Five of the Best: Bars in York

Everything they tell you about student life is lies. At least towards the end of third year anyway. The booze filled nights of dancing until the sun dawns, the debauchery of house parties that would put Skins to shame, the bar crawls that would leave you struggling to stand by 7pm... all a distant memory. The closest I've managed to get in the last few weeks has been scraping one night out at the local condemned-Chinese-restaurant-cum-disco (surprisingly better than it sounds) and sharing a bottle of wine with my boyfriend whilst watching Britain's Got Talent. More get-slightly-tipsy-and-have-an-early-night than your typical go-hard-or-go-home student life.

So, in the spirit of my recent dry spell, I've decided to reminisce about the glory days of university; those care free nights of freshers year spent sampling the night-life, and the happy evenings as a more seasoned second year reciting local drinks deals like the alphabet.

So for tourists, students and locals alike, here's my go-to guide for the best bars in York. Whether you're looking for a quirky hang out, or picking your watering hole based on the all important Shots of Vodka to Reasonable Price ratio, I present to you five of the best bars in York.

5. THE LOWTHER

Best. Wallpaper. EVER.

The ultimate student hang out, and the prime place for drinks deals, The Lowther has introduced many a Southerner to the up-North love of treble-for-singles. Perhaps not the choice for a quiet drink, The Lowther is the perfect place for large groups of friends to head before hitting the town (although all the body-popping laydeez should note there is no dance floor. However this often won't deter the odd club-eager lass after one too many vodka Vimtos) Recently renovated, the Lowther's dog-breed print wallpaper is an endless source of fascination if the company's not great, whilst the large tables and spacious layout is perfect if it is.

4. TIGER 10
Formerly known as 'The Parish,' this sufficiently snazzy bar is set in a beautifully converted church. Adding a touch of historical class to your evening in an ancient city, you can sip on the cocktail drink deals or the one pound a pop Jagerbombs feeling significantly more classy than your beverage implies. Alternately, slightly more expensive but not unreasonable drinks are on offer for you to enjoy as you take in this unusual modern renovation.

3. STONE ROSES
Themed around indie and alternative music, The Stone Roses is York's definite rock bar. One of the few city establishments to feature live bands, this off-beat venue balances quirky decor, cheapish drinks and a buzzing atmosphere. Another popular student pub, The Stone Roses is also frequented by tourists and locals alike, and is splurged with painted lyrics, pop art prints, and TV's offering mildly amusing musical facts.  (Led Zeppelin, R.E.M and Depeche Mode have not had a number one single between them, while Rihanna has had 10, in case anyone's interested.)

2. THE GOLDEN FLEECE
Featured on 'Most Haunted,' as the sign outside proudly and permanently proclaims, the Golden Fleece is something of a York tourist attraction. Better suited to a daytime drink due to its early closing hours, this historic pub holds host to a range of ghoulish goings on. Most famously haunted by a Canadian airman and a ghostly aristocrat, The Golden Fleece is a little more expensive in terms of drinks, but is worth it for the spooky atmosphere.


1. EVIL EYE LOUNGE
Popular for its classy but cool edge, this quirky bar is entered through its own shop selling all manner of quirky alcohols. This perfectly sets the scene for entering the mystic themed Evil Eye Lounge, a bar set in the centre of York boasting the city's most comprehensive drinks menu. Famous for their fantastic bespoke cocktails, Evil Eye is bizarrely Brazil, Haiti, and Moroccon themed, and mixes incredible and original drinks. At minimum of £5 a drink, it doesn't come cheap, but their cocktails are beautifully adventurous, immensely strong, and served in brilliant surroundings.