Volunteer Arms

What's it good for?

Live music, great beer, live sport on TV.

Where is it?

The Volunteer Arms was the second pub acquired by the partnership behind The Slip Inn and later The Woolpack. If you've crossed Holgate "The Iron" Bridge, then you've been within a stone's throw of The Volly, assuming of course that you can throw a stone over St Paul's Church it would most likely land at the door to the pub.

What's it all about?

This question elicits three distinct answers that depend on what's going on at the time.

First up, the Volunteer Arms serves its local community with great beer in a cozy, traditional, pub setting. It has a beer garden out the back and two large rooms inside joined together with a small area next to the bar.

Next up there are large TV screens that are blank for the majority of the time but sparked into action for major sporting events and Premiership matches. It can depend on who's playing but if you fancy getting a seat and a nice pint while you watch the football the Volunteer Arms is a good bet for both.

Finally my favourite use for the the Volunteer Arms, the live music. Every Saturday is live blues from some of the best blues artists in York. Most Fridays there will be a local band on and both nights regularly attract a buzzing crowd.

What's on the bar?

The Volunteer Arms is an independent free house so has the pick of the bunch when it comes to ales, take a look at the blackboard in the photograph below to see what's on. There is also a selection of craft ales and lagers on tap and bottles of Black Rat cider.

Do they serve food?

There are sometimes pork pies on the bar, but no hot food.

Is it accessible / allow kids / dogs?

Dogs are welcome, there are steps all over the place including the front door so near impossible in a wheelchair. It's the kind of place a well behaved child sat with the family would go unnoticed.

Will you go again?

Yes.

Opening Hours

Monday to Thursday 17:00 - 23:00 Friday 17:00 - 24:00 Saturday 12:00 - 24:00 Sunday 12:00 - 23:00