The Old White Swan

You'll find this proper old boozer tucked along Goodramgate, just far enough from the Minster crowds to feel like you've discovered something real. The building dates back to the 16th century and they haven't tried to Disney-fy it – the low beams, wonky floors and snug little rooms feel genuinely medieval rather than theme-park fake. The beer selection focuses on Yorkshire breweries, which is exactly what you want from a place like this. Food's solid pub fare done well – think proper pies, decent fish and chips, and Sunday roasts that won't leave you disappointed. It gets properly busy on weekends when the day-trippers descend, but pop in on a Tuesday afternoon and you'll have those atmospheric little nooks mostly to yourself.