About This Pub
Ah, The Lowther – it's one of those places in York that you stumble upon and think, 'This could be a gem.' Perched right by the river, it's got that inviting feel where you can picture yourself enjoying a pint while watching the water go by. The staff really shine through in the reviews; they're described as helpful and cheerful, which makes popping in for a drink or a meal feel like catching up with mates. And let's not forget the food – those homemade chips have people buzzing, and the menu looks tempting enough to draw you in for more than just a quick stop. But, as with any spot, it's not all perfect; some folks have had a rough time with service, like waiting ages to be served or dealing with door staff who might be a bit too strict, which can leave you feeling a tad frustrated. The drink selection doesn't always impress either, with complaints about it being a bit run-of-the-mill, so if you're a beer enthusiast, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, it's a solid choice for a relaxed outing, especially if you snag that discount as a hotel guest, but I'd say it's best to go in with realistic expectations to enjoy the good bits without the surprises.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The riverside location is absolutely spot on – it's a lovely spot to relax and soak in the views, making it perfect for a chilled afternoon or evening out.
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The staff are really friendly and welcoming; from what I've heard, they're quick to help and add a nice touch to the visit.
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They've got some cracking food options, like those homemade chips that folks rave about – it's a treat when you find something that stands out like that.
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If you're staying at the hotel upstairs, the 25% discount on drinks is a brilliant perk that makes the whole experience feel a bit more special.
Cons
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The beer selection can be a bit disappointing, with not much variety and no real ales, so if you're after something unique, you might feel let down.
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Service isn't always consistent; some people have mentioned being ignored or having issues with the door staff, which can put a damper on things.
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The rooms or spaces might feel a tad small and cosy in a way that's not for everyone, especially if you're looking for more room to spread out.
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With a recent average rating dipping to 3 out of 5, it seems like the overall experience can vary, so you might not always get the warm welcome you'd hope for.
Contact Information
8 Cumberland St, York YO1 9SW
+441904622987
Gastropub
Closed
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12:00 - 01:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 01:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 01:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 01:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 02:00 |
| Saturday (Today) | 12:00 - 02:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 01:00 |
Recent Reviews
Stayed here for a night with my boyfriend. Room was small but very cute and cosy and had a lovely view of the river! Amazing to get 25% off drinks at the bar if you are a guest at the hotel upstairs! Erin (I think her name was) the manager was lovely, helpful and very friendly! Would recommend if you want a night in York that’s decently priced!
I understand bouncers have a job to do, but I had 3 pints after a long shift at my work so was quite tired. When I went for a smoke he said I was too drunk. All my friends were explaining as well I was fine. I’ve seen people “act sober” to a bouncer when they obviously aren’t. But for someone like me who is new to going out, it would be nice not to have a bouncer and other colleagues swearing at me when I didn’t understand what I did wrong.
The Lowther is in a nice location by the river. There were plenty of draught drinks, but sadly, no cask conditioned real ales. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. I haven't tried the food, but the menu looked tempting, and the food coming out of the kitchen looked very nice. There is outside seating by the river, and it gets very busy on a sunny day.
Perfect spot by the riverside. The best chips ever! Not often you get homemade chips, these were exceptional.
The only thing going for it is the riverside location.
Ordered (after 15 mins of being ignored) half a moreti a pint of moreti and a phili steak. Beer choices were dull and available from every other poor quality establishment. No attempt at standing out as a place to go for quality beer.
I’d like to tell you what the food and drink were like but it still hasn’t arrived. I’d have left 10 mins ago if they hadn’t have taken my money up front.
Edit: the drinks finally arrived. They were about as lovely as if they’d been sat on the side for 20 minutes.
Pubs like this don’t deserve to survive. It has everything going for it and somehow it managed to be a terrible experience.
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