Blue Bell

Its slimline frontage is easy to miss, but don't walk past this charming pub - the smallest in York - which has been serving customers in the ancient heart of the city for 200 years. In 1903 it was given a typical Edwardian makeover, and since then almost nothing has changed - so the Grade II listed interior still includes varnished wall and ceiling panelling, cast-iron tiled fireplaces, and charming old settles. The layout is original too, with the taproom at the front and the snug down a long corridor at the rear, both with servery hatches. The only slight drawback is that the pub's size leaves no room for a kitchen, so don't expect anything more complicated than lunchtime sandwiches. However, there's a good selection of real ales: no fewer than seven are usually on tap, including rotating guests. The pub has won awards for its efforts in fund-raising.