Guy Fawkes Inn

The Gunpowder Plotter was born on this spot in 1570, in the shadow of York Minster, a fact which adds a frisson to the pub that has done business here for centuries. It is a darkly atmospheric, history-steeped den with an interior akin to stepping into an Old Master painting; recently restored and scrubbed up, there are roaring log fires, a timber staircase, wooden floors, gas lighting, cosy nooks and crannies, and cheerful service that suits the buzzy vibe. Monthly-changing menus and daily chalkboard specials follow a hearty modern pub grub course, treating great local produce with honest, down-to-earth simplicity - expect hearty main courses such as faggots in rich gravy with mushy peas and buttery mash, cider-braised rabbit with tarragon mash, or battered haddock with mushy peas and proper chips. And for pudding, it's Yorkshire parkin with butterscotch sauce.