Discovering The Keystones: A Cozy Spot in York Worth Visiting

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I popped into The Keystones on a rainy day, seeking shelter and a bite to eat, and I’m glad I did.

Located on the corner on Monkgate, Keystones is a local pub with a lively atmosphere which attracts locals, tourist and uni students.

My First Impressions of Keystones York

Walking in, I immediately noticed how open and inviting the space felt. There aren’t a lot of tables, which kept the place feeling cozy rather than crowded.

It was quiet at first, with just a few locals chatting away, and the whole place was spotless.

The team behind the bar were friendly and made me feel right at home.

My Food at The Keystones

I decided to try the sweet chilli chicken loaded fries. Unfortunately, the dish didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

The fries were drowned in sweet chilli sauce with barely any mozzarella or cheese sauce to balance it out. The chicken strips were overcooked and dry, which was a bit disappointing.

The menu itself looked fantastic, boasting a great variety of burgers and pizzas.

I noticed many stonebaked pizzas coming out of the kitchen, and if I return, I’d definitely want to try the Detroit pizza. (For those curious, a Detroit pizza is a thick, rectangular pizza with a crispy, cheesy crust and a hearty topping – sounds delicious right?)

The Ambiance at Keystones York

The atmosphere was quiet with low background music when I arrived, but as the evening progressed and football kicked off, the vibe picked up with laughter and chatter filling the room. By around 6 pm, the pub was buzzing and full of life.

What’s on Tap at Keystones York

The Keystones offers some interesting options on tap. I spotted Heineken Alcohol Free and a cider with berries and cherries – perfect if you want something light or a bit fruity.

They had some amazing beers on draft that you don’t see in may places such as Jubel Peach, Henry Westons, Lucky Saints and Camden pale.

The Keystones York Menus

There’s a good selection of menus available, including a main menu, drinks menu, and a lunch & drink combo menu.

They also offer a bottomless brunch menu, which sounds like a fantastic weekend treat.

Menu Display at Keystones York

Check them out below:

Everything You Need To Know!

📍 Location: 4 Monkgate, YO31 7PE, York

📞 Contact: 01904 656202

The Keystone YorkOpening Hours
Monday – Thursday 12:00 – 00:00
Friday12:00 – 01:00
Saturday11:00 – 01:00
Sunday12:00 – 23:00
The Keystone KitchenOpening Hours
Monday – Friday 12:00 – 21:00
Saturday11:00 – 20:00
Sunday11:00 – 20:00

Nearest Parking: Q-Parking Shambles York. With a short walk through the beautiful city centre this car park is well facilitated at a reasonable price.

My Final Thoughts

The Keystones is a great spot to escape the rain or just enjoy a relaxed evening in York. While my food choice wasn’t the best, the overall experience, friendly staff, and lively atmosphere made up for it.

Next time, I’m definitely going for the Detroit pizza and maybe trying out their bottomless brunch.

Thank you for reading, and we’ll see you in the next post!


FAQ about The Keystones

Does The Keystones have a Pool Table?

Yes, they have one pool table near the back end of the pub.

Do The Keystones do Bottomless Brunch?

Yes, they offer a bottomless brunch menu. See Full Menu Here…

Does The Keystones have a Dart Board?

Yes, they do have darts board.

Does The Keystones accept the Mixer App?

Yes, Keystones does accept the Mixer App.

Does The Keystones show Live Sports?

Yes, they show live sports, which really livens up the atmosphere.

Does The Keystones have a Beer Garden?

Yes, a large beer area to the rear. Which has outside heaters, umbrella’s and outside TV’s.

Can you Reserve Tables at The Keystones?

Yes, table reservations are accepted and recommended on sports/ quiz nights.

Does The Keystones allow Kids Inside?

Yes, children are welcome but not after 7 pm.

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