Black swan

The Black Swan is a traditional pub and inn on Peasholme Green in York, combining a historic half-timbered setting with home-cooked food, drinks and live music. The building’s character comes through in a wood-panelled restaurant, coffered ceilings and an open fireplace, creating a relaxed setting for lunch, dinner or an evening drink.

The kitchen serves home-cooked food across lunch and dinner, with both a main menu and a buffet menu available. The style is suited to straightforward pub dining rather than a formal restaurant experience, with the restaurant providing a comfortable space for everyday meals, family occasions and larger gatherings. The venue also caters for functions, making it suitable for celebrations and other events arranged around food and drink.

The bar offers a selection of premium ales alongside other drinks. Two beer gardens provide outdoor space in fine weather, while a private garden can also be hired for functions. The combination of indoor and outdoor areas gives the pub flexibility for casual visits, group occasions and seasonal gatherings.

Live music forms an important part of the venue’s identity. The Black Swan hosts folk, acoustic and jazz bands, with the folk club bringing established performers, emerging talent and open-mic events to the pub. The music adds a lively social element without changing the venue’s traditional pub character. Larger concerts and related folk events also connect the inn with York’s wider music scene.

Accommodation is available in traditional rooms with en-suite bathrooms and antique four-poster beds with rich draperies. Complimentary breakfast and car parking add practical value for guests staying at the inn. The location near the River Foss also places the pub within walking distance of central attractions, including York Castle and the Jorvik Viking Centre.

With its historic interiors, home-cooked menu, beer gardens, rooms and established live-music programme, The Black Swan suits diners seeking a traditional pub atmosphere, families, groups, music followers and visitors looking for accommodation with character. The setting works for a quiet meal by the fire, a drink in the garden or an evening shaped by folk and acoustic performance.