1 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QN

About This Pub

You know, I popped into Harkers the other day and it really is one of those pubs that captures the essence of York with its rich history and inviting feel. Tucked away in a beautiful old building that once housed an insurance company, and with remnants of a Roman gate in the basement, it's got that authentic, story-filled charm that makes you want to linger. The food is where it shines – think hearty pies and lovely bar snacks that hit the spot, paired with a great range of drinks that keep things flowing nicely. The staff are an absolute delight, always up for a chat and making sure everything's just right. On the flip side, it can get pretty packed, especially on busier evenings, so you might find yourself waiting a touch longer for your meal or a seat, and a few tables aren't the most spacious for a bigger gathering. Plus, while having dogs around adds to the relaxed atmosphere for some, it might not be everyone's cup of tea in a food spot. All in all, it's a fabulous place for a pint and a bite with friends, as long as you're up for a bit of hustle and bustle.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The historic building is absolutely stunning, with so much character from its past as an insurance office and connections to ancient Roman gates – it's like stepping back in time.
  • The food is a real highlight; their pies, like the Steak & Ale, are spot on, and the bar snacks such as Sticky Chicken and Calamari are tasty and satisfying.
  • They've got a cracking selection of drinks, from excellent Guinness with that perfect clover on top to refreshing options like Hugo Spritz.
  • The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it a brilliant spot for a casual catch-up or a meal with mates.
  • The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, always ready with a smile and great service to make your visit enjoyable.
Cons
  • It can get awfully busy, particularly on Friday nights, which means you might have to queue for a table or wait a bit for your food.
  • Some tables feel a tad cramped, especially if you're in a larger group, making it a squeeze to fit everyone comfortably.
  • The food doesn't always arrive piping hot, which can be a bit disappointing after a wait.
  • While they allow dogs, that might not appeal to everyone, as it could put some folks off in a place serving meals.

Contact Information

1 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QN
+441904672795
Pub
Closed

Opening Hours

Monday11:00 - 23:00
Tuesday11:00 - 23:00
Wednesday11:00 - 23:00
Thursday11:00 - 23:00
Friday11:00 - 23:00
Saturday (Today)10:00 - 00:00
Sunday10:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Amazing Steak & Ale Pie with a good selection of drinks. Good atmosphere with dogs allowed
IS
Ian Shepherd
Very busy when we arrived on a Friday night. Got a table pretty quickly. Guinness was great even a clover on top! The food was a 30 minute wait. But definitely worth the wait. Wine was nice too. Definitely come back for the pies again!!!
NC
Nathan Cox
Had a great time here. The Hugo Spritz was excellent and the Guinness was good. The Sticky Chicken which is under the Bar Snack was my favourite. The Calamari and the Halloumi was good and I would recommend coming here as the food, drinks And atmosphere was great!
E
Eira
Popped in for a few drinks on a very hot and sunny day. Set in a wonderful and beautiful building you'll be guaranteed a great drink, fantastic atmosphere and served by the most friendly and welcoming staff. I was really impressed with this magnificent building and I really do look forward to returning in the future.
PJ
Perry Jest
A lovely old building, with nice food. Our server was helpful and pleasant. The table could have been a little larger as there were 5 of us. And the food could have been hotter. It would have got a higher rating, but they allowed dogs in, which, for me, is a big no-no in a place that serves food. Also, the disabled toilet was out of order, but apparently, it had only happened the day before. The main toilets were beautifully clean and nicely decorated with lovely soap and hand cream.
JA
Julie Antcliff

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