I’ve ever had. We ordered a bacon and cheese toastie with dirty fries, chicken skewers, beef chilli nachos, and the chilli cheese nuggets. The chilli cheese nuggets were fine, however that’s where the positives end. The nachos were hot on top then cold underneath, the chicken ‘skewers’ was just a BBQ sauce topped, overcooked, reheated chicken breast cut in half, and the toastie?!? No filling, the bread was rock hard, and the dirty fries were drizzled in minimal sauce and topped with ‘bacon’, which was actually just bacon bits. The food is expensive for what it is, so for it to be so dire and inedible is extremely disappointing. I would strongly suggest avoiding eating here unless drastic changes are made. I will say that the staff are amazing - really friendly, helpful, and service is quick. There’s a great drink selection and beer garden, plus the pub/hotel itself is great. I loved the decor and the history of the building, definitely worth visiting for a drink or to try and spot some ghosts!

What a fine haunted pub, and a York treasure! We immediately headed here on Sunday evening after arriving from London, while on an extended holiday in UK... and the staff were quite obliging, despite it approaching the closing time for food service. The pork roast was absolutely delicious, and so was the authentic Yorkshire pudding. I really liked all the "spooky" objects lying about, and the ghostly tales posted on the wall - conjures up the right vibe.

I was recommended to come here on my holiday and pretty decent nice and chilled loved the skeleton

I was recommended this place by a work colleague and it’s been pretty decent good vibes nice and friendly I even met a friend really cool

Fantastic pub loved our time there.

We didn’t stay in the hotel but we have eaten here twice, months apart and both times the food wasn’t great. The pub itself is amazing, it looks brilliant and steeped in haunted history, the staff are all lovely but the food really lets it down, my missus left her meal after one bite, it was all inconsistent as certain items on the plate were cold, some were burnt, some stuff was rock hard, and the sauce was lumpy. Just really disappointing and it’s only the allure of the ghosty stuff that keeps us coming back, I wouldn’t eat there again.

My wife & I recently stayed here for 1 night as we were attending a concert in York. The location is perfect, right in the middle of the city centre, directly opposite the Shambles. We stayed in Catherine room. There is 1 quite steep flight of stairs to climb, so this might not be ideal if you have mobility issues. The decor of the room looks like you have stepped back in time a few hundred years, low ceiling, quite dark, log fire place & a couple of very large paintings of men who appear to be staring directly at the bed!! The decor of the room matches the rest of the pub perfectly. The floor is on a bit of a slope, that is why the top of the door looks so wonky! The pub doesn't have its own car park, but the Shambles car park is a 2 minute walk away. Check-in was quick & easy, all staff were very friendly. We didn't have breakfast, so we can't comment on that. Overall, I would definitely recommend staying here.

Friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere

A very good meal selection and well-arranged pub...we were touring from Canada, and decided to stop in on Sunday evening having arrived from London; luckily for us, they were still serving pork roasts (but not beef!) which I accepted... it was delicious. Especially the _authentic_ Yorkshire pudding. While I found the service was on the slow side, in fairness I think this was likely due to our having arrived outside of more traditional hours for Sunday. They had a great selection of ales and cider, and we got to see some of the "spooky" artefacts and stories around the pub, which gave us a bit of a chuckle.

Only had food and drink here and was great... Busy place..👍

Good range of drinks and comfortable accommodation. Live music was nice as well. Lot's of information about the ghosts of York, although the information on the resident ghosts was a little thin. Maybe I just didn't find an it?

Beer / lager not overpriced but food a bit ??? Compared to other stonegate pubs ?But san miquel has recently gone up, But cheaper tha the Charlse 12 !Adjust they put up the prices friday/satsun ! But now another price increase !

Quint old pub loads of carrictare

Hubby and I honeymooned here in 1980! It was being renovated upstairs at the time. The room was at the front of the building and we could see down to the street. Hubby got shocked in the shower!! Luckily it was a mild one. We told the owner and he sent an electrician to sort it out. I remember having THE BEST cup of Tea and a fried breakfast there! We swear we heard and saw ghosts outside the pub window!! I’ll bet it’s been renovated even more since we were there. It’s a really interesting building with tons of history. Hopefully we’ll get back there one day.

Such a warm and inviting place, even with the ghosts

Great place, really intresting ghost stories.

Loved it , a great old pub and one i would advise to call in for a pint.

Me and my husband visited York Monday 8 July, we visited the Golden Fleece and then had another stroll round the lanes and returning back to the Golden Fleece at 8.00 for our evening meal. We sat outside enjoying the atmosphere of the lnn and then we settled in the little alcove next to the piano to order our meal. I had a yellow top on with the piano to the back of me,a brick wall to my left and my husband facing me on the other side of the table.when something brushed against my left side so fast and I carnt explain the noise it made in my left ear but I felt my hair lift with it,I looked at my husband and he starred at me shocked and said what was that!! Apparently he didn’t see anything- he just heard the noise next to me(although I am glad he witnessed it to, as if he’d gone to the bar and I’d told him,he wouldn’t of believed me)the lady at the bar asked us to sit at another table as a band was going to set up at that alcove,as we moved I noticed two purple bruises under my left arm,that was not there before- I know the pub probably carnt scroll through cctv,although it would be very interesting to see.we would definitely comeback when we visit York again :)

Plenty of drink choice food below average

Lovely little pub right in the centre, bigger than it looks from outside. Well worth a visit

After a long day walking around York, we called in for a well earned drink and rest. Very quirky old pub. Plenty of seating in a small place. Just watch out as some of the floor isn’t flat. The staff are really nice. Prices aren’t the cheapest but aren’t London prices. They do Guinness 0.0 so always a win. It’s a very old pub and the decoration / lighting helps to confirm the age. Covered beer garden out the back. Just watch the lip in the floor when heading from the pub to the garden.

Good beer and service. A fab old pub with excellent live music!

A gem of a place to eat food was so tasty . The staff was very helpful and friendly.

My friend and i stayed in the minster suite on 29th June 24. What an amazing experience, the room was awesome, clean, great facilities. The fleece is so central and overlooks the shambles. We heard a few spooky bumps in the night as well 👻👻. Great breakfast, would definitely recommend a stay here xx

Such a disappointing visit to the 'most haunted pub' in York. The atmosphere was great with it's history and the pint of Landlord I had was good. The food however was a massive let down. I ordered sausage and mash - simple enough you'd think. The sausage has clearly been cooked and reheated (we ate at 1pm so either cooked in the morning or the day before). The peas were rock solid and the mash was like thick wallpaper paste. It was all really poor. I'm no food snob and I don't expect the earth for a reasonably priced meal in a pub, but this was the worst meal I've ever had. Not a one star review as the reality is, we didn't go solely for the food, we went for the experience of the place. The service was also quick and friendly, although I would rather they took the time to cook the food from fresh than serve up genuinely sub standard food.

Loved the style, the pub and the people. Stay here at York

Food, drink, service excellent.

Stayed for one night. No ghosts but did hear some creaking during the night. Staff really friendly really nice pub. Beer garden is really nice but could do with a little back ground music. A massive thank you to Alex for making it possible for us to stay in our room that we booked as it had a bad leak. Would definitely stay again

Beautiful pub, with some interesting furnishings and a fun haunted history. Always a good atmosphere in here!

Great pub if u can negotiate your way through the well walked through into the back bar via sloping floors making it feel well walked route. Great beers too

Had a meal in here and enjoyed the experience and ambience.

For a ghost lover like me and my girlfriend this was a must! Lovely pub in the beautiful city of York.

Lovely little pub in the heart of the city. I always try and stop in when visiting York

The Golden Fleece is a pub with rooms. As long as you understand that at the outset you will appreciate that normal hotel rules don't apply. The pub is very very old and it was last decorated when Shakespeare was a lad..... It is very atmospheric and darkly attractive if you have an interest in the occult or fancy yourself a Gothic fan. I am a pensioner and was there with my friend who loves a ghost story or better yet, a spectral experience!! We didn't have any ghostly experiences but Lady Peckets room was warm and gothically welcoming. We loved it. The shower room was a disappointment after the style of the bedroom but it was clean and the water was very hot!! All of the floors in the pub are uneven. Everything slopes and I must have looked like Jack Sparrow as I negotiated the stairs and the very sloping bedroom floors. The pub noises were hardly noticed once we went upstairs and we never heard any other guests. The meals in the bar are pretty average for pub food but the breakfast menu can be anything you like. We had the Traditional breakfast which is a small version of the full English. All in all, a good experience.

Great little pub with a fantastic theme. Friendly bar staff and good atmosphere inside the pub.

It is an absolutely fabulous place to go and experience and also to stay too. * The most haunted pub in England

Beautiful old traditional pub with so much history, I would highly recommend a visit. We didn't try the food but it did look really good, maybe next time though

Super friendly professional staff, stayed in The Shambles Room.... Very large room, decor and furniture great and fitting to period of inn. Bed super comfy. Great night's sleep, quiet outside through night even with window open all night. Room definitely haunted! bathroom, fantastic large shower, separate free standing roll top bath, lovely fireplace surrounds in bathroom and bedroom. Definitely will staff again.

Good food and good service and good quality

Very kind staff and delicious dinner. Thanks a lot, Rolf and Michael from Germany.

Visited but very busy and no seats available, as we went past the first part it started to smell of toilets so we weren't keen on staying even if a seat was available. Seems to be very popular though

Had a few drinks,just to relax after all the walking around such a great city ,you can also stay here, which I would love to go back and do

Didn't see any ghosts but pleasant local pub with nice beer garden.

Booked a table for dinner Service was great, very friendly staff Food was delicious and wasn't left waiting. Would love to go back

Amazing, best pub and place in York!

Always pop I whilst in york.never disappoints

Review for the food. Sat in the front room which wasn't very clean, me and others had to clear tables of glasses to have a clear table to sit at. Server was lovely and food came out quick. However the food itself was, meh. For the price it wasn't amazing.

This review is about the food, we didn’t stay here; Quite possibly one of the worst meals I’ve ever had. Mash was like dough and was clearly cheap packet stuff, congealed gravy and the pie had been microwaved and was rock hard. Absolute over priced cr*p.