Pub Of The Week: Pivni, York

The smoked porter from San Diego is certainly a beer for the connoisseur and sits alongside hundreds of other cask, keg and bottled beers on offer at the tiny pub.

Pivni is located in the medieval heart of the city just a stone’s throw from the Shambles in a building which dates back to the 15th-century. The ground floor houses a heavily-stocked bar and fridges heaving with over 60 bottled beers, tables and limited seating. There is additional seating on the second floor and a little more on the small floor above.

Every style, country and price of beer is represented and despite not having a cellar, Pivni manages to deliver exceptional quality across all its beer, ciders and the few wines which they allow on the premises.

The range and complexity of the offering could be daunting to the less well-informed, but highly-knowledgeable bar staff are happy to guide you through the maze and offer tasters of many of the beers.

Do not come to Pivini for food. All you will find are crisps, scratchings, a very tasty chili pork pie from Wilsons of York, plus, amusingly, a 100 per cent beef-free horsemeat jerky.

Pivni may be a tiny pub, but it is bursting with atmosphere and a must-visit destination for any visitor to York who appreciates great beer.

Elaine Lemm

Pivni, 6 Patrick Pool, York Y01 8BB Tel: 01904 635464.

THE VERDICT

Welcome****

Drinks selection*****

Atmosphere*****

Food*

Prices*****