York. Known to the locals as the "Mucky Duck", this was an old coaching inn (a mounting block from this period is still in the courtyard) dating back to the 16th century and became a pub in 1703 (competing with The Black Swan, The Punch Bowl, and Ye Old Starre Inne as York's oldest). On August 5 1781 customers paid a schilling to view the 8 foot tall Irishman Patrick Cotter O'Brien, then the tallest man in the world. It is said that the pub is haunted by a group of Catholics planning an escape to France.

There is seating in the beautiful courtyard in front of the pub. Inside is a spacious pub with several rooms surrounding three bars, and they have 8 hand pumps and 8 kegs. I had a pint of XPA from Five Points Brewery in London. A delicious pale ale dry hopped with Galaxy and Citra hops.