Royal Oak, York

A long pub history

Records show a pub here by 1772, when it was called the Blue Pigg. It later became the Blue Boar and has traded as the Royal Oak since 1819. The John J. Hunt brewery owned it from 1894, and Camerons took it on in the mid-20th century. That run of names makes it one of the longer-documented pubs on the street.

The building

Much of the timber-framed structure is believed to be 15th century, although it has been rebuilt over the years. The street frontage you see today dates from a 1934 refurbishment in the mock-Tudor style often called Brewer's Tudor. The building has been Grade II listed since 1968. Inside, expect the low ceilings and small rooms typical of an old timber-framed house.

Where it fits in

Goodramgate is one of York's older streets, running from Monk Bar towards King's Square and the Shambles. Climb down from the city walls at Monk Bar and the Royal Oak is a minute away, with York Minster and the Treasurer's House a short stroll further on. It is a useful place to rest your legs midway through sightseeing. It is also a handy meeting point before or after a wall walk, since the Monk Bar steps are so close.

Highlights

• Grade II listed, timber-framed building
• A pub since at least 1772
• Named the Royal Oak since 1819
• Just inside Monk Bar, near York Minster

Good to know

• Short walk from the Monk Bar steps on the city walls

Frequently asked questions