“Why does a pub need rules?”
is one of the most-asked questions at The Blue Bell. The answer takes us all the way back to 1902 where the manager, Harry Hayes was dismissed by the pub’s owners for landing himself in court three times in one month for bad behaviour, drunkenness and non-payment of rent. The owners – CJ Melrose & Co – installed a new Landlord and Landlady called George and Annie Robinson in January 1903 who, along with their daughter Edith ran the pub until 1992.
No Swearing
George was chosen due to his regimental, strict and no-nonsense approach to running a small pub. He and Annie were aware that in such a small space manners are paramount to everyone enjoying a friendly drink. As such he insisted there was to be no swearing or uncouth behaviour in his pub. Where as in bigger pubs one can shout and swear without the next table being disturbed, this just isn’t the case in York’s smallest pub.
When Edith took over her parents' lease she kept the House Rules that had worked so well in place. She finally retired in 1992 after 89 years at The Blue Bell, but every Landlord and Landlady since has recognised the value of her father's wisdom.
Just as with swearing, loud chatting on mobile phones and the playing of music or videos ruins the enjoyment of the pub for those around you. We kindly ask that all mobile phone conversations take place outside of our public rooms in order for everyone to enjoy their pint in peace. We know that your grand daughter’s choir performance means a lot to you but please trust us – no one else wants to hear it.
No Mobile Phone Noise
No Groups
We’re just too small to fit you in! We can only accommodate groups with prior notice and agreement. Please don’t take this to heart when you come in with ten mates and we refuse you service. We genuinely don’t want to offend anyone and if the pub was bigger we would happily accommodate you. York is full of large chain pubs with adequate space for large groups. We promise: it’s not you, it’s us!
Our premises licence doesn’t allow for under-18s and we would risk the pub being closed if we allowed children in. As a result The Blue Bell is a place for adult conversation and gets busy with teachers wanting to escape the classroom in the school holidays!
No Under 18s
“Why does a pub need rules?”
is one of the most-asked questions at The Blue Bell. The answer takes us all the way back to 1902 where the manager, Harry Hayes was dismissed by the pub’s owners for landing himself in court three times in one month for bad behaviour, drunkenness and non-payment of rent. The owners – CJ Melrose & Co – installed a new Landlord and Landlady called George and Annie Robinson in January 1903 who, along with their daughter Edith ran the pub until 1992.
No Swearing
George was chosen due to his regimental, strict and no-nonsense approach to running a small pub. He and Annie were aware that in such a small space manners are paramount to everyone enjoying a friendly drink. As such he insisted there was to be no swearing or uncouth behaviour in his pub. Where as in bigger pubs one can shout and swear without the next table being disturbed, this just isn’t the case in York’s smallest pub.
No Mobile Phone Noise
Just as with swearing, loud chatting on mobile phones and the playing of music or videos ruins the enjoyment of the pub for those around you. We kindly ask that all mobile phone conversations take place outside of our public rooms in order for everyone to enjoy their pint in peace. We know that your grand daughter’s choir performance means a lot to you but please trust us – no one else wants to hear it.
No Groups
We’re just too small to fit you in! We can only accommodate groups with prior notice and agreement. Please don’t take this to heart when you come in with ten mates and we refuse you service. We genuinely don’t want to offend anyone and if the pub was bigger we would happily accommodate you. York is full of large chain pubs with adequate space for large groups. We promise: it’s not you, it’s us!
No Under 18s
Our premises licence doesn’t allow for under-18s and we would risk the pub being closed if we allowed children in. As a result The Blue Bell is a place for adult conversation and gets busy with teachers wanting to escape the classroom in the school holidays!
We’re proud Yorkshire folk here at The Blue Bell and as a result only stock ales from the best beer producing region in the country.
Find us
Contact us
Contact info
53 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF
01904 654904
bluebellyork@gmail.com
Opening times
| Monday | 12-11pm |
| Tuesday | 12-11pm |
| Wednesday | 12-11pm |
| Thursday | 12-11pm |
| Friday | 12-11pm |
| Saturday | 12-11pm |
| Sunday | 12-11pm |
