In the centre of York, The Golden Slipper is a proper Yorkshire pub with a fascinating history.
What to expect at The Golden Slipper
The Golden Slipper’s exterior presents a curious combination of different styles, affording the pub an unusual charm. On the right stands a jettied, timber-framed three-storey Tudor house, rendered and painted cream and black. To the left, a two-storey Victorian brick building with a basement and attic. Sunflower decorations surrounding the bright red door, blackboard notices and jazzy neon stars bring a contemporary twist.
The pub’s history is equally colourful. As a sign in the lounge explains, the original 15th-century house contained a 'coffin drop' in its front room ceiling – a rectangular hole through which the dead would be lowered from above, either due to superstition or to avoid narrow staircases. It’s perhaps unsurprising that the pub once laid claim to being one of the most haunted places in York! During renovations in the eighties, ghosts allegedly terrorised workmen, the haunting being believed to be linked to the discovery of a Medieval leather slipper, hence the name. No need to worry these days, though, as an exorcism was performed in 1984!
Inside, the decor is that of a reassuringly traditional pub. Exposed brickwork, wooden floors and high Victorian ceilings. Four rooms surround a central corridor – 'the snug' and 'the library' are particularly cosy, and the open fire and armchair are the perfect place to warm up on a cold winter’s evening. For the warmer days, there is a beer garden to the rear.
What’s to drink at The Golden Slipper?
The Golden Slipper takes pride in its great-quality beers, as any proper pub should. Five cask ales are always available, with three rotating guests. When we visited recently, Yorkshire Blonde by local Ossett Brewery (Ossett) and Lilley’s (Somerset) Lemon & Lime Cider were on tap. The pub is a Timothy Taylor (Keighley) Champion Club Establishment, serving both their Landlord and Knowle Spring (blonde beer). Fans of Timothy Taylor, we both chose the latter. Premium beers, lagers, stouts and ciders, as well as wines, spirits and soft drinks are also available.
What’s to eat at The Golden Slipper?
The Golden Slipper offers a food menu that focuses on local produce and traditional British home cooking styles. The menu is small, but, as is often the case, this is an indication of good quality. Hearty starters are followed by a choice of sharing boards (Veggie, Fish or Meat Ploughman’s) or mains from their grill – chicken, pork, beef or mushroom, all served either as a baguette or in a Yorkshire pudding with roasted veg. The pub also does proper Yorkshire Sunday lunches. The menu can be viewed here.
Where can I find The Golden Slipper?
The Golden Slipper is on Goodramgate in the centre of York, less than a 5-minute walk from the historic York Minster and the bustling Shambles Market. It’s around 20 minutes to walk from York train station and, if you’re driving, Q-Park Shambles is just a 10-minute walk away.
What’s on at The Golden Slipper?
The Golden Slipper regularly hosts live music events featuring local artists. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the latest updates. If you’re planning an event, two upstairs rooms, with the option of catering by the pub kitchen, can be booked via their website.
The Golden Slipper, York: Summary
- Great beers and ales
- Local, traditional food menu
- Beer garden
- York city centre
- Dog-friendly
- Beer garden
- Open fires
- Historic building
- Regular live music
Where can I find out more information or make a reservation?
Follow The Golden Slipper on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and opening hours. To book a table for food or to hire a function room, visit their website.
What's your favourite pub in York? Let us know where to review next on our blog!
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