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3.3

Based on 748 opinions finded in 3 websites

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Nº 999 in 1137 in York

Nº 226 of 240 Other cuisines in York

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..yorkoldlady

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Proper Nob head behind the bar enjoy that pint of cider

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Mark Fairclough . 2025-01-12

MORE AT Google

Entramos y miramos por la puerta para ver si tenían un aviso de no perros, ya que no había uno que nos sentáramos dentro. ¡Un viejo borracho desaliñado se inclinó y gritó que no se permitían perros! Como teníamos dos perros muy pequeños decidimos ignorar su arrebato y uno de nosotros se acercó al bar seguido de un artículo desaliñado que había gritado. ¡Debe haber hablado con el casero cuando salió del bar y me dijo que no tuviera perros! Luego gritó que dice que en la puerta! ¡Qué alegrías navideñas encuentras en York! ¡Qué bravucón tan horrible y pudo ver que yo también estaba discapacitado! ¡Nos fuimos y nunca más volvería a poner un pie en este vertedero! ¡Por favor, voten con sus pies, gente!

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David Hewison-Ward . 2025-01-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Mientras que los visitantes habituales de York esta fue la primera vez en el Burns Hotel y también será la última. Si bien estamos de acuerdo con la regla de no llamar por teléfono para que la gente hable, creo que podría manejarse de una manera más amigable con el cliente y no reprender a personas como niños. Llamamos en la noche de NYE y no parecía haber mucha gente en tan poco ambiente. Si bien las bebidas son muy baratas y (al principio) la camarera parecía amable me siento con todas las reglas que no parece un lugar acogedor para los turistas. Podemos volver a llamar solo para ver si No Lancastrians se agrega a la lista No Dogs No Kids en la puerta 😁

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Rebecca G . 2025-01-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Beautiful pub, unfortunately exclusively frequented by alcoholics and creeps.

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James Sargent . 2024-12-29

MORE AT Google

El personal del bar grosero, antipático, el gerente se negó a dejarme tener un pequeño sabor de la sidra de barril que quería probar así que nos fuimos, nos habríamos quedado por unos pocos, como casera ex pub me pareció repugnante el servicio al cliente

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James B . 2024-12-28

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I enjoyed a festive pint here with my Son,everywhere looked clean,seating comfortable and nicely upholstered,friendly atmosphere and bar staff,cant wait to return 👍

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John Glasgow . 2024-12-23

MORE AT Google

Después de pasear por el mercado navideño mi mujer y mi hija (18 ) decidimos pasar por este pub a tomar algo rápido. Inmediatamente obtuve algunas miradas de los chicos locales sentados cerca del bar. No dijeron nada. Obviamente no quieren que entren no locales. Mi esposa se sentó con mi hija y fue instantáneamente saltada por una grosera camarera de bar desagradable que agitaba un cartel que decía nada de teléfonos móviles, etc en el pub. Bien. Si no hubiera pagado por nuestras bebidas me habría ido. Los alcohólicos locales protagonizaron a mi hija obviamente porque era una chica joven en el bar. Esto se detuvo inmediatamente cuando me paré y los miré. Definitivamente tratando de intimidar a la gente. El lugar es un retroceso a la época misógina. Un vertedero que atiende a viejos olorosos y vagos alcohólicos.

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Pioneer09580309916 . 2024-12-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

An absolute dump. Draconian pathetic rules. The rude obnoxious sour faced bar maid moaning about my wife checking her phone. Local alcoholics staring at you when you walk in trying to intimidate people. That didn't work because when I looked back they all turned around, so they just looked over occasionally at my 18 year old daughter obviously they think women shouldn't be in a bar. Beer is vile. Visited York for the Christmas market and only popped in here for a quick drink as a tourist. I definitely should have gone somewhere else. Finished the awful beer and left. Definitely won't be back. Hopefully this place closes and the local alcoholics can return to park benches. If you're a tourist stay well away from this dump. Definitely doesn't reflect the decent polite locals.

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Chris Roberts . 2024-12-22

MORE AT Google

Fair if you want a quick pint, now't to shout about, mainly wet house only lol 😂 xxxx

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derrick lambert . 2024-12-21

MORE AT Google

We were visiting York on 18/12/2024 and popped into this place with our two small dogs. An old busybody leaned over(clearly drunk) and said dogs are not allowed. We ignored his rude attitude and proceeded to sit down whilst my other half was at the bat the said busybody told the landlord how came over and said in a very loud unfriendly manner that dogs were not allowed! He then shouted it says it on the door! As we left, we looked and no where on the door did it state this! Merry Christmas mr landlord you absolute bully boy! Well done Samuel Smiths! Ps he could see I was disabled too, you must be so proud of staff like this? What an awful and embarrassing experience!

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David Ward . 2024-12-20

MORE AT Google

The Burns Hotel is a traditional sam smiths pub. A nice cosy pub with all the usual sam smiths drinks, including the old brewery bitter on hand pumps. The imperial stout, the raspberry fruit beer, and organic larger deserve a special mention. The prices are very cheap. There are no bar games but the pub sells good food. The staff are very friendly and welcoming unless they catch you on your phone. A good pub, highly recommended. Not dog or child friendly.

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Andrew Nell . 2024-12-19

MORE AT Google

Manos abajo el pub más desagradable que hemos estado. Barman / propietario estaba totalmente desinteresado, horrible servicio al cliente. (Aunque la señora recogiendo gafas era agradable). Nuestros amigos fueron cuadrados hasta casi inmediatamente por otro cliente y al volver después de un cigarrillo escuchó al barman / propietario decir 'han vuelto' en un tono muy despectivo que implicaba que deseaba que nos hubiéramos ido. Éramos 2 parejas visitando York para un breve descanso. ¡Eviten a toda costa!

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Tara-Jane-Hob . 2024-12-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Called into this place to decide our next move. Nice glass of wine and beer for my partner. Got google maps out to look how far next destination, we'd discussed to go to next. Next thing I'm been told off like a child at school. Clearly the bar lady, who was working the bar alone and was very busy, felt her ego needed to come out. I also work behind a bar and wouldn't dream of dressing down a person in public like that, smile and courtesy is key to a great member of staff. I certainly won't be stepping back into this pub again.

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Vicky Edwards . 2024-12-16

MORE AT Google

Was very surprised to be told off for using my phone! I’m 58 not 5! I was trying to locate a local taxi rank as it happens. The drinks were limited and those that were there are cheap versions! Won’t be going again !!

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Karen Hawkins-Trigg . 2024-12-16

MORE AT Google

Great place for a local drink 🍻

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Mark Biggs . 2024-12-15

MORE AT Google

No phones or internet use allowed in here, good idea for a small section of the human race but in this day and age it's not an idea that's going to want to make me come back. Woman got told off for having her phone out, didn't go down well with people sitting around her.

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Gary Trimmer . 2024-12-10

MORE AT Google

Very busy, good atmosphere, seemed popular and a regular for folk. Didn't eat

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Claire Shakespeare . 2024-12-01

MORE AT Google

I didnt like it here because of the attitude of one of the staff when i didn't know because about the no phone policy she was really rude and could of spoke more nicely to me i've never been here before so how would i know.

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Sophie Jayne Jolly . 2024-11-17

MORE AT Google

Cheap and cheerful Sam Smiths pub, changed its name back from The Handsome Cab ,always been a popular drinking establishment in the city centre.

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Dennis Thompson . 2024-10-20

MORE AT Google

Fantastic old fashioned pub.no mobile phones allowed bonus

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Nick blackler . 2024-10-18

MORE AT Google

Sam Smiths pub, cheap beer, no mobiles, no tablets or laptops, no music, frequented by students and some local characters, quite enjoyable

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Paul Garbutt . 2024-10-13

MORE AT Google

Just popped in for a beer .nice staff food looks nice

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Lee Eavery . 2024-10-10

MORE AT Google

Decided to pop in as passing and saw the sign about children and dogs on the way in, having just visited Whitby the dog rule was welcome lol. Lovely looking pub, with booths, the staff served us quickly and were friendly. We saw the rest of the rules on the beer mats when we sat down, fine pubs are allowed to enforce whatever rules they want and it was nice not having to listen to other people's phone calls, or football matches. Would of liked a bit of background music but it didn't spoil our evening.

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hoodoo38 . 2024-10-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We loved how encouragement is being made to restore good old conversation, as phone and laptops kill the art of an enjoyable time in a pub. When I go out with someone I don't expect to be ignored or be second best to someone else who isn't even in the same room. We'll done ✔️ I totally agree with them,

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Elleran Hobart . 2024-09-14

MORE AT Google

I was there yesterday (*Tuesday 6th, at approximately 7.30pm - reply to owners’ query). Having heard a stream of profanities from a local raconteur at the bar (in contravention of company policy clearly outlined in notices around the pub) ignored by the nearby bar staff, a friend was pointedly admonished for (silently) using his phone to search for a nearby restaurant by one of the bar staff. Concurrently, another punter’s phone loudly alerted him to a call which he took, shouting into his phone at length without censure. Clearly a pub where anyone “not local” isn’t welcome. It didn’t help that I (to my taste - it wasn’t ‘off’) found the beer was barely drinkable, so we left with my pint barely touched. Not the best experience I’ve ever had.

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Ian Goodacre . 2024-08-08

MORE AT Google

Nice enough however, as I was on my phone working on work related emails and logistics of my upcoming work in the area, I was told I can't use my phone. The lady said, and then I saw the signs, that it is to encourage drink and conversation. I get the concept of this Samuel Smiths pub policy but; I was on my own!!! I was not going to speak with myself, or anyone else. I wasn't speaking on the phone, not playing games nor playing music, just quietly minding my own business and planning the logistics of my work over the next couple of days. The lady was adamant that she won't allow me to continue despite me explaining the above. Can't some pragmatism, or a sensible approach, be exercised in the managing of this policy? I'll not be using this bar again when I'm in the area with work, shame but no problem, lots of other wonderful bars to use where I can be left to mind my own business without interruption from curt staff forbidding me to continue. On A final note, before I left, 3 blokes at a table on a phone conversation, which was on speaker, not a word said to them and they were left to continue, other staff said nothing!!!

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Sean Carruthers . 2024-07-23

MORE AT Google

I always come to this pub when we visit York as it holds many memories of my college years. What a big disappointment. No hand pulled Sam Smiths and the bar staff on duty was unwelcoming and no interest in serving me as she had something else to do! I found a much better experience at a local bar thankfully Bring back the atmosphere this pub had when it was The Hanson Cab!

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Paul/Annie . 2024-07-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Avoid this crazy place at all costs! The rude and obviously drunk maid behind the bar is racist and unfriendly. After two minutes of relaxing, she came over to me to say that there is a strict no-phone policy. I was just about to find my train and book a ticket. I used my phone to pay for a pint, and that was okay, lol. The place is stinky and full of obvious local alcoholics who definitely appreciated that I just left my half-full pint on the table and left that crazy place.

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Peter H . 2024-06-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Always great service in this classic pub in the town centre.

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Rod Lockwood . 2024-06-06

MORE AT Google

Totalitarian bar! Got told I’m not allowed to use my phone . I don’t think so . My husband went to the toilet and the barmaid came right over to tell me to get off of my mobile phone. Got up, left my drinks that I’ve paid for. Never be back and will advise all friends and family not to attend this establishment. If I’d known prior to ordering drinks I would never have entered the door. No wonder it was empty! !

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lynne G . 2024-06-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Popped in for a drink with my wife, bar was empty apart from ourselves and 3 locals. They had had a few too many and were very vocal with each other, plenty of swearing amongst other things. Staff didn't seem to bothered by they're behaviour, anyway I took my phone out to check on the kids who were at home (teenagers) and the staff were on my like a rocket and told me I couldn't use my phone. Not one to make an issue I put it away, 3 locals still gobbing off at this point. Later I got a text off my kids so got my phone out only for the staff to be there instantly telling me not to use my phone. She then asked the rowdy locals to calm it down. I know it's a stupid sma Smith pub rule but in this day and age, it's pathetic. I'm all.for talking rather than texting but the staff need to prioritise who they are having a go at. Will not be going anywhere near a Sam Smith pub ever again.

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kev b . 2024-06-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Went in for drinks, a tablet and phone free zone, which was great! Friendly staff and comfy chairs that made my father in law look like Rowley Birkin! Will probably be back tonight for a swift half.

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Neal A . 2024-05-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Great pub and beer and absolutely amazing

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Steven Horsfall . 2024-05-22

MORE AT Google

Friendly, traditional pub. Regulars supporting a nice pub. A great place to meet friends and have a drink and a chat. What freedom to chat and enjoy time without phones and laptops etc. Hurrah . People actually chatting and listening to each other. Plenty of other pubs for using Wi-Fi, using your phone. Nice atmosphere and a good red wine.

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Windsweptinteresting . 2024-05-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

HIDDEN GEM IN YORK!! Great service, immediately served, two pints for just over £7, no laptops/phones/children allowed = absolute bliss, we loved it

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Adrienne Hill . 2024-05-05

MORE AT Google

Well I thought at first what a lovely quaint stop in very busy York. I’m travelling solo. What I didn’t realise sitting on my own is the pub has a digital detox to encourage conversation (which is fine if you’re with a friend but alone it was very uncomfortable). I was looking up directions and got a ‘telling off’ for using my phone. Well I left and won’t be back. I would suggest a common sense approach is applied here - we are adults after all!

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racheljrainbow . 2024-05-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Really cheap prices (hence the extra star). Due to the nutjob rules of the owner, there is no background music and the place felt like a wake. Also, we were told to not use our mobile phones (we were looking at where to eat in York, as part of our stay). Due to this draconian rule, we swiftly left, leaving our glasses full. We won't be back u quaker/brethren nutcases, enjoy your cheap beer! 🤬

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Paul Wells . 2024-04-27

MORE AT Google

This is a Sam Smiths pub hence mobile phones etc are not allowed , a rule which is rigorously enforced. Drinks are cheaper than most places and food is served though limited in scope. Despite the name it is a pub, not a hotel. Due to the phone rule it is mostly an older crowd. Gay friendly.

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Winston_Kodogo2013 . 2024-04-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I used to love this place, it was a proper pub, no messing, just good.... Feels like it's a dying business now unfortunately... Sad really, I hope these Sam Smith's pubs are rescued quickly from the toxicity of the owner

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Greg Falconer . 2024-03-10

MORE AT Google

Went in for lunch, walked in straight away thought typical old man's pub but decided to stay. Got a drink, ordered food sat down. Got phone out to look at places in York was then told no phones allowed was a digital detox pub and pointed to a small sign. We saw no signs in the window or door on entering the pub and walked straight past this sign. Found it weird no phones or any technology yet landlord happily let's you pay for your food and drink via your phone....noticed he kept watching if we actually decided to use our phones throughout. If not had paid for food would have left. We chose to sit and chill to be able to research bits in york via our phone. To be fair food was nice. Many people came in unaware was no phones etc allowed and many were secretly using them. Saw one couple leave quickly, yet a lady was sat on a kindle yet nothing said. Last time I checked that's technology. Apparently it is Sam Smith breweries rules that any item of technology is not permitted. Not a place would visit again, was a typical old man pub. Great if you want to chat away, not if you just want to sit and chill with your phone in silence.

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natalie h . 2024-03-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Smelly sticky tables and stale sandwiches . Old man’s smelly pub . Not cleaned the tables . Very cheap pints and food was terrible, waited ages for three sandwiches and the bread was rockhard, either stale or quickly defrosted absolutely disgrace to the city of York. seems like usual clientele every day who sits up in and they smelt terrible.. no fresh air could wait to get out of the place

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7grahamh . 2024-02-19

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Visited here last Saturday afternoon while visiting York and went to the bar for drinks. Meanwhile my wife and granddaughter went to find a seat and were yelled at by a gentleman who had some sort of needs,okay a lady apologised for him but it put a dampener on our visit. Beer was cheap but not very good and the atmosphere was dank. Staff were okay but all in all place was not very welcoming.

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chrisworthington48 . 2024-02-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Got told off for using our mobiles. Good beer though.

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Paul Broughton . 2024-02-12

MORE AT Google

This is a gadget free zone, no mobiles no laptops just an environment to enjoy a drink and converse with each other like we used to do. The staff are lovely, polite and well mannered and the beer is great, what's not to like?

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Artie Bulloch . 2024-01-14

MORE AT Google

A step back into the past a haunt for my husband in his youth lovely pub

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Anne Saltmer . 2024-01-02

MORE AT Google

Great Samuel Smith pub .. no WiFi thankgod.. people have to talk!!!

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Josephine Mylchreest . 2023-12-31

MORE AT Google

Went in Xmas Eve place was dead wife got her phone out only to be abruptly told about the no phone rule. She went to the loo and was swiftly followed by a member of staff no doubt checking she wasn't breaching the rules. Felt like being in prison didn't even finish my drink which wasn't very nice anyway no wonder the place is dead.

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Col “Colino” Bee . 2023-12-27

MORE AT Google

Very rude staff were unfriendly was told to stop looking at my mobile phone whilst trying to find direction. Apparently mobile phone free pub. Ridiculous, especially as was only told after buying drinks. Left straight away will not return. Nothing good about this pub.

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david walton . 2023-12-21

MORE AT Google

Small, long friendly pub, mainly locals during day, good atmosphere, no phones allowed at all, well maintained very clean pub, friendly staff

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John Gavin . 2023-12-18

MORE AT Google

Brilliant pub! Staff were brilliant.

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Josh Adger . 2023-12-18

MORE AT Google

Went in for lunch, walked in straight away thought typical old man's pub but decided to stay. Got a drink, ordered food sat down. Got phone out to look at places in York was then told no phones allowed was a digital detox pub and pointed to a small sign. We saw no signs in the window or door on entering the pub and walked straight past this sign. Found it weird no phones or any technology yet landlord happily let's you pay for your food and drink via your phone....noticed he kept watching if we actually decided to use our phones throughout. If not had paid for food would have left. We chose to sit and chill to be able to research bits in york via our phone. To be fair food was nice. Many people came in unaware was no phones etc allowed and many were secretly using them. Saw one couple leave quickly, yet a lady was sat on a kindle yet nothing said. Last time I checked that's technology. Apparently it is Sam Smith breweries rules that any item of technology is not permitted. Not a place would visit again, was a typical old man pub. Great if you want to chat away, not if you just want to sit and chill with your phone in silence.

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natalie h . 2023-12-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

My first Sam Smith pub. Takes some getting used to but the no phones rule is refreshing this day and age. The prices were brilliant and the ale very nice.

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John Gibbins . 2023-12-15

MORE AT Google

Slow bar staff. Waiting on change while they were talking. I walked away without mine. Their attitude was a little off. Whether they had been upset earlier but no reason to take it out on everyone

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paul crowther . 2023-12-13

MORE AT Google

Ordered two cheese and pickle sandwichs plus a portion of chips and two beef sandwichs and that came with chips and gravy There was hardly any cheese on the sandwich and the chips were cold the portion size for the beef sandwich and chips would have been more suitable for a child. The barmaid shouldn't be in hospitality as she did nothing but pull her face when we had to change our original order due to them not having what we originally wanted. The tables were dirty as were the ladies toilets if I could have give them a zero rating I would have.

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kim maclean . 2023-12-13

MORE AT Google

Nice pub, good prices for the beer. However, the chagrin vs electronic deivces is daft and unneccessary.

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MurrMightFish9 . 2023-12-09

MORE AT Google

Fabulous, friendly, very busy pub: and so it should be. Locals, staff all very friendly and good prices.

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Banana man . 2023-12-03

MORE AT Google

Excellent traditional pub , serving , a great selection of cask beers. Very friendly staff .

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Ken Jones . 2023-12-01

MORE AT Google

A annual visitor to York, and the great Burns Hotel, never let's us down with great beer and calm atmosphere, though being told off by a customer that we wee too loud in our chatter was a first - we were having a great time and catch up with old friends! The staff are brilliant and the digital detox is fab!

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Lynne S . 2023-11-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Didn't have food but had an awesome afternoon in this bar loving the no phones had a great laugh with family

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Emma Wilde . 2023-11-30

MORE AT Google

Another traditional pub that can become crowded at busy times which makes it difficult to get to the bar. There's a great atmosphere and a buzz of busy shoppers.

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Tony Goose . 2023-11-28

MORE AT Google

Typical Sam Smith's pub no atmosphere only 1 server on a Saturday lunchtime ridiculous 🙄

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Mel Burke . 2023-11-19

MORE AT Google

Service was friendly enough. The atmosphere on the other hand was miserable. Much like the faces of everyone in there. If you ever feel that you are just too happy, I recommend thirty minutes in this soulless hellscape.

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Jon Wood . 2023-11-19

MORE AT Google

I think I overheard a voice on a walkie talkie in the pub saying something about a customer using a mobile phone in the pub, an activity which is banned there. If this is the case, customer behaviour is monitored, making this surely the only pub in the UK with its own in-house stasi. I felt fearful raising my voice above a whisper. I braved it and stayed for a pint, but at least a dozen people came in and departed while I was there, not bothering to even order. In a manner surely reminiscent of the way many of the locals voted in the referendum, I thought it was better to leave. Brexit in a pub. Avoid.

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Simon Carter . 2023-11-19

MORE AT Google

What a lovely old fashioned pub. Local Brewery and Distillery supplied. Great prices. Saw people having Fish and chips and it looked superb. Got politely told off when I got my phone out by a member of staff as phones and laptops are banned in the interests of good conversation. Brilliant

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Ian T . 2023-11-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Very little atmosphere in the pub and was surprised to see it so quiet on a Saturday night, found out soon enough why because I got my phone out to check my train time to go home and a female staff approached us and told us quite rudely to put them away. Fair enough with what the pub is attempting to do but no need to act the way she was. Would not go back and would not recommend to anyone.

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amy W . 2023-11-05

MORE AT Google

We stumbled upon this pub without planning and we were so glad we did, we didn’t know about the ‘Digital Detox’ policy until we sat down with our drinks. We both struggled and kept (auto response) to lift our phones, but on reflection it was great! We did actually sit and chat to each other for an hour - and we laughed at how we have become so reliant on tech and more involved in the people inside our phones than the person opposite us. Great idea and very very effective!! Drinks were fab too, I had house Gin and Ginger Beer and my Husband had a few pints of Taddy Lager. We really enjoyed them. Service behind the bar was great too, polite friendly and chatty! Will definitely come on our next visit.

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Stefernee1319 . 2023-10-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The pub it's self is nice. BUT it's a Sam Smith's pub, NO laughing, NO modern devices, NO enjoying yourself. Other than that the lager was very nice

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Paul Farrow . 2023-09-14

MORE AT Google

Typical Sam Smith's pub, not phones allowed as per all their pubs. No food served

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Dave Robinson . 2023-09-14

MORE AT Google

We found this place walking around York centre after we had eaten. It had signs by the entrance saying that children and dogs weren't welcome, fine by us as we have neither, but we were more impressed by the signs saying that it was a no mobile phone/tablet site as well with face to face conversation encouraged. They didn't have any hand pulled beers on tap but my partner said the electric Samuel Smiths bitter was good. I noticed they had a whisky from Rochdale, which I didn't know existed. It tastes like a bit smoky not unlike a west coast Scotch. I went on to try their black rum by a maker I unfortunately can't remember, which was lovely and recommended by one of their locals. Good for an evening drink if you don't want to be disturbed by youngsters or people with on their phones or preoccupied with tech. The prices are also very reasonable.

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Amber665 . 2023-09-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

As soon as you enter you’ll notice big signs saying it’s a “Mobile phone and Laptop free zone” and to talk to your companions instead. This does make this venue somewhat unique! It’s an interesting idea and I’d say that my work mates and I did have a decent chat without missing our phones very much. A couple of times we accidentally picked up our phones (to find a restaurant for dinner, share some photos of a recent holiday, and to reply to a text) over the hour and a half we were there. Once the barmaid did see us and told us to put our phones away. We just awkwardly put them away and apologised. I can see if you refused that things could escalate. Overall it was a fun experience and a bit unique in this modern age of always being connected. Not sure I’d make the experience a regular one but it was certainly fun for the evening :)

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Stirling Thorley . 2023-07-28

MORE AT Google

Used to be a nice little pub and alot busier. Was surprised to see it so quiet when we visited yesterday. After taking my phone out of my bag to do nothing more than check the time I understood why. A staff member who would be better suited to working in 1940s Germany approached me and very abruptly told me that phones were prohibited or I would have to leave. She seemed to bark quite a few people up the wrong way during the short time we were there. I understand what the pub is trying to do, however the approach of the staff towards paying customers is disgraceful. Certainly not somewhere I'd visit again!

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Rebecca Thorley . 2023-07-02

MORE AT Google

Old guard pub with superb product,good staff

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keith fox . 2023-06-12

MORE AT Google

Great old school pub where you can have a quiet pint. Nice, helpful staff. I'll definitely return next time I'm in the area

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David Martin . 2023-06-02

MORE AT Google

Angry, rude, ignorant manager. Don't waste time here, go to other pub Three Cranes, friendly/welcoming.

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Escape39082196498 . 2023-05-19

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I've changed my mind about the no phones rule. It's like an oasis to get away from the phone zombies in the street.

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lewisner . 2023-05-17

MORE AT Google

Nasty regulars, nice Taddy lager.

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Russ Cogdon . 2023-04-20

MORE AT Google

If you're an antisocial technophobe this pub is the place for you . If, like me, you have, autism, social anxiety or agoraphobia however it is Litterally the worst pub I've ever been to. Unfriendly atmosphere and unfriendly staff. They have a no phones policy and There was a sign in this pub saying "no phones TALK to eachother" I took this to be a sign that meant no phonecalls are to be made inside the pub, no problem, I thought, I will just look up some ticket prices for the York dungeons quickly and put my phone away, within literally the three seconds it took me to type "York dungeon ticket prices" into Google and before the results even loaded the bar maid was storming over me shouting at me to put my phone away and I wasn't allowed to use it in the pub, AT ALL, not even to check the time. This uninvited and aggressive response gave me a panic attack that lasted several hours and made me want to sit and cry because now I was experiencing a huge anxiety attack because I wasn't allowed to figure out where I was going from here and I wasn't allowed to look at my phone at all. I was told I could go and stand in the street outside if I had to look something up, being agoraphobic and this being the middle of York where pick pockets are rife, this was not an acceptable solution. As such if you suffer from any kind of social anxiety or issue regarding needing your phone to self soothe or reassure yourself in any way avoid this place. All this could have been avoided if I was just allowed the thirty seconds it would have taken me to work out where I was going next from here while sat tucked away in the corner. I would also like to point out that upon entering the establishment I witnessed several people arguing and shouting obscenities at eachother very loudly despite a similar sign stating that no swearing was permitted on the premises this however seems to be a rule they don't care if you flout as no effort to enforce this rule was made. As such I would label this pub the unfriendliest pub in york and would recommend anyone avoid if you want a friendly atmosphere, good service and a welcoming bar staff and patron's that aren't screaming at eachother like a bunch of larger louts go to litterally any of the other wonderful pubs in the area. Litterally. Any. Other. pub. Oh. And they don't accept debit cards either. It seems no technology at all is permitted on the premises. Good job I didn't bring my headphones.

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Ardelise . 2023-04-10

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Quality beer and a welcoming barmaid. One of the smarter sam smiths pubs.

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Wayne MITCHELL . 2023-04-07

MORE AT Google

Great pub, pity about the owners sad attitude regarding mobile phones etc, he really needs to move on!!!

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Kevin Craven . 2023-03-31

MORE AT Google

Typical Sam Smith pub the old brewery pint was quite good

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Mike Childs . 2023-03-21

MORE AT Google

Deceptively bigger than it looks from outside and really nice looking pub inside. A good selection of Sam Smiths beers.

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Andrew Smith . 2023-03-20

MORE AT Google

Loved the digital detox, encouraged to chat. Friendly place, good beer

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Alison Smith . 2023-03-13

MORE AT Google

Exactly what it says on the tin :)

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Lynda McKenny . 2023-03-12

MORE AT Google

Bar maid serving on Thursday early afternoon was ignorant and not nice at all Sam Smith could do without her bad for business.

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Ian Adams . 2023-03-05

MORE AT Google

I absolutely love this pub, The fact you don't use mobile devices and can actually start up any conversations is wonderful.

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Rebecca Costello . 2023-02-27

MORE AT Google

Humphrey has certainly killed his pubs and managers is all I can say, even the beer is getting worse. Feel sorry for his family's future.

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Paul Loveley . 2023-02-20

MORE AT Google

There are many good things about this place: the pub is really pretty and the drinks are well priced. If you don’t need to check your phone, there are no further concerns. However, should you need to check your phone for more than 1 minute, expect to be sternly told not to check your phone again or leave. The no phones, tablets or laptops rule is diligently enforced and not taken lightly, which is important to note. Personally, I found the enforcement of the rule, rather than the principle of the rule, to be quite unwelcoming and a reason I won’t be going back. In short, nice but militant!

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Sam Thurman . 2023-02-19

MORE AT Google

Visiting family in York, stopped here for a couple of drinks. Very comfortable pub, excellent prices.. Love the mobile phone rule. Would recommend.

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Clare Aspden . 2023-02-15

MORE AT Google

This is a fun old place one should visit at least once. Interesting local clientele and very old fashioned interior, plus remarkably cheap drinks. Definitely worth checking out for a couple of pints and with a friendly attitude towards the regulars.

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Dominic Spengler . 2023-02-13

MORE AT Google

I was served a lovely pint and was made to feel welcome. Most people know the rules in Sam Smiths pubs, if you respect them there’s no problem. Lovely pub, my first visit but it won’t be my last.

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Whereveryougan . 2023-02-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Like this place quite alot. Nice quite place , good for chat and beer or soft drink also.

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Mark Harmer-Ebdon . 2023-02-08

MORE AT Google

The young lady who usually frequents here and works here too, decided it was a good idea to spray deep heat in the gents toilet . it was so bad myself and several others left as the place became engulfed in an unbearable eye watering beer killing cloud of chemical.

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andrewcM6177AW . 2023-01-28

MORE AT TripAdvisor

A nice pub, good service all at good prices

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Barry Robertson . 2022-12-31

MORE AT Google

Ok place .Nice inside.has most are...but don't expect to use your fone ..has I learnt..expect bar staff to come marching towards you with a big sigh in her hand..and customer's stared when using it .so no no.

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Anthony Appleyard . 2022-12-23

MORE AT Google

an Ossis of peace in a busy Xmas market - good beer great prices!

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Pete Horsfield . 2022-12-17

MORE AT Google

If you’re just looking for that quality illusive pint of lager in York go here, and order a pint of Taddys Organic Lager, it’s a place where no digital stuff is allowed, ie, laptops and tablets/phones, but if you want quality lager get as mentioned above, I know how poor lager is these days, I’ve had plenty..:)

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Tommy Smith . 2022-12-14

MORE AT Google

A little like how I imagine a North Korean pub would be, with its rule based agenda. No phones, no laptops, no swearing. I will make a special effort to avoid the Sam Smith's chain. Good luck with the business model.

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Marty Hughes . 2022-12-01

MORE AT Google

Nice quiet pub you aren't allowed to use your phone in there. Keep it in your pocket. Nice beers

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colin hill . 2022-12-01

MORE AT Google

Very small local pub. Worth a visit

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Paul Jones . 2022-11-11

MORE AT Google

We passed this whilst in the centre of York. Never been in before so thought we’d give it a try. I never realised it was a Samuel Smiths pub until we went in. In my opinion, the worst lager ever produced, so I had a glass of wine. This was very nice actually & only £3 a glass. On a Tuesday afternoon it appeared to be frequented by only middle aged men (myself included) but my wife was the only female in there. Despite this, the pub was ok & the landlord was very friendly & the wine was nice and cheap.

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AntonB415 . 2022-11-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

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