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York Nightlife

York is known for its venerable old pubs stocking local brews in historic buildings. But the city also benefits from a sizable student population. The liveliest nightlife centres on Micklegate, which has its own brewery and is lined by pubs. For the latest listings of what's on in York, look at the What's On York website (www.whatsonyork.com).

Bars in York

Evil Eye Lounge

For some laid-back fun, try the Evil Eye Lounge, with its louche, lamp-lit rooms and broad range of cocktails and (beware) absinthe. It's probably the most eccentric drinking hole in the city, with influences from as far-flung, disparate places as Morocco, Brazil and Haiti. Proudly offering a 'sanctuary from the norm', Evil Eye isn't just a bar – there's a cinema room and even wooden beds to hide in upstairs.

Address: , 42 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS
Telephone: 01904 640 002.
Website: http://www.evileyelounge.com

Last Drop Inn

The famous York Brewery owns several pubs within the city, the best-loved of which is Last Drop Inn. Set within a historic building, it serves a range of quality ales, and friendly staff are on hand to help you choose. The brewery was born in 1996 within the old city walls, and is the first to offer traditionally brewed ales in nearly half a century.

Address: , 27 Colliergate., York, YO1 8BN
Telephone: 01904 621 951.
Website: http://www.york-brewery.co.uk/Pubs/Last-Drop-Inn

Pivni

In a beautiful timber-framed building near the Shambles, which dates back to 16th century, Pivni is named after a Czech beer in homage to its cosmopolitan selection of drinks. There are more than 80 draught and bottled beers to choose from and several wonderful cask ales. Wander up the creaking stairs and take a seat in the corner beneath dark timber beams – the perfect place to conspire over a rich stout or rare ale.

Address: , 6 Patrick Pool, York, YO1 8BB
Telephone: 01904 635 464.
Website: http://pivni.co.uk

The Black Swan

Dating back to the 15th century, this atmospheric Tudor inn is a sight in itself. But far from being just a tourist attraction, The Black Swan is a thriving old tavern, with live music most evenings, including everything from jazz to ever-popular folk nights. It also serves hefty plates of British pub food.

Address: , 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR
Telephone: 01904 679 131.
Website: http://www.blackswanyork.com

The Habit

One of the coolest spots in a city renowned for its oldie pubs, The Habit is a café-bar with assorted, reclaimed furniture, relaxed vibes and a decent selection of guest ales and beers. One of the main attractions, though, is the regular live music and hip DJs, making it quite popular with the city's student population. Head up stairs to the terrace in the summer, where you'll also find The Habit's renowned graffiti wall.

Address: , 40 Goodrumgate, York, YO1 7LF
Telephone: 01904 611 072.

Ye Olde Starre Inn

Dating back to the 18th century, and housed in a Grade II-listed building once used as a hospital and mortuary by the Roundheads, this is reputedly the oldest pub in York. Set down a little alley (indicated by an old sign hanging over the main street), it's slightly ragged around the edges and other pubs in York have a wider selection of drinks. But for a bit of history in a city so steeped in it, Ye Olde Starr Inn is worth dropping in for a pint or two.

Address: , 40 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS
Telephone: 01904 623 063.
Website: http://www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/ye-olde-starre-inne-york/c1731

Clubs in York

Live music in York

Classical music in York

Dance in York

Theatres in York

City Screen

City Screen York is considered to be one of the finest cinemas in the country, if not Europe, with superb quality in sound and vision, not to mention comfort. Apart from its beeline in independent art-house films, there are live screenings of opera, ballet and theatre. Not just a cinema, City Screen is also well known for its live music venue, The Basement: an intimate spot for bands, comedy and poetry, which also doubles as an art gallery promoting local artists.

Address: , 13-17 Coney Street, York, YO1 9QL
Telephone: 0871 902 5726.
Website: http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/york

Theatre Royal

The premier choice for theatre in York, the Royal puts on the land's best plays and performances, while attracting many stars of stage and screen. Opened some 250 years ago by the Keregans, the building boasts a Victorian façade, Georgian interior, structural elements of a former 12th hospital, and even a Roman well concealed beneath the stage. The stunning main theatre seats more than 800, while a second, smaller playhouse has room for 100. Having recently gained funding from the Arts Council, the Royal is undergoing a major redevelopment from 2015.

Address: , St Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7HD
Telephone: 01904 623 568.
Website: http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Music and Dance in York

Culture in York

Grand Opera House

Despite being a Grade II-listed building, this theatre and music venue isn't the most glamorous in York, at least from the outside. Inside, it's a handsome red-and-gold affair befitting its century of history. Originally set up to show films (the first place to do so in York), it reopened as the Grand Opera House in 1989 with a performance of Macbeth. Today it hosts popular theatre productions and musicals, and is one of the city's main live music venues.

Address: Cumberland Street, , York, YO1 9SW
Telephone: 0844 871 3024.
Website: http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york

National Centre for Early Music

Situated in St Margaret's Church on Walmgate, the centre attracts some of the finest in jazz, folk and world music within a medieval church. Converted in 2000, the project received several conservation awards. The raison d'etre of the NCEM is to put on early music performances of the highest quality possibility. Expect European music of medieval, Renaissance and baroque origins and influence.

Address: , Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL
Telephone: 01904 658 338.
Website: http://www.ncem.co.uk
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The Bar Convent

Situated in the oldest existing convent in England (established in 1686), The Bar Convent offers accommodation with a difference, in elegant surroundings and with a unique and informal ambience. This Grade I listed Georgian building was renovated in the summer of 2006.

The Churchill Hotel

All of the rooms in this hotel are individually decorated and its historic charm is guaranteed to beguile. Housed in a Georgian mansion built around 1827, the Churchill offers a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant is very good, sourcing its ingredients locally and in accordance with the seasons.

The Grange Hotel

A Grade-II-listed Regency townhouse, The Grange exudes good taste - the attached Ivy Brasserie (which received two AA rosettes in 2006) is worth a mention too. Elegant and luxurious, the hotel also offers modern comfort and convenience, including Wi-Fi access.

Middlethorpe Hall

This country house, built in 1699, offers the optimum in lavishness: set in 20 acres of gardens and parkland, it is decorated with antiques consistent with the period of the house, yet also manages to be modern with its own health and fitness spa.

Romley House

This family-run guest house provides a friendly and efficient service at bargain prices. Rooms are homely, decorated in white and floral patterns. Romley House is also renowned for its pictorial and ceramic clown collection - a typical touch of such child-friendly accommodation. Staying here is a way of receiving some classic Yorkshire hospitality.

York International Youth Hostel

This youth hostel's good service and clean and comfortable rooms guarantee good value for money. Although located just outside the city centre, the 10- to 15-minute walk is a delightfully scenic one along the river. The hostel's bedrooms range from single rooms to dorms accommodating up to eight people.