As soon as you enter you’ll notice big signs saying it’s a “Mobile phone and Laptop free zone” and to talk to your companions instead. This does make this venue somewhat unique!
It’s an interesting idea and I’d say that my work mates and I did have a decent chat without missing our phones very much. A couple of times we accidentally picked up our phones (to find a restaurant for dinner, share some photos of a recent holiday, and to reply to a text) over the hour and a half we were there. Once the barmaid did see us and told us to put our phones away.
We just awkwardly put them away and apologised. I can see if you refused that things could escalate. Overall it was a fun experience and a bit unique in this modern age of always being connected.
Not sure I’d make the experience a regular one but it was certainly fun for the evening :)
Great old school pub where you can have a quiet pint. Nice, helpful staff. I'll definitely return next time I'm in the area
Typical Sam Smith's pub, not phones allowed as per all their pubs. No food served
This is a fun old place one should visit at least once. Interesting local clientele and very old fashioned interior, plus remarkably cheap drinks. Definitely worth checking out for a couple of pints and with a friendly attitude towards the regulars.
Visiting family in York, stopped here for a couple of drinks. Very comfortable pub, excellent prices.. Love the mobile phone rule. Would recommend.
This pub is like the place where time stood still.
No telly or juke boxes, just traditional and comfortable.
Advertises itself as a digital detox and we loved it.
Prices were great, barmaid was chatty and friendly, nice atmosphere.
Well worth a visit!
Deceptively bigger than it looks from outside and really nice looking pub inside. A good selection of Sam Smiths beers.
If you’re just looking for that quality illusive pint of lager in York go here, and order a pint of Taddys Organic Lager, it’s a place where no digital stuff is allowed, ie, laptops and tablets/phones, but if you want quality lager get as mentioned above, I know how poor lager is these days, I’ve had plenty..:)
Gotta praise this pub for doing something very different. Literally no mobile phones or electronic devices allowed. There are clear signs on entry, and when I visited in December 2021 all the patrons were complying. Makes for a really different experience, although I wonder if the pub ever gets busy as a result. But perhaps this is what the regulars enjoy.
Lovely olde worlde pub. Pleasant staff, comfy seats and clean toilets. Added bonus of peace and quiet, no-one shouting down their phone and telling their business to all and sundry. Love a Sam Smiths pub
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