The Punch Bowl in York

I was told about this pub so I had to go and have a look for myself and pleasantly surprised the staff behind the bar was courteous and to help with anything you needed well worth a visit

great little pub and fantastic service

Lovely, intimate pub for a pie. Atmosphere loses a star as we visited on quiz night so was not exactly quiet and romantic. Unless your idea of a date is a quiz night, I guess...

Efficient Staff and a friendly Welcome in this historic building. Great Beer selection. There must be a cosy log fire somewhere..... But I didn't spot it. Good menu choice with Pies being a specialty.

Great old worldly pub. The Guinness is the best I've had outside of Dublin. It's a premium priced venue which I imagine it is due to location and tourism. I honestly didn't mind due to the quality of my drink.

Decent Nicholson's pub in the centre of York.

Sat down table was grim and dirty, ordered food, order was wrong we didn’t order chips, one of the drinks had black stuff in it and had to get it swapped, ordered an extra sauce for the chicken strips and it took ages to come, when it did come the pot had green mush on it, server looked miserable. Very unhygienic. Not impressed x

Definitely worth a visit! A proper historic pub, with friendly staff… thanks for fixing my hangover Charlie! 😎

A lovely homely pub, food was great and staff welcoming to day trippers

Well I’ve just been in the pub, afternoon, i ordered my son a coke because he were driving and the cost for half was £3:20, that’s £6:40 for a pint, no wonder so many pubs are closing, it’s day light robbery

Went to the punch bowl stonegate for dinner. Had the steak and nicholsons ale pie. It was the best pie I’ve ever had. Can see why it’s won awards. So pleased we chose this pub and will definitely go back. Shame we don’t live nearer to York or it we be a weekly thing.

Nice atmosphere and knowledgeable bar staff

Food was tasty & hot! Served quickly & inexpensive! Just what we wanted for our lunch. Staff were friendly & helpful

Delicious food Friendly atmosphere

A lovely, warming and historic pub with equally as warm and kind staff. The Punch Bowl in the city center of beautiful York is dressed in nice and charming interior true to what one imagines to be traditional British. Their food is good, especially their pies and is worth a shot without doubt. A place worth visiting again for sure!

Great pub to watch rugby or football . Good attentitive staff Really busy and good atmosphere. Cracking burger but £16 a wee bit expensive and cider at £6 a pint ! Only downside its a small bar so a bit tight when ordering .

Great pub tucked away in the centre of York, the staff are what really makes this place

We always go to a Nicholason pub when in York. Over the passed 5yrs. The menu at some point has changed since November 2024. On the new menu nothing my partner or my 6yr would eat. So we had drinks then went in search of some else to eat.

Booked a table during our stay in York due to it looking very cosy from the outside and when we arrived we were seated promptly with a warm welcome from Maddie who is incredibly pleasant and accommodating. You can order at either the bar or on their app and they have a wifi network to facilitate this. I ordered the beef rib, shin and brisket pie and my partner ordered the sausage and mash. No complaints from my partner re: the sausage and mash and she is very fussy with food. The pie, however was unbelievable. Firstly it is massive, I was initially apprehensive at the £18.50 price tag however I was very surprised when a pie near enough the size of the plate was placed in front of me by Noah, who was also lovely. The pie comes served with a side of mash and carrots, both of which are reasonably portioned especially when considering the size of the pie. The food was still piping hot and the pie was everything you could possibly want in a beef based pie, the meat was melt in mouth and packed with the rich red wine flavour that they advertised on their menu. Laura, another front of house member checked in with us throughout ensuring we weren't in need of anything. Suffice to say, I was very satisfied with the quality of service from the front of house staff and the food was fantastic value for money. We did not order from the bar, however I noted they have a very good range of alcohol including cocktails, beers and ciders with a particularly good range of whiskeys and gins available which I seem to come across less and less these days. We will absolutely be returning.

Lovely staff, so welcoming and accommodating. Absolutely love the atmosphere and loved the food. Very good sized portions for the price too! Will definitely be coming back when we're next in York. Thank you Maddie, Laura and Noah :)

A great place to eat with good beer and excellent food and fantastic staff especially Laura who helped my wife get a space at a table with her mobility scooter and allowed us to charge the battery which had run out. Definitely recommend.

Nice old bar busy all day and night

Quick stop for a pint after a long day. Amazing atmosphere, great staff, plenty of spaces. Great Pub.

The food was fresh, hot and tasty. The service was very friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere too.

Perfect place in historic York for a lunch break - we had steak and ale pie, fish pie and steak sandwich along with pints of Nicholson’s pale ale, Guinness and Madri. Food and drink delicious, served very quickly, considering the place was packed by the lovely Charley. Highly recommend - lovely, welcoming atmosphere and staff.

Quiz man drinks milk but great night otherwise!!

10/10, fab drinks, even better quiz, and even very vibes 🤟

Fantastic. Lovely lunch. Great selection of beers including low and zero %. The vegan pie was amazing. My brother had the fish and chips and said it was moreish. Friendly, informative and helpful staff. Served by Laura and Rose, both lovely. Will visit again.

Cozy and welcoming pub in York. Lovely to sit and eat. Me and my Fiancée had the mushroom, red wine and tarragon suet pie and it was absolutely to die for. Lovely drinks and a lovely time all round. Our servers were Emma and Casey and they were a delight too, fabulous service and very attentive. 10/10 would recommend sitting down for a meal and a pint I'm this place.

The manager was extremely nice towards us when we entered with our dog. Service was easy with app order at your table, and the food we ordered (bar snacks) was very nice.

Fab quiz night.... didn't win but it was a fun night. Thanks Tom & the team. 🙂🏆

The beef shin pie was absolutely out of this world 11/10

Our third visit (so the first two must have been good!). The welcome is friendly and the surroundings very pleasant, either in the bar or dining area. Food is well-cooked and good value - served nice and hot too. The various pies are excellent although it was today's fish and chips that really hit the mark - fish was thick, white and succulent with good, crunchy batter. There is a limited choice of four puddings, but the classics are there and the crumble was great - the custard is thoughtfully served separately which was appreciated. The Punch Bowl has become our regular eatery whenever in York.

Had a great time here a month ago, sheltering from the cold and enjoyed a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Great selections on tap and outstanding service from staff. Got a selection of small bar snacks and I am still hungry for the sausages and chicken bites. Out of this world. We also found out that we left an item behind, and after contacting the staff they went above and beyond and posted it back to us! Will definitely be back again and can’t wait :) (P.S Thankyou to the lovely lady who helped us out!)

A lovely historic pub right in the centre of York and very close to other tourist attractions. The interior of this pub has been preserved very well and stepping inside really does transport you back a few centuries to the times of Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin. The service was excellent, friendly, attentive and couldn't do enough for you. I feel like the prices were also reasonable given what we ate and drank. Possibly my only complaint would've been the pie we ordered - the filling was delicious and the presentation was also nice, however it seemed like the pie lacked a pastry base and sides inside the pot it was served in (so essentially it was pie filling covered with a pastry top). Don't get me wrong, it was tasty and even enough for two to share, but I expected something slightly better considering the price and the standard of everything else. However all said, I enjoyed my visit.

Called for a last drink on the way back to our hotel and there happened to be a quiz in progress. Although it was too late to join in we had some fun trying to answer the questions. We enjoyed it so much we stayed for more drinks and it made our night.

Came for a drink, first visit. Gets very busy with people queuing to get in at opening. Not a huge place and quite cosy and intimate. Good choice of drinks at reasonable prices. Service friendly. Lots of history to the place as you'd expect from an old pub in York.

The food was lovely, our party of four all had pies and they were great. The Guinness was nice, as were the non-alcoholic choice. Would recommend 👍🏼

Paid £7 in parking so we could eat here to be told the kitchen is closed

The chefs are class, so were the bar staff. Would recommend to a friend. Come here if you’re in york and need some good scran and a good drink.

Luke, Maddie and Stuart were absolutely lovely servers. The cocktails are delicious!! Will be back as the food smelt amazing!!

The atmosphere was amazing!! I ordered a paloma (based on a recommendation from Luke as all the cocktails looked amazing), which was absolutely incredible, and the servers Luke, Stuart and Maddie were absolutely lovely, had a good chat with them and they served us very quickly!! Definitely recommend 🙌

We came on Friday night for the pub quiz which was great fun and only £2 per person. We ordered from the bar snacks menu which had some great deals and really lovely food. They catered well for my gluten free diet. Drinks were reasonably priced, we would definitely go again.

Buzzing place. Make sure you book!

A good old pub. Prices a bit high

Went out for lunch with family and food was absolutely amazing coming out of the kitchen and bar staff were kind and attentive. They made sure we had anything and we were comfortable.

Best pie I've ever had, friendly staff got my dog some water without asking, so cosy.

A cosy pub with various spaces to sit. Lots of tables. Old. Full of atmosphere. Good place to get a pint and chat. If you like loud music and being rowdy, please go to an alternative place! Staff very friendly and helpful. Clear glasses quickly from tables. Serves food.

Visiting York we heard about the punch bowl and the 3 ghosts, we had to have a look in. The staff are ace and friendly, service was quick and to the point. We came here at 12 and there was a queue so had to be good. The food....had a steak and ale pie and the wife had a brisket burger...both were top 5 star rating, not a bad price either. Get yourself down and enjoy the place.

I didn’t want to leave this beautiful and charming old pub when we popped in on Boxing Day. The sausage and mash was good and it has plenty of atmosphere and nice bar staff.

Manager and staff very friendly and helpful, and very efficient. 👍

Visited Boxing Day and we were made very welcome. Had Rabbit Pie which was yummy and met people from all over. Great experience.

On our Boxing Day visit we were made very welcome and had a yummy Rabbit Pie for tea. Lovely atmosphere with people from all over saying hi and talking to each other. Nice way to end our little break in York but we're coming back in the spring.

We go in this pub every time we come to York (which is quite often). We went today with my service dog. We walked in and were shouted back by a member of bar staff and told we could only go in the front bar with a dog. We told her that she was a service dog (she had signs on her harness and I was wearing my badge). She wafted her arm at us and glared and said "Well if it's a service dog , I suppose you can sit anywhere." This was said in an extremely rude tone of voice, whilst still glaring at us. I suggest she attends a customer service course and acquaints herself with the Equality Act 2010.

There were 4 people eating and then 6 hours later one person had food poison, had the mushroom pie.it cut our hoilday sort.

I only had a beer there, but loved the atmosphere. Really nice english Pub!

Always make a point of coming here when visiting York. Great atmosphere.

Nice pub with reasonable prices for York Town centre. A bit funny over seat reservations but generally a good spot.

I came here yesterday with my boyfriend, we had the steak and ale pie and the Sunday dinner and we both adored it and wish we could go back already! It was really well priced, the staff were lovely and welcoming and nothing was too much hassle, and it has such a cozy and warm atmosphere. We will be coming again the next time we visit york😊

Went for Sunday lunch. The drink was quite expensive £23 for two large G and T's. Beardy barman barked at me that he would not let me order food when I ordered drinks had to re-queue at the bar at 12'00 to order meals. The food was bordering on mediocre, was warm, not hot the portions were on small side and the potatoes must have been prepared the day before as they had a thick leathery outer layer. Roasties were burnt. Two G and Ts, two red wines (gin was nice but the red wine was poor) and two lunches were over £80, did not feel like good value for what we got. Would not go again, sure York has a lot better to offer.

Our favourite pub in York that we stumbled across last year by accident. Went again this year and its still excellent.

Food was absolutely delicious and staff very friendly and funny. Book ahead as lots of people wondering in and can’t get seated

Lovely quaint place , Casey emma & Charlie were very friendly and I really enjoyed the ghost stories too !

We thoroughly enjoyed our light lunch at the Punch Bowl, and for York city centre, the cost was very reasonable. Friendly staff (Casey and Emily) and excellent food!

Absolutely fantastic food & staff - so welcoming

Came in on Saturday to meet my sons, and got out of the rain. We grabbed a table, sons had festive burger, I had smoked salmon on sourdough, and venison croquettes. The chef maybe should go to Specsavers, as the salmon wasn't served on sourdough, but on half a small baguette, which absolutely didn't go. Here's a tip you could pass on , smoked salmon should be served with lemon. The croquettes were nothing special, frozen pre made, cheap - never seen a deer.

Very nice pub . Good selection of ales. Food good and nice setting.

Excellent food, order at table of bar with great service and quaint environment, also comes with 3 resident Ghosts

We came to York Christmas market specifically for the beef rib and shin brisket pie.We stumbled across this pub last year and knew it was a go to! Never disappointed and the staff was really friendly. It gets busy quick so aim for just as it opens at 12! We ordered at 12:05 and our pies was in front of us in less than 10 minutes! Pic of the pie for reference! 100% recommend! Enjoy!

Located in the heart of York, the Punch Bowl offers a cozy environment with the traditional pub character, with an excellent food and a wide selection of Ales and wines. This is a must-visit if you are in the city and want to try local brews and traditional food. I totally recommend this place.

Lovely, cosy pub with very friendly staff!

A great selection of drinks and friendly, helpful staff

Lovely pub, fab atmosphere and great food. Served by Casey who was lovely and looked after us. Thoroughly enjoyed and would come again!

No foowhat we ordered no communication with staff and what was available Really not good please lovely

I was on my own so very grateful that you can order from the table with a qr code. As it was very busy and didn't want to loose my spot when I got up. As soon as ordered food even though busy it didn't take long for it to arrive. The food was absolutely delicious. Would highly recommend and definitely like to go back.

Pre booked a table for 5 on a Saturday lunchtime in York (we were recommended by a friend). The welcome from the man at the bar was really personal and the lady that served our food was great too. We all ordered food, it all arrived together piping hot and was very tasty-excellent value for money-5 empty plates. The place was really busy and had a great atmosphere. I might suggest more staff as the ones there, were really busy all the time (but they still managed to provide great customer service). We would definitely go back and recommend to others

Had some nice drinks and a look at the river, sticky floor, but such a nice place

Very busy pub but the staff handle it well. The food was excellent for a high street pub, well presented, hot and tasty. Lovely surroundings with quirky decorations, a dining room as well as various side rooms to eat and drink. Just a minor irk was having my dining out gift card taken off me as the bar person told me they always keep them when they are at £0...A gift card dept support person has since told me the card always remains the property of the customer. Despite me telling him it was reloadable and I would like it back he was 100% arrogantly sure they always keep them. Possibly a good time for re-educating on gift cards?.

Has a really cozy vibe inside; lovely helpful staff and the food is good too! Been a few times ☺

Food we had the sea bass and the Gnocchi. It was very good and the staff were fabulous. Great atmosphere would recommend to all. 5 🌟 .

Lovely pub in the heart of York. Food available. Small seating area at the front. Plenty of choice of food and drink.

You cannot come to York without visiting this pub. Cosy atmosphere, expansive drink selection, great home cooked food, and friendly staff. Maddie, Lucy, and George looked after us this evening and were very welcoming; although they were busy, they made sure that every person was dealt with and did it with a smile. Make sure if you’re visiting York, spooky reasons or not, that you add the Punchbowl to your places to go to

Food was really disappointing. Had nachos, hardly any topping and tasted like cheap tortillas chips bought from supermarket

Very cozy place. But the waiting time to get the order is too long. The quality of the food is good, typical of a pub.

7 minutes ago New You cannot come to York without visiting this pub. Cosy atmosphere, expansive drink selection, great home cooked food, and friendly staff. Maddie, Lucy, and George looked after us this evening and were very welcoming; although they were busy, they made sure that every person was dealt with and did it with a smile. Make sure if you’re visiting York, spooky reasons or not, that you add the Punchbowl to your places to go to

Great pub, good staff and service.

Brilliant staff. Casey was super friendly and helped me pick the best burger I’ve tasted in a long time. Will be returning!

Although the staff were nice, the food was very underwhelming. The quality was poor for the high price, as the food was served lukewarm and with items missing. The selection of beers was limited and there was drink menu items unavailable, which the bartender wasn’t aware of. The atmosphere was nice for a drink, but I wouldn’t recommend the restaurant.

I can't rate the food as we didn't eat here... Very old pub, with a lot of history, worth popping in for a drink, although the drinks are a little pricey.

2 adults, 11yr old, 9yr old and 2 Yr old. Lovely old fashioned pub. Comfortable seating and high chairs and free WiFi. The pies are 10/10. Kids only had fries or chunky chips due to lack of kids menu (they literally just need to add some chicken nuggets and they've nailed it). They have lots of local ales and you can get 1/3 ale flights to experience more

Amazing food, lovely pub, staff's lovely, especially Maddie, would definately recommend.

Always like to pop in here for a drink. On this occasion, we had time to sit down for a meal. It's always busy here, but it wasn't too hard to find a table.

Good lunch at a reasonable price in a nice pub setting near the Minster.

I have Been frequenting the punch bowl for many years, we decided to stop for some lunch on Saturday with our grandson, my grandson wanted sausage and mash they didn’t have it on the children’s menu, so I paid the main menu price. When the meal arrived it had the gravy Already on the meal, my grandson became upset as he didn't want gravy on his mash just sausage, I asked the waitress if she could take it away and have some mash without the gravy on as we assumed the gravy would be in a boat or jug. We pacified our grand son, when a female member of staff informed me that I would have to order some thing else off the children’s menu and would have to pay extra, I informed the lady that I had just spent over £50 and we only wanted the gravy removing off the mash. Shock and gobsmacked at her attitude We left and will not be back. I think Nicklesons needs to look at training staff in good customer service.

Nice pub in the center of York service good food

Not the best. Needs a good scrub. Food ok. Tables a bit sticky

Called in for a quick bar snack & the food was excellent. Efficient service & very clean. Would definitely go back.

Cosy pub with classic pub food to a good standard. Found the staff to be friendly. The location and the historic building are big positives.

Had a fantastic experience with the food and service,the staff went above and beyond for me and my pie quest? Can highly recommend the place👍

Popped in whilst visiting York and loved it. Very nice clean, friendly pub.