Pivni, York: The stunning and historic ale house just off Little Shambles in York

I only know because I asked a stylish biker vicar, immaculate in leathers, with a purple streak in her hair.)

We make for Pivni, a real ale and world beer free house, a stunning three storey, 16th century half-timbered townhouse just off the Little Shambles.

You have to make yourself as small as possible walking down to it, with cyclists, delivery operatives and tourists jostling for space, but once inside it opens up and is a calm haven.

It’s comfortably rustic with mismatched vintage furniture, brewing company posters on original brick walls, and leather armchairs.

You can sit outside too, if you enjoy the bustle.

Founders Jamie Hawksworth and Jon Holdsworth began back in 2005 as a specialist beer importer, then in 2007 opened Pivni, in a building that had never been a public house before.

Brave, you might well think – but it worked out, and today they own several bars, including the York and Sheffield Tap, and Pavement Vaults in York.

There are games – Scrabble and the like. There’s cool music – but no food, other than the usual bar snacks – but the beer offer is extraordinary, and too long to list, but here’s a snapshot.

Hawkshead bitter from Hawkshead Brewery, Zephyr Pale Ale from Triple Point Brewing, Milk Stout from the Bristol Beer Factory and High Dive Pale Ale from the Neighbourhood Brew Co.

We enjoyed an excellent half of gluten-free Mallard from Squawk Brewing Company and a Saint Monday Cold IPA.

There’s whiskey from the US (Four Roses) and Scotland (Pig’s Nose), Ireland (Connacht) and Japan (Fuji).

There’s vodka from Texas and Ukraine, gin from the Netherlands and Germany, and Haitan rum. You get the picture.

Welcome 5/5

Atmosphere 4/5

Drinks choice 5/5

Prices 5/5

Pivni, 6 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB www.pivni.co.uk