Old Ebor

Definitely the definition of A-​OK, with a few things that nearly move it up in my opinion.
The Old Ebor is definitely an old school pub which almost looks like it was pulled out of an English TV show like Coronation Street or Eastenders… you can tell there are plenty of regulars here, and it seems to stay relaxed at the best of times unaffected by the «cool factor» that is slowly taking over everyplace in the area. (Not that I don’t love that «Bishy Rd.» is hip now, it’s just nice that there remains an alternative for now.)
I’ve walked past this place I don’t know how many times on the way to the train station, but never quite popped in… that was fated to change last week where some friends and I were looking for somewhere to have a quietist drink in the area… we popped down to the Swan and it was standing room only and loud, not what we were after… we decided to give the Old Ebor a shot and are so glad we did, not only did we have a seat we were quite easily able to hold a conversation… that alone (given that it’s a local) means we’ll be back at some point in the future when looking for the same.
The staff were up for a bit of banter and friendly which is always a plus, with the place itself being what you would expect of this type of pub… a few rooms to each side of the bar with a small beer garden out to the back. There’s no «wow» factor by any means, but that’s not what one comes here for. They did however have a few beers on draft that I hadn’t seen, so definitely a plus point there.
If you look at this place as a retreat from busier alternatives on a Friday night I think you could be pleasantly surprised as long as you know what you’re in for… if you’re expecting somewhere rammed or «hip» you may be disappointed however, although I do often see signs for live music there which may be a plus point if that’s what your’e after.
One note however, I believe it’s cash only… my mate actually had cash so it’s what we used regardless, but I didn’t see any card logos or a machine anywhere around the bar and there are not any free cash points in the area so worth keeping in mind if you pop in sans cash.
I would say 3.5 based solely on what we were looking for at the time, and the fact that I could easily see myself coming here again with a group of friends when everywhere else is busy, but as that’s not possible I suppose 4 it is!

While I like doing my research before visiting a city, to make sure I go the best kind of pubs, it is always more fun to randomly find a great pub, as I did this one.
Five ales, all interesting choices (apart from John Smiths) and a cider that I had never seen before. I had time for a Golden Salamander and a pint of Kettle Drum (from the Treboon brewery) which was a most lively beer. The guy running the pub knows his stuff and is very enthusiastic about the ales too. Nice bloke.
There was some good music too (some heavy metal) to drown out the games machines!