THE WOODMAN AT BISHOPTHORPE, YORK

A decent, hearty walk from York city centre on a gorgeous spring day warrants a well-earned pint. Having arrived in Bishopthorpe, we had a choice of not one, but three pubs on one street to choose from – and they say pubs are on the decline.

We chose the Woodman, not least as it offers a rather pleasant beer garden with both a smokers and non-smokers area. Also, it being a Sunday, in apubwith a strong emphasis on food, every table bar one was occupied with diners tucking into a roast, and it felt odd sitting in the midst of families, clearly having an excellent time, nursing only drinks. The food wafting past, though, looked tempting with magnificent Yorkshire Puds and decent slabs of meat.

There’s a range of draft ales and a decent wine list on offer, but nothing exciting, a pint of Timothy Taylors Landlord was an excellent and clearly from a well-kept cellar.

A pub connected to its community is a real gem, but it was a struggle to find any links here (including on the website) other than a small notice board in the entrance. There are, apparently, no quiz nights, or a dart board. There was a TV in the corner, so, who knows, maybe when the footie is on?

All that said, this is a lovely wellkept place, staff were friendly, and we would return if in the area again.

The Woodman, 16 Main St, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2RB Tel: 01904 706507 Open 12- 11pm every day.