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The Fat Badger

from €172
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Photo of The Fat Badger
Double Room
1 / 15
Restaurant
Double Room
“This historic Georgian inn, in the shadow of the city’s medieval walls, oozes atmosphere from its cosy bars to its low-ceilinged bedrooms. Food is a cut above the average pub menu and there’s a good range of Yorkshire ales plus a hidden beer garden.”

Hotel review

It would be hard to stay in a more historic location. This Georgian inn, made up of two tall and narrow townhouses, is tucked beneath the city’s medieval walls and next to Bootham Bar, one of the medieval gateways. York Minster is just a couple of minutes’ walk down the pedestrian-only street. Have a drink in the large beer garden at the rear, and the walls run around one side while the Minster looms over the other.

Step off the street into two dark and cosy snugs with stripped-wood floors, deep green walls and copper-topped tables. You can choose to eat here or in the slightly bigger dining room with its scrubbed-wood tables, leather upholstered chairs and cushioned settles. The all-day menu offers a mix of Yorkshire tapas and quality pub classics such as beef featherblade and mash, and luxury fish pie. And there are always at least five Yorkshire hand-pulled beers at the bar.

Bedrooms are spread across narrow passageways and steep staircases and maintain the atmospheric feel of the ground floor rooms. While most are on the small side, they’re carefully furnished to make the most of the space. There are wood-effect floors, deep-hued walls and simple but pleasing furniture such as a vintage wardrobe or table. Throws, cushions and curtains in rich colours add softness while all have interesting views either of the walls, garden or Bootham Bar. 

This is definitely a pub, not a hotel, but the cosiness, the location and the cheery, friendly staff make it an attractive choice.

Helen Pickles
Helen Pickles Review published: 26/02/2024

Recommended for

  • Foodies

    • The AA Rosette restaurant serves classic pub food with a modern twist, ideal for those interested in locally sourced produce

  • Families

    • With a children's menu, and space to add extra beds to some of the larger rooms, this would be a perfect spot for families

  • Local exploring

    • The hotel's proximity to all of the main attractions in York make it an ideal spot for exploring the city

  • Historic

    • Sat within the historic bar walls, this 17th century pub is packed full of character

  • Sights nearby

    • Many of York's main tourist sights - including Jorvik, Bootham Bar and The Shambles, are within a 10 minute walk

  • Close to nightlife

    • Ideally located in the center of York, this hotel has many bars and night club options on its doorstep

  • Golf

    • The Heworth and Fulford Golf Clubs are located less than three miles from the hotel

  • Museums

    • The National Railway museum is a ten minute walk away

  • Downtown

  • Lively area

  • Full of character

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Outstanding location

  • Organic food

  • Restaurant

  • Charming

  • Traditional

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Child friendly

  • Quirky

  • Inn

Facilities

  • Bar

  • Restaurant

  • Garden

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Cots available

  • Outdoor dining

  • Communal Dining

  • Wifi

  • Room service

  • Child friendly

Activities

  • Sights nearby

    • Many of York's main tourist sights - including Jorvik, Bootham Bar and The Shambles, are within a 10 minute walk

  • Close to nightlife

    • Ideally located in the center of York, this hotel has many bars and night club options on its doorstep

  • Golf

    • The Heworth and Fulford Golf Clubs are located less than three miles from the hotel

  • Museums

    • The National Railway museum is a ten minute walk away

Map & Location

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