Pivni York is a bar tucked away down one of the streets of York. I went there with my boyfriend last week for some drinks. It’s a perfect place for my boyfriend who loves craft beer. Pivni sells craft beer from the keg, bottle or cask.
About Pivni York
Pivni is a popular craft beer bar in York, England that opened in 2007. It is known for its extensive selection of locally brewed and international craft beers. The bar offers a rotating selection of craft beers on tap that change regularly, as well as a huge range of bottled beers, ciders, and wines. Pivni also serves a variety of bar snacks, including cheeseboards, cured meats, and locally sourced pork pies (which they’ve developed quite a reputation for!).
Pivni York is the founding bar of the Pivovar UK group, and they’ve since expanded to open The York Tap at the station, plus locations in Sheffield, Leeds, and Birmingham. But this Patrick Pool location is where it all began!
The bar is inside a historic 16th-century building (dating back to 1190!) just off the famous Little Shambles in York’s city centre, and its interior features exposed brickwork, wooden beams, and a cosy fireplace. The building is spread over three storeys, each with its own character and atmosphere.
What Makes Pivni York Special?
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a drink with friends, Pivni is a must-visit destination in York’s thriving food and drink scene.
There’s a selection of draught beer, bottles of beer as well as ciders, wines and spirits for those that don’t appreciate beer as much. They stock over 32 lines of cask ale and craft keg, with the selection constantly changing so there’s always something new to try!
Awards & Recognition:
- In 2010, Pivni won the National Beer Range Pub of the Year
- In 2014, they secured a place in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide
- They’re widely considered York’s first craft beer venue
The building that houses the bar is a quaint little quirky 16th-century timber-framed building. Inside, its cosy wooden decor looks like a bar you would stumble into in the Elder Scrolls (honestly, it’s that atmospheric!). The bar area itself is quite small on the ground floor, but there’s more seating upstairs across two additional floors. The windows even look out onto the cutest church garden.
What Does ‘Pivni’ Mean?
Pivní means “beer” in Czech. Perfect name for a craft beer bar, right? The Pivovar group (pivovar means “brewery” in Czech) clearly has a theme going on!
Where is Pivni York?
You can find Pivni York at 6 Patrick Pool, City Centre, York, YO1 8BB.
Contact Details:
- Phone: 01904 635464
- Email: gm@pivni.co.uk
It’s tucked away just off the famous Little Shambles, making it a brilliant hidden gem in the heart of York. The location is perfect if you’re exploring the city centre – it’s close to all the main attractions but feels like a proper discovery!
Opening Times
Monday – Thursday: 11:30am – 11:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:30am – 11:30pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
They’re open pretty much all day, every day, which is brilliant if you fancy a lunchtime pint or an evening session!
Pivni York Menu – Drinks & Food
The Beer Selection
Pivni York specializes in real ale and craft beer from around the world. They work passionately around the clock to ensure the beer they serve is in peak condition and that you’re always spoilt for choice.
They stock:
- 32 lines of cask ale and craft keg – constantly rotating selection
- Over 50 bottled and canned beers from across the UK and around the world
- Real ales from local breweries and their own Tapped Brew Co in Sheffield
- Some of the rarest, most exciting and exclusive beers the planet has to offer
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, so if you’re baffled by the selection (which you might be – it’s huge!), they’re always happy to help you find a drink that’s right for you.
If Beer Isn’t Your Thing…
Fear not! Pivni York also stocks:
- A full selection of new world wines
- Finest malt whiskies
- Premium spirits from around the globe
- Award-winning coffee
- Premium ciders
Food at Pivni York
Food is limited to snacks and bar food, but they’ve become quite famous for their offerings:
- Pork pies – they’ve developed a bit of a reputation for these!
- Cheeseboards
- Cured meats
- Food slates
- Various bar snacks
You can see the full range of beer, wines and spirits on their menu which is on the Pivni York website here.
Our Visit to Pivni York
We enjoyed our visit on a quiet Sunday afternoon. It was busy downstairs but upstairs was basically empty! This is one of the great things about Pivni – if one floor is packed, you can always try heading up or down to find more space.
The bar area on the ground floor is quite small and has a bit of a cafe vibe during the day, with people popping in for coffee and a bite. But as you head upstairs, the atmosphere changes completely. The first and second floors have much more of that cosy, traditional pub feel with all the exposed beams and quirky decor.
Top tip: If you’re visiting with a group, definitely head upstairs where there are nice individual areas to meet friends. The stairs are very tight (it’s a 16th-century building after all!), so sometimes it’s one-way traffic, but it’s worth the climb!
We’ve been back several times since our first visit, and Pivni York consistently delivers. The beer selection is always interesting, the atmosphere is brilliant, and it just has that special something that makes you want to return.
Pivni York Reviews – What Others Say
If you’re looking at Pivni York reviews before visiting, the consensus across TripAdvisor, Google and other platforms is overwhelmingly positive!
What People Love About Pivni York:
The Beer Selection: Most Pivni York reviews rave about the incredible range of craft beers, cask ales, and rare finds. People love that the selection is constantly changing, so there’s always something new to try.
The Atmosphere: The cosy, quirky 16th-century building gets mentioned in almost every review. People love the exposed beams, the intimate nooks and crannies across three floors, and the authentic historic feel.
The Staff: The knowledgeable and friendly staff get loads of praise. Reviewers consistently mention how helpful they are at recommending beers, especially if you’re not sure what to try.
The Location: Being tucked away just off the Little Shambles makes it feel like a hidden gem. People love discovering it while exploring York.
The Jukebox: Several reviews mention the eclectic internet jukebox – you can pick some brilliant niche songs to create the perfect atmosphere!
Board Games: There are board games available upstairs, which makes it a great spot to while away an hour or two with friends over a few pints.
Common Themes in Pivni York Reviews:
- “York’s best craft beer pub”
- “Amazing selection of beers”
- “Cosy and atmospheric”
- “Knowledgeable staff”
- “Hidden gem in York”
- “Perfect for craft beer lovers”
Some reviews mention that it can get very hot upstairs (it’s a small space with low ceilings), and the stairs are quite narrow and steep, which can be tricky when it’s busy. But most people agree these quirks are part of the charm!
What to Know Before You Visit Pivni York
Is Pivni York Dog Friendly?
Yes! Pivni York is dog-friendly, which is brilliant if you’re exploring the city with your four-legged friend.
Is Pivni York Family Friendly?
Yes, Pivni is family-friendly during the day. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere earlier in the day, and families are welcome.
Does Pivni York Get Busy?
Yes, especially on weekends and evenings! The bar is popular with locals and tourists alike. If the ground floor is packed, head upstairs – there are three floors to explore!
Can You Book at Pivni York?
Pivni doesn’t typically take bookings for regular drinks, but you might be able to arrange something for larger groups. Best to call ahead on 01904 635464 if you have a big party.
What’s Special About the Building?
The timber-framed building dates back to 1190, making it one of York’s oldest pubs. It’s got three storeys, each with exposed beams, wooden floors, and loads of character. The windows look out onto a beautiful church garden, which adds to the historic atmosphere.
Do They Have Events?
Yes! Pivni York hosts regular events including:
- Quiz Night on Tuesdays
- Beer tastings
- Special beer launches
Check their website or social media for the latest events!
Pivni York FAQ
What time does Pivni York open?
Pivni York opens at 11:30am Monday to Saturday and 12pm on Sunday. They’re open until 11pm most nights and 11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Does Pivni York serve food?
Yes, but food is limited to bar snacks like pork pies, cheeseboards, cured meats, and food slates. They’re famous for their pork pies! If you want a full meal, there are loads of restaurants nearby in York city centre.
How many beers does Pivni York have?
Pivni York has 32 lines of cask ale and craft keg on tap, plus over 50 bottled and canned beers. The selection is constantly rotating, so there’s always something new!
Is Pivni York expensive?
It’s reasonably priced for craft beer. Expect to pay standard York prices for drinks. The quality and selection make it good value, especially for beer enthusiasts.
Is Pivni York wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the historic building means accessibility is limited. The ground floor is accessible, but the stairs to the upper floors are narrow and steep, typical of a 16th-century building.
Can you buy beer to take away from Pivni York?
Yes! They have bottled and canned beers that you can purchase to take home. Perfect if you discover a new favourite you want to enjoy later.
What’s the atmosphere like at Pivni York?
Cosy, quirky, and authentic. It’s a proper historic pub with exposed beams, wooden floors, and a warm atmosphere. It can get busy and loud when packed, but there’s a good buzz. During quieter times, it’s perfect for chatting with friends.
Is there a dress code at Pivni York?
No dress code – it’s a casual, relaxed pub. Come as you are!
Is it Pivni or Pivini?
You’ll sometimes see it written as “Pivini” online, but the correct spelling is Pivni — from the Czech word for beer. The bar’s full name is Pivni York, and it’s part of the Pivovar UK group.
My Final Thoughts on Pivni York
Pivni York is a brilliant spot for craft beer lovers and anyone who appreciates historic buildings with loads of character. The constantly changing beer selection means there’s always something new to try, and the staff’s enthusiasm and knowledge really enhance the experience.
The 16th-century building is absolutely stunning, with three floors to explore, each with its own vibe. Yes, the stairs are narrow and it can get hot upstairs, but these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall experience.
If you’re not a craft beer fan, don’t worry – they have plenty of other options including wines, spirits, and award-winning coffee. And those pork pies are genuinely worth trying!
Whether you’re a York local or just visiting, Pivni is one of those places that’s worth seeking out. It’s tucked away just off the Little Shambles, so it feels like you’re discovering a secret gem. And with over 50 beers to choose from, you could visit multiple times and never have the same drink twice!
Address: 6 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB
Phone: 01904 635464
Website: pivni.co.uk
Cheers!
Want more places to drink in York? Check out my ultimate guide to York or The Best Pubs in York
Looking for more York pub and bar reviews? Check out House of Trembling Madness Lendal for another craft beer mansion or Evil Eye Lounge York for quirky cocktails!
I wish I liked beer, but I hate it lol! It sounds like they have a great selection for those that do like it though x
Jenny | LuxeStyle