We always use local traders wherever possible and there’s many folk who drink in The Blue Bell who own their own businesses. Trusted by us and always available to have a chat about a job over a pint, our friends offer a variety of services in York and the surrounding areas.
Brew York
Sadly – due to lease obligations – we can’t stock Brew York beers at the moment but York’s best brewery is well worth a visit. Only a few yards away on Walmgate, Brew York boasts an open plan Tap Room and also a large Beer Hall. Their beers are imaginative and tasty – perfect to wash down the street food offering always available. John made friends with owners Lee and Wayne when he was running a home brew club at his previous pub. Since then they’ve collaborated on numerous beers and projects and the guys from Brew York can often be found in The Blue Bell.
Both love a perfect pint of Landlord.
Robin Tomalin Tiles
Robin is a well-known tiler around the York area and his attention to detail is second to none. He’s been tiling homes and businesses in York for decades and knows the trade inside-out. Tidy and professional at all times, Robin has tiled many of our friend’s homes and comes highly recommended.
Thinks there’s nothing better to quench his thirst than a pint of Farmer’s Blonde.
Andy Tate 1st 4 Stocks
Andy is the best stock taker John has ever worked with by far. He’s reliable, great fun and his meticulous attention to the nitty-gritty of stock reports has been an invaluable help over the years. If you’re looking for a stock taker to add serious value to your business you can’t do better than Andy.
A big fan of The Blue Bell House IPA.
Steve the Glazier
Don’t tell anyone, but The Blue Bell’s famous front window is not the original! Vandals smashed it on Christmas Day in 1998 and despite offering an award for information in the local paper, the Landlady couldn’t find the perpetrators. Luckily Steve drinks in The Blue Bell and immediately got to work finding the original glazier design and created the triple-glazed masterpiece you can see today.
A huge fan of the Blue Bell House IPA after a long day of window fitting. Has been known to drink Staropramen in the summer - don't hold it against him!
Swains Butchers
Located in York Market, David Swain Butchers is widely regarded as the best in York. David supplies the bacon for our Whitby trip and is the go-to butcher for many pubs in York. His staff are lovely and always helpful with meat choices and recipe ideas.
Partial to a JD and coke.
659 & Streamline taxis
These are the only taxi company’s we use here at The Blue Bell. Local, fully vetted and insured drivers will get you safely home after a night on the ale. All their drivers live locally and as such, by using these firms you are keeping money in the local economy (instead of sending it to California by using Uber, who are currently banned from operating in York!)
Furniture Medic
When our back room upholstery and front room bench cushions needed refurbishment there was only one person to call - Angela at Furniture Medic. Professional, hard-working and really friendly - all at a great price. If you don't believe us, come in and sit on their handiwork yourself!
Angela loves a cold glass of crisp, dry white wine.
York DWC
Our external seating and tables were made to order by the York Disabled Worker’s Cooperative. They’re a lovely bunch who can’t do enough to help – especially with custom made timber projects. They’re available for domestic and business jobs and are very reasonably priced.
Julie Fearn - Author
Julie is a member of our popular 'Tuesday Club' and has just released her first novel, Northern Pole. It's a wonderful read and we're all extremely proud of Julie - the journey has been long and challenging, but after reading the book, we can honestly say it was well worth it!
Leia Lingerie
Our amazing friend, pub regular and former staff member Chevaugne left The Blue Bell to further her career in bra fitting at York's best independent lingerie shop, Leia. Chevaugne is passionate about helping ladies of all shapes and sizes feel comfortable, confident and classy in their lingerie and has helped dozens of Blue Bell regulars find the right bra.
If you're tired of uncomfortable fits, looking for something special for your holidays (the swimwear section is amazing!) or need that extra support when playing sports, a trip to see Chevaugne is a must.
Confidential, caring and helpful service awaits you at Leia. Trust us - you'll never shop anywhere else for lingerie again!
Chevaugne is partial to a rhubarb cider, or maybe a glass of Pinot Grigio in the summer.
Style Flooring of York
We can't refurbish much here at The Blue Bell but when the hallway carpet needed replacing there was only one firm to go to - Style Flooring of York, based in Heworth.
They've got competitive prices, are a joy to work with and the carpet fitters are proper nice blokes who weren't phased at all with working in such antique conditions.
Love a pint of ale - any ale will do!
No1 – 4 News
We’ve had a long-standing relationship with our local newsagents and we’d love for you to pay them a visit! They’re the only family-run newsagents left in the city centre and stock a wide range of tobacco (including snuff, pipe tobacco and cigars), confectionary & soft drinks and of course, newspapers!
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 8am – 5pm
The Whippet and The Ackhorne
Yes, we know! Advertising other pubs is a little strange, but if you’ve had a pint in The Blue Bell then you’ve probably seen us advertising the best two Sunday roasts in York – The Whippet Inn and The Ackhorne. We don’t serve food, but we highly recommend these two venues! The Ackhorne is more of a ‘pub’ roast, whilst The Whippet’s is more of a ‘restaurant’. Whichever one you choose, be sure to book in advance, visit the other one for a cheeky drink beforehand and remember to leave enough room for The Blue Bell’s complimentary cheese and biscuits every Sunday at 5pm!
Ackhorne:
Whippet:
The Hairy Fig
Our friend and regular Kerry bought The Hairy Fig Deli in 2023 and with the help of Richard has spruced it up and turned it into a really lovely spot. The Hairy Fig specialises in all things local and fresh, including cheese, meats, preserves and fascinating imported produce from all over Europe. You can also book in for wine tasting evenings, and their coffee is superb!
Max Car Care
Max’s dad was John’s GCSE physics teacher and regularly drinks in The Blue Bell. He mentioned that his son launched a car valeting company here in York a few years back, and after one too many dirty dog journeys, ours needed a deep clean. So, we got in touch with Max and we really can’t recommend the service enough. He’s professional with a wonderful attention to detail and the car has never looked better! So, if you want to give your motor a new lease of life, get in touch with Max!
Max’s Dad, Tony, is a massive fan of The Blue Bell IPA and also the reason that John is so interested in politics and current affairs. He’s also the reason John’s not interested in physics…
Fossgate Restaurants
We are truly blessed on Fossgate to have so many great restaurants all on one street. They’re all within two minutes walk, which means you’re not too far away to come back for a cheeky nightcap afterwards! We eat in these restaurants regularly, so we’ve listed our favourite dishes!
Marzano – Freshly cooked and delicate Italian with friendly service – Meatballs/Seabass
Mumbai Lounge – Award-winning Bangladeshi with classics and specials – Butter Chicken
Kiosk – Tiny but perfect coffee shop with outdoor seating – Capuchino and cookie
Diane’s – Fresh ice cream made with liquid nitrogen to order – Diane’s chocolate fudge cake
Kalpakavadi – A sublime South Indian gem we’re so lucky to have – Fossgate Beef
The Hop – Authentic wood-fired pizza – “Blue Bell Spesh”!
Ambiente – Seriously tasty tapas and a great range of sherry – Chorizo and potato
Remedy – Sustainable vegan coffee shop and café with great staff – Oatmeal Latte and chocolate brownie
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 |
