Deramore Arms

What's is good for?

A great place for a hearty meal with a pint after a walk.

Where is it?

Dominated by the ever expanding University of York it's easy to forget that Heslington village is there at all. Arriving bang in the middle of the summer break through the deserted campus I certainly wasn't expecting a bustling bar with locals inside and out, MAMILs (Middle Age Men In Lycra) not so fresh from their cycling trip, and families tucking into their roast dinner.

Transport links are good, there is a massive car park out the back which bisects the beer garden where there are numerous bike racks to chain up your expensive road bike, or more likely if you are like me the rusty commuter bike you found third-hand on freecycle. Alternatively you could jump on the #4 bus from town and wander up through the village.

What's it all about?

The Deramore is a large pub with four recently renovated rooms knocked through to create a bright open space around a central bar. Light streams in from windows on all sides, with industrial bare bulbs hang above the bar illuminating the array of drinks available. Bookshelves are stuffed with old penguin classics and board game favourites, 60s soul music wafts around the bar at that volume which tempts you to sing-along until you realise it's quiet enough that everyone can hear you.

As with most refurbished pubs the walls have a scattering of old photographs of the local area, a trend I'm very much enjoying, someone out there obviously has a thriving but niche business in old photos of village greens.

What's on the bar?

The Deramore focuses on local produce, so the bar is full of Yorkshire breweries, most notable are Leeds and Rudgate alongside their in-house nano-brewery Four Thornes. There were also offerings from further afield, Hackney's Five Point Pale was on draught with Stowford Press, Aspall's,  San Miguel, the usual lagers and Guiness completing the range. All round plenty of choice across the board.

Do they serve food?

Our meal was excellent. We went for Sunday lunch and I was pleased to see that it was available from 12:00 to 20:00 which is far later than many pubs will cater until on a Sunday. I look forward to trying the full menu on other nights.

Is it accessible / allow kids / dogs?

All of the above, ramps where there were once steps, loads of space for kids and dogs inside and out, the Deramore Arms has purposefully opened its doors to all.

Will you go again?

The Deramore is one of those pubs you wish was closer to home so you could call it your local, either that or lucky enough it's far enough away you don't spend all your money there. A resounding yes.

Opening Hours

Mon - Sat 11:00 - 23:00 Sun 11:00 - 22:30