thepubsofyork.com once read somewhere that the Kings Arms is one of the most photographed pubs in the UK, on account of it seemingly flooding every time there is a cloud burst or sleet shower. You must have seen it on the news? Water up to the windowsills, a forlorn man bucketing flood water out of the door?

However, despite all this publicity, there are better alternatives to spending the night in the Kings Arms. (Similarily, whilst Jordan is one of the most photographed females in the UK, you may not want to necessarily spend the night in her either)

Sure, it’s a Sam Smiths pub meaning that you’re (almost) guaranteed cheap, good beer and a wholesome approach to inn keeping, but this unfortunately doesn’t hide the motorway service station ambience caused by the almost continuous stream of tourists who pop in for a swift half to see the high-flood marks notched onto a board on the wall (if you’re wondering, the floods of 2000 reached over 6ft from floor level).

It’s a shame really as there’s some quite nice aspects to this 17th century, grade II listed pub – the stone floors, low ceilings and the two compact, cosy rooms could have otherwise given this pub a real traditional and welcoming feel but the sheer amount of punter turnover detracts from this somewhat.

Externally, the riverside picnic tables form one of the cities most popular, and indeed, most picturesque beer gardens. Unsurprisingly, this area (along with the pub itself on weekends, especially summer ones) gets extremely busy on any days with the merest hint of a shining sun. But, if you can snare a seat or bit of concrete on the river edge then you could probably spend many an hour drinking cheap beer and waving/making rude gestures at the passing boats.

It’s probably accurate to say that the Kings Arms is more for tourists than locals but, to be completely fair, if you’re a tourist or resident, there are far, far worse pubs in York that you could visit, and it isn’t always that busy. It does make for a lovely weeknight drink (or anytime when the sun isn’t out) when you can appreciate your surroundings a bit more and enjoy your pint. You may even get a glimpse of the high flood marks on the wall.

View The Pubs Of York Locations in a larger map