Lamb & Lion Inn

What's it good for?

A beer garden with spectacular views of York Minster, good food.

Where is it?

Nestled under Bootham Bar the Lamb & Lion is set in a fantastic location in the heart of York. A large garden to the rear provides a wonderful summer beer garden with stunning views of the Minster on one side, and using the York City Walls as it's border on the other.

High Petergate is a very busy York thoroughfare which provides plenty of opportunity for people-watching out of the huge front window, especially when I see groups sheltering from a flash downpour when I have to wonder why they are hiding under the city walls rather than nipping into the pub for a swift half while the clouds move on. Each to their own.

What’s it all about?

The focus of the Lamb & Lion is on quality and I have no complaints when it comes to the beer or the food however I have had extremely poor, bordering on rude, service here in the past but the offending barman has cheered up no end in the past couple of years.

When you get a tainted view of a place personally it's very hard to shake, but I've been continually impressed by the Lamb & Lion and it's done a great job to pull me back in.

I think the main pull has to be the beer garden. It really does have unparalleled views of the Minster, a nice open feel, and plenty of seating. The only drawback is the twisting staircase to get up to it. This place is poor on the accessibility front, though I don't see how they could solve it without major work to a listed building.

What’s on the bar?

On my visit there were 5 hand pulls in action on the bar including what I presume were their regulars, Black Sheep and Saltaire Blonde. For the sparkly stuff there was San Miguel, Tuborg, Aspall's and Thatcher's and of course Guiness.

Do they serve food?

The food at the Lamb & Lion is excellent and sits comfortably alongside their drinks offering. If you are sat in the bar and want a snack with your pint I can recommend the  "Yorkshire Appetisers" at 3 for £6 including Whitby Whitebait and Black Pudding Spring Rolls.

The menu reads like a restaurant rather than a pub with items such as "Duo of lamb with smashed potatoes" and "Parmesan gnocchi, feta cheese and olives" alongside the steaks. During the summer there is a BBQ in the garden on Saturday and Sunday if the weather permits.

Mon to Sat - 12:00 - 15:00 then 17:00 - 21:00pm Sun - 12:00 - 20.00

Is it accessible / allow kids / dogs?

Not great for accessibility, it's level from the front door to the bar in the front room, however there are steps everywhere else including the toilets. Dogs are welcome, as are well behaved kids during the day.

Opening Hours

• Mon 11:00 – 23:00
• Tue 11:00 – 23:00
• Wed 11:00 – 23:00
• Thu 11:00 – 01:00
• Fri 11:00 – 00:00
• Sat 11:00 – 00:00
• Sun 11:00 – 22:30