The Exhibition (York)

The Exhibition is a grand old pub dating from 1702 that is situated on a very busy junction opposite Bootham Bar in York. As you enter up the steep couple of steps you are greeted by dark and atmospheric front room which is split by the central bar, it's a mish mash of Victorian and Art Deco with every single bit of wall space occupied with old photos, paintings, brasses and other Breweriana. There are wood panels, glowing yellow lighting and rich dark red ceiling which envelops you into the cosy space. There's so much to take in, especially the Art Deco stained glass panels and large fireplace, you'd almost be distracted from the offerings behind the bar. Which are not the most exciting but there's at least usually a couple of beers from Brew York, Black Sheep and Timothy Taylors, all priced at the usual City centre prices.

Where The Exhibition really excels is it's outside space, if you follow your way around to the back of the bar and down a fairy light lit corridor it opens out first into a large conservator which is used for group bookings and then out into what is clearly the biggest and best Beer Garden in York! A beautifully secluded long yard with mature plants and great vintage wall art throughout. The only slight let down is the rather Victorian toilets which could probably do with a bit of an update but otherwise this is a very much overlooked pub that is superb in Summer and would be nice and welcoming inside any time of the year.