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Hotel Review
The Fat Badger, York
In the shadow of the medieval walls and tucked beside one of the city's gateways, Bootham Bar, it's possible to walk past this Georgian inn without noticing. The narrow front of the two townhouses hides a warren of snug rooms that keep their original features of creaky staircases, dado panels and sash windows. Hidden at the back is a surprisingly large beer garden. By contrast, the two old-school furnished bars and parlour-like dining room are tiny, while bedrooms are simple affairs with a scattering of vintage furniture. These aren't rooms to lounge around in but, as the inn is less than a minute from the Minster and on popular Petergate, guests choose it for its convenience, its historic charm and pubby atmosphere.
THE DETAILS
Location
York Art Gallery is less than a minute's walk; after browsing its art and ceramics, take a stroll in the adjoining Museum Gardens which lead to the river.
The inn is on York's busy Petergate in the city centre, with lots of independent shops and places to eat and drink.
By car: the hotel is 55 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour 45 mins from Manchester and 4 hours 25 mins from London. Staff can give you a discounted permit for Marygate Car Park, 5-10 minutes away.
By train: London Kings Cross to York takes around 2 hours. The hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride from the station. thetrainline.com
Style & Character
Anyone who doesn't mind the busy location and likes a cosy, bustling, traditional inn with simple but characterful rooms will enjoy themselves here. We love the snugness of the place and the feeling you need a candle to light your way to bed.
Service & Facilities
Sitting in the beer garden with a half-pint of one of their local ales, with views of the Minster towers, and watching tourists - eyeing us jealously - walk along the walls that border the other side, made us feel rather smug.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Beer garden
- Free Wi-Fi
Rooms
The top-floor No 9 has a glimpse of the Minster while No 12, in the eaves, with exposed beams, feels very private. Most have interesting views, either over the beer garden and towards the walls or directly into the bustle of Petergate.
Single, Executive Double, Superior Double, Deluxe Double
Facilities include: ensuite with shower, H2K of Harrogate toiletries, hairdryer, TV, tea and coffee facilities
Food & Drink
The parlour-style dining room is cosy and quirky with a real fire, tiny tables, old-school chairs and eclectic ornaments such as top hats and tennis racquets. Save space for the chef's cheesecake; it changes on a weekly basis.
The restaurant: traditional British dishes, local ingredients, pub classics, sandwiches. Food served every day 12-9pm. Mains from £11.95.