Punch Bowl, York

The Punch Bowl is a historic pub in the heart of York, on the famous Stonegate. Originating as a coffeehouse in 1675, it quickly became a central meeting spot for the city's Whigs, who preferred punch, leading to its transformation into a licensed pub by 1761. This establishment also played a significant role as the headquarters of the York Races Committee and was a popular gathering place for the bell ringers of York Minster. A piece of the Minster's history physically remains within the pub, with a bell clapper from the cathedral incorporated as a support in the rear bar since the mid-18th century.

Over the centuries, The Punch Bowl has undergone several reconstructions, most notably after being devastated by fire in 1930. It was rebuilt in a distinctive Brewers' Tudor style by architects Biscomb and Ferry for the Tadcaster Tower Brewery. The front facade features red herringbone brickwork, with plasterwork above, while the rear wing retains much of the original structure, including three ground-floor fireplaces.

In 1954, the building was recognized for its historical and architectural significance and was listed as a Grade II structure. The pub was renovated in 2019, under the ownership of Nicholson's, enhancing its traditional appeal while preserving its historical essence.

The Punch Bowl in York, known for its historical and architectural significance, is also one of the city's most haunted sites. Legends include the ghost of a former owner who died in a fire near the cellar steps, a woman who haunts the bar after committing suicide over a lost love, and a 16th-century barmaid, killed during the pub's brothel days, who still roams the building.

Today, The Punch Bowl continues to be revered for its eclectic range of real ales and quality pub food, all served with a generous measure of British hospitality, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists seeking a slice of York's storied past.