York’s pub culture is one of its genuine attractions. The city has an unusual concentration of old pubs in old buildings, and several — the Blue Bell on Fossgate, Ye Olde Starre Inn on Stonegate — are among the most historically interesting pub interiors in the north of England. Real ale is taken seriously here, and the proximity to the Yorkshire Dales breweries means the selection of cask beer is generally excellent. The two universities sustain a livelier late-night scene around Micklegate and Goodramgate, with Lendal Cellars a reliable late option.