Hole in the Wall

The building and the name

Like much of Petergate, the pub occupies an old building, largely 18th century with older timber framing inside. The story locals tell is that the name comes from a small hatch in the bar wall that once looked into holding cells attached to the building, through which kind-hearted drinkers passed beer to prisoners. Ask at the bar and you may hear more.

York's shortest snickelway

York's snickelways are the narrow lanes and passages that thread through the old city. The Hole-in-the-Wall snickelway, also called Little Peculiar Lane, leaves High Petergate on the pub's side of the street and is described as the shortest official snickelway in the city. It takes seconds to walk, but it is a good one to tick off.

When to go

Its position between Bootham Bar and the Minster makes it a natural stop on a walk along the city walls or after a Minster visit. The Fat Badger is next door if you want to compare, and Brew & Brownie is close by for something sweeter. It is a sensible place to rest your legs after walking the walls, and its location makes it easy to find.

Highlights

• On High Petergate, just inside Bootham Bar
• About 160 metres from York Minster
• Mostly 18th-century building with earlier timber framing
• Beside the Hole-in-the-Wall snickelway

Good to know

• It is a short walk from Bootham Bar, one of the access points to the city walls.

Frequently asked questions