The Blue Bell, Grade II* listed pub in Fossgate, York, England
The Blue Bell is a Grade II* listed pub in Fossgate featuring a narrow hallway, a front public bar, and a wood-panelled smoke room in the rear section. The interior layout reflects the original house structure with distinct, intimate drinking spaces that define the traditional pub experience.
The building was originally a timber-framed house from the late 17th century and became a pub in 1798 under C. J. Melrose and Sons. In the early 1900s, it served as a gathering place for people who founded one of York's most prominent sports organizations.
The pub's origins as a meeting place for local sports figures shaped its identity in the community, with its small rooms encouraging close-knit gatherings that reflected how York residents spent their social time.
The pub maintains a 65-person capacity and limits large group sizes to preserve the traditional environment. This approach makes it better suited for smaller visits or solo travelers seeking a quieter experience.
A 1903 refurbishment introduced art nouveau glass panels and original Edwardian fittings that remain intact today. These early 1900s crafted details set this pub apart from most others of its age.
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