The 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.