Season: 2014 Summer

Golden Ball

goldenballThe Golden Ball inaugurated the league with the Phoenix back in 2013. The team is run by Mike Shallcross, and the pub is managed by the wonderful Beth Maguire, on behalf of the Golden Ball Co-op. That’s right – The Golden Ball is York’s first Co-operative Pub, which means the lease is owned by the people who drink in the pub, and all profits go back into the community.

It’s a Grade II listed pub with a well-preserved Victorian layout, and a lovely tiled bar with seven hand-pulled cask ales on at all times. The pub focuses on top quality beer, from local breweries wherever possible, and great live music – come down on a Sunday night for the legendary folk sessions. The Golden Ball is at the heart of Bishophill in every sense.

Fulford Arms

fulfordarmsA popular live music venue offering superb pizzas and burgers, the Fulford also has three bar billiards tables. The pub is run by Chris Sherington, who has made his mark as a billiards-enthused all-round nice chap.

Feel free to ask him about his Sinclair C5(s) or range of board games, and watch out for the pub’s resident evil genius Moriarty, who can often be found stalking the players.