PUB OF THE WEEK: The Phoenix

The Phoenix pub in York is a proper boozer sitting almost glued to the City walls close to the Barbican.

There’s not a sniff of spit and sawdust, just great scrubbed floorboards, decorative iron tables with tops scrubbed even harder and leatherette banquettes.

Decoration of any kind is minimal in the public bar, save for small vases of carnations that later in the evening are joined by candles.

The corridor through to the back room and charming outside seating area comes more ornate with numerous jazz posters.

Jazz is a serious business here when two or three times a week the extended rear bar of The Phoenix springs to life with jazz sessions, often with free entry.

On the non-jazz evenings, there are traditional pub games on offer including bar billiards.

Featuring just as highly as the jazz at the Phoenix are the beers. The pub is renowned for its range of real ales which has brought it much attention and numerous awards.

Wine is clearly not a priority – given the limited choice – but you can’t have everything. There is also no food at the Phoenix save a not half bad pork pie helped along with a dollop of Branston and a pickled onion and pickled eggs on offer.

Until recent times, this old pub has had some hard times until saved by the late Tim Everton and his wife in 2009.

The Phoenix has changed hands again this year and even so, it is safe to say it has well and truly risen from the ashes.

About The Author

Elaine Lemm

Following a successful career as a chef and restaurateur, Yorkshire's Elaine Lemm is a highly respected food and drink writer and recently voted one of the top 50 in the UK. Elaine is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and author of three books,The Great Book of Yorkshire Pudding, The Great Book of Rhubarb and The Great Book of Tea.

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