York. The tavern's building dates back to the late 15th century. The street's name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word shamel, which means "flesh shelves" or "booths". The Shambles was a medieval meat market where butchers sold their wares on shelves outside their shops. So of course the tavern was formerly a butchers shop and still has an old world feel with exposed beams, candles, and lanterns. It is the only pub on this historic street. There is a small seating area in front of the small bar, a larger room in the back, an outdoor area in the back. The bar has 12 taps (6 real ales) and quite a selection of craft beers in cans. I tasted the 3 Shambles beers (Dark, Best Bitter, and Stumbler) brewed by Rudgate Brewery in York, and chose the bitter to enjoy outside next to the bustling market.