Musicians’ bar with hidden roof terrace
The Habit is not likely to win any awards for best-designed bar, nor will it star in the photo spreads of the most fashionable glossies. But York locals treasure its creative spirit and warm welcome.
From its unassuming frontage on Goodramgate, you wouldn’t guess that the Habit is home to one of the liveliest music scenes in the city. This is where York musicians go to jam, try out new material at the always-encouraging open-mic nights, and just hang out. Such is its reputation as a music venue, TV producers organised early auditions here for the BBC’s talent show The Voice.
Info
Address 40 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF, +44 (0)1904 611072, Facebook: The Habit on Goodramgate York | Public Transport 7-minute walk from Monk Bar car park; traffic is restricted on Goodramgate in the daytime. Closest bus stops: Lord Mayor’s Walk and Monk Bar | Hours Mon & Thu 9am–midnight, Tue 9am–11pm, Wed 9am–1am, Fri & Sat 9am–1:30am, Sun 10am–10:30pm| Tip If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to the Habit, it’s across the road: Coffee Culture serves unusual and delicious coffee on three floors – watch out for the steep steps, though.
The building itself dates from the 15th century. Originally a townhouse, it was turned into a shop, and sold furniture before being transformed into the Habit – hence the big front window. Don’t go if you crave creature comforts. Inside, you’ll find well-worn furniture resting on bare wood floors and, as one reviewer put it, “the toilets belong more to the 19th century than we’d usually like.”
But that lived-in feel means it is more comfortable than many a chrome-and-booth bar. Sit in the window and watch York go by. Or head upstairs to the lounge, where you can slouch to your heart’s content, and enjoy the pictures by local artists on the walls. The regulars are as eclectic as the decor. But this is as friendly an atmosphere as you’ll find in York.
Food and drink are good too: the small bar stocks some of the more unusual and interesting beers and ciders. The Habit has won awards from the York branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. It also offers a wide range of teas and more than 40 whiskies. And the kitchen can cook up a mean burger.
The Habit’s crowning glory is its beer garden. Lots of pubs have an outdoor drinking area, but only the Habit has a roof terrace offering a spectacular view of the Minster. There are few better places to chill on a warm summer night.
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