The Best Sports Bars In York

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a rugby enthusiast, or just in it for the atmosphere (and maybe the wings), York has a number of lively sports bars that hit the sweet spot between great viewing setups and top-notch pints. From big screens in pubs and buzzy crowds to local craft beers and loaded burgers, the historic city isn't just about cobbled streets and Viking lore.

From Premier League showdowns to catching the Six Nations with your mates, or just fancy a few drinks with the game on in the background, we’ve rounded up the best sports bars in York that guarantee cold beers and front-row action.

Our Guide To Sports Bars In York

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 10th July 2025




O'Neill's York

  • Location: 10 Low Ousegate, YO1 9QU
  • Sports: cricket, tennis, rugby, football and boxing 
  • What to expect: budget-friendly food and cheap pints to accompany the big game 

When it comes to sports bars in York town centre, you can always count on this affordable pub to make you feel right at home, especially with eight screens dotted around showing the latest matches. From football, rugby, darts, and Formula 1 to cricket, boxing, and GAA games, O'Neill's York shows all the major fixtures on BT Sport and Sky Sports, covering everything from Premier League clashes to UEFA Champions League drama. 

It also serves up a feast to match the excitement, whether you're grabbing a burger, sharing craic-n-good pub classics, or digging into their delicious pizzas. Don't miss the hot honey chicken and bacon burger or flavour-packed small plates like dirty tato pops and cheddar and jalapeño doughnuts. Phwoar.

The Old Bank, York

  • Location: 6-12 Lendal, YO1 8AA
  • Sports: football, rugby, horse racing, boxing, Formula 1, and NFL
  • What to expect: food and drink deals, and a lively environment 

Hunting for sports bars? York's The Old Bank has just the ticket. Located in the heart of the city, it's a stylish two-floor pub with a hidden sunken garden and a big love for live sport. With over 20 HD screens showing everything from Premier League football and Six Nations rugby to Formula 1, boxing, horse racing, and NFL, it's one of the top spots to catch all the action.

During half-time, tuck into crowd-pleasing pub classics such as juicy burgers, fish and chips, and a stacked Sunday roast, all with daily food and drink offers to keep things tasty and affordable.

Tank & Paddle York

  • Location: Merchant Exchange, 1 Bridge Street, YO1 6DD
  • Sports: football, boxing, tennis, rugby, and Formula 1
  • What to expect: a wide selection of gins and pizza to accompany the match 

Picture this: it's game day and you're keen to watch the match out but don't know where to go. Luckily for you, when it comes to finding the perfect sports bar, York's got plenty of places, and this Tank & Paddle is just one of them. With big tanks of Meantime's Brewery Fresh on tap, local brews from Brew York and Ilkley Pale, plus cask favourites like Black Sheep and Roosters, this spot is a must for beer lovers and sports fans alike.

Catch all the live action on Sky Sports and TNT Sports across HD screens, and soak it all up on their suntrap balcony. The kitchen serves up killer sourdough pizzas, from classic pepperoni to bold picks like sweet chilli duck and smoky sloppy Joe.

The Cross Keys

  • Location: 34 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF
  • Sport: cricket, tennis, rugby and football 
  • What to expect: a traditional pub atmosphere in the city centre 

Only a short stroll from York Minster, the Viking Centre, and the medieval city walls, this charming Victorian snug is a haven for hearty food, cask ales, and live sport. As a specialist pie house, it's the perfect spot to settle in with a comforting pie and mash, pint in hand, while catching the latest football, rugby union, cricket, or tennis action on screen.

Part of the Nicholson's Pub family, the boozer delivers the full match-day experience, with every cheer and near-miss adding to the unbeatable atmosphere. It's perfect for both popping in for a quiet drink or booking a table to watch the big game with mates, thanks to its Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Viaplay and Prime Video subscriptions.

Yates York

  • Location: Church Lane, Low Ousegate, YO1 9QT
  • Sports: football, rugby, horse racing, boxing, Formula 1, and NFL
  • What to expect: affordable food and drinks, and great riverside location 

Right in the heart of the city, Yates York is a lively all-day destination. Spread over two spacious floors with a buzzing atmosphere, it's the perfect place to catch all the big games live, like football, rugby, boxing, F1, and NFL, all streamed in HD across multiple screens.

Open daily from 9am, the pub also offers unbeatable food and drink deals, including hearty breakfasts, casual lunches, and wallet-friendly drinks offers like 'feasting Saturdays' where you can get around five to seven mini bites and two drinks from £18.50, and 2-4-1 desserts on Sundays.

The Old White Swan

  • Location: 80 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF
  • Sports: cricket, cycling, tennis, rugby, horse racing, and football 
  • What to expect: wooden beams, old-fashioned furnishings and good-quality ales 

The Old White Swan is one of York's oldest boozers, tucked away on Goodramgate. Dating back to the 16th century, this charming Nicholson's pub blends traditional British charm with a lively, welcoming atmosphere, making it a standout spot to watch live sport in the city centre.

From nail-biting football fixtures to high-stakes rugby and more, every big game comes to life here with all the energy of a true fan zone. Grab a pint, find your seat, and join the crowd in celebrating every goal, try, and victory.

Keystones York

  • Location: 4 Monkgate, YO31 7PE
  • Sports: football, boxing, rugby, Formula 1 and darts
  • What to expect: cool pub with modern decor, a beer garden and a number of screens

Just outside York's historic city walls, Keystones is a quirky and cosy pub loved by all. Head here with your mates to catch some live football, including the women's Euros, boxing, rugby union, darts, or Formula 1, shown in HD on Sky Sports and TNT Sports.

Beyond the sport, enjoy retro gaming nights every Monday, a lively pub quiz on Sundays, and a menu packed with down-and-dirty burgers, local craft beers, cask ales, and funky can cocktails. Keystones also boasts a huge beer garden with stunning views of the city walls, and dogs are welcome too.

The Stonebow York

  • Location: 5 Fossgate, YO1 7NT
  • Sports: football, rugby, horse racing, Formula 1, boxing, and NFL
  • What to expect: screens indoors and outdoors, a dart board and more 

What more could you ask for than a sports bar with a dart board in it, perfect for some half-time fun? The Stonebow York is a friendly pub that boasts HD screens indoors and out showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports.

Here, you can catch every big football match, rugby showdown, F1 race, and more - all in a welcoming setting with great pints and tasty pub grub. Whether you're sinking a drink in the beer garden, watching the game with mates, or throwing darts between rounds, this location ticks all the boxes. 

Charles XII York

  • Location: 8 Main Street, Heslington, YO10 5EA
  • Sports: football, rugby, horse racing, boxing, Formula 1 and NFL
  • What to expect: 2-4-1 cocktail deals to go alongside game days

On the hunt for a sports bar in York? Look no further than this wholesome boozer. Charles XII is one of the city's favourite traditional pubs for watching live sport in a welcoming, cosy atmosphere.

Whether you're catching the latest Premier League derby, thrilling rugby union clashes, or nail-biting Formula 1 races, this traditional village pub has all the big games on BT Sports and Sky Sports across multiple screens. With a spacious beer garden perfect for sunny days (dogs included), hearty all-day pub grub, and cold pints on tap, it's the ideal spot to gather your mates and cheer on your team.

The Terrace - Sports Bar & Kitchen

  • Location: 13-17 New Street, YO1 8RA
  • Sports: football, cricket, tennis, American football and rugby
  • What to expect: a friendly pub atmosphere with Sky Sports and TNT Sports 

The Terrace Sports Bar & Kitchen in York is the go-to spot for catching live sport in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. With over ten HD screens broadcasting Sky Sports and TNT Sports, fans can enjoy every major football, cricket, tennis, American football, and rugby event while feasting on hearty pub classics and their famously chunky chips.

The space itself is warm and features pendant lighting, leather booths and plenty of seating - you'll be able to catch the game on its glossy screens from anywhere in the bar. Whether you're grabbing lunch or fuelling up before the big game, the freshly prepared, home-cooked menu hits the spot.