If you didn’t know it was there, you’d be forgiven for never getting as far as Brigantes – there could never be a good pub amongst the cheesy, vodka fuelled groping dens of Micklegate, right? Wrong.
This wonderful pub, which is named after the pre-Roman tribe who controlled most of what is now North Yorkshire, sits on Micklegate like a shining light in a sea of darkness and vomit.
Once inside, it’s easy to forget everything else other than the wonderful selection of ales in front you. On thepubsofyork.com’s last visit there were no fewer than SIX well kept beauties on offer, all served by friendly, knowledgable bar staff. (There could have been more than six on offer but after several pints, thepubsofyork.com’s mental ‘rithmatic leaves a lot to be desired).
The plain, simple interior of Brigantes means you can get down to a good old chinwag without having chrome/BBC news 24/drinks promotions popping into your eyeline, only the old beer tap labels stuck to the ceiling give the bar (effectively one large room) any real colour.
The function room upstairs provides a convivial space for you to celebrate any particular occasion. thepubsofyork.com can recommend it wholeheartedly for such a purpose after hosting a very successful soiree here to celebrate some forthcoming nuptuals.
There’s also food on offer which is very good, although York’s #1 pub review website don’t sample it as much as they should, mainly because of the ‘Real Crisps’ which Brigantes stock – in particular the Roast Ox variety – which are possibly the best crisps known to man and the perfect accompaniment to a pint of real ale.
If there’s any negatives about this place it is maybe derived from the fact that thepubsofyork.com have never had a ‘session’ in here. This could be because of it’s ‘sore thumb’ location or the fact it has a somewhat transient atmosphere caused by the flow of suited office workers popping in at lunchtime and after work, but that really is about it.
The journey to Brigantes, especially on a Friday or a Saturday night, is a treacherous one, but once you’ve traversed the swamps of strumpets and have evaded the aggressive beasts that roam these parts, you will be rewarded with an oasis of real ale and a place where you can easily wile away a few hours without ever having to clap eyes on a mini skirt or a pair of Rockports.
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