Situated on Stonegate, one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in the country, the Punch Bowl has been a pub for over 400 years, and a building has stood on this site for nearly 2000! As you'd expect, it has a long and colourful history.

It suffered two major fires over the last 150 years, however the restoration work has retained the tavern's distinctive character. Take a look at the overhanging gable at the front of the pub which was added in the 1930s and thoughtfully crafted to echo the character of the street, a style sometimes called Brewers Tudor.

Historical also is the pub's connection with the reforming Whig party. Towards the late 17th Century, throughout the country, the punch bowl design came to be associated with this party. Visitors to any pub displaying a punch bowl sign could be pretty certain the locals were of the same political persuasion. Here they could drink with their fellows, propose political toasts and sing their party's songs without fear of recrimination from other drinkers.

Punch itself was the preferred drink of the Whigs, whilst the Tories liked their claret. These days, while the Whigs and their songs may be long gone, rumour has it you may still hear the voices from the past. York is one of the most haunted cities in England and the Punch Bowl is believed to have at least two ghosts.

One is said to be the spirit of a young girl, while the other is the ghost of a 19th century landlord who perished in one of the fires. But never fear, the Punch Bowl's current landlord always promises a warm welcome!

In addition to a great food menu, the Punchbowl regularly hold live music evenings and other events. Details can be found here.