About This Pub
Ah, Slug & Lettuce in York Riverside – it's one of those places that really knows how to lift your spirits with its warm, welcoming vibe and a team that's genuinely attentive and full of personality. I love how the staff make every visit feel personal, like when they whip up special cocktails for occasions, turning an ordinary night into something memorable. The riverside spot is just lovely, offering those picturesque views that make sipping a drink even more enjoyable, and with all the offers on food and drinks, it's a brilliant choice for a budget-friendly catch-up with mates. On the flip side, if you're someone who prefers the charm of a classic pub with hand-pulled ales, you might find the focus here more on the cocktail scene, which could leave you wanting more variety. It's often buzzing with energy, especially during events, so it's perfect for groups or parties, but if you're after a peaceful evening, it might come across as a tad too lively. Overall, it's a solid spot for good times and great value, but keeping those preferences in mind will help you decide if it's your cup of tea – or should I say, your cocktail of choice!
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The staff are absolutely brilliant and go the extra mile to make you feel special, like creating custom cocktails for celebrations.
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It's got a fantastic riverside location with stunning views, perfect for a relaxed drink or a lively night out.
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They offer loads of great deals, such as 2-for-1 cocktails and bottomless brunch, making it wallet-friendly for a fun evening.
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A wide range of events and experiences, from Pride Month specials to cocktail making classes, keep things exciting and inclusive.
Cons
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The drink selection leans heavily towards cocktails, so if you're after traditional real ales, you might find options a bit limited.
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It can get quite lively and vibrant, which is great for groups but might feel overwhelming if you're hoping for a quiet, cosy spot.
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There are some restrictions on younger visitors, like no one under 18 on Saturdays or bank holidays, so it's worth checking ahead for family outings.
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As it's more of a cocktail bar than a classic pub, the atmosphere might not appeal to everyone seeking a traditional British boozer vibe.
Contact Information
1, 1a Low Ousegate, York YO1 9QU
+441904639971
Cocktail bar
Closed
Opening Hours
Monday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
Tuesday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
Wednesday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
Thursday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
Friday | 11:00 - 01:00 |
Saturday (Today) | 10:00 - 01:00 |
Sunday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
Recent Reviews
Becca at the bar was very kind. Me and my friend told her we were celebrating the end of our Degree and she made the cocktails extra special for us. Thank you for making us feel celebrated!
I am just writing to say that my server Petra was brilliant tonight, me and my friend came out for a bottomless brunch and she even took into consideration of what we liked as a drink and made a cocktail that was just perfect for us.
We just wanted it to be aware that her energy as a server was perfect and we were made to feel really welcome.
Thank you Petra x
Had a lovely birthday brunch here recently. The drinks were good, food was lovely and the view over the river was amazing. Was given the best seat in the house with an open balcony. Our server Eliza was absolutely lovely, couldn’t fault her at all. She was kind and very attentive. X
We called in the Slug & Lettuce for a drink in the early afternoon. The bar was nice and quiet. The bar has a nice spacious feel with views over the river. There was a good choice of draught drinks, but no hand pulled cask conditioned real ales. The price for half a pint of cider and half a pint of beer was £7.40p. The bar is mainly aimed at cocktails and food. I haven't tried the food, so I can't comment. The drink prices are highway robbery, at least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask!
I'll preface my review by saying that as an Aussie couple who hate loud and gaudy things, we're probably not S&L's target audience. We just wanted somewhere close to our hotel and cheap after a long drive to York, and weren't familiar with the S&L brand at all.
S&L was pretty dead on a Tuesday night, so we had no problem finding a table and service was very quick. We had to order at the bar as the QR code ordering didn't like our non-British postcode, but the bar wasn't busy so it was very easy. We loved the 2-for-1 cocktail deal and deal on 5 of the mix-and-match plates; it made for a very reasonably priced dinner.
Unfortunately, the food was just okay. I've never seen a fried bao bun until I dined at S&L (normally they're steamed), and I can't say I was a fan. The chicken skewers didn't really taste of anything, while the bravas potato gems had too much peri peri sauce that they got really soggy. The squid was pretty good and the croquettes had a really nice ham flavour, though!
Did it do the job? Yes, but I reckon I'll give S&L a miss next time. It's definitely not my kind of place.
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