Anything you say about a pub is open to argument. But let us stick
our necks out. Since they refurbished Nellies' in Beverley a decade or two ago, Ye Olde Black Boy
is the definitive genuine traditional Olde English pub.
What that means, of course, is that it's a bit grotty. There's
lots of dark paintwork - either by design or through generations of tobacco staining; and the
facilities leave much to be desired. Having said that, time has not stood still. Those who've not
visited recently will be surprised to find that the Black Boy has sprouted two new rooms on the
first floor - one with a bar - that effectively double the size of the place without detracting at
all from it. Meanwhile the assorted real ales are superb; and that the atmosphere just crawls out
the walls and grabs you by the throat.
According to the Local History Unit,
development of the site of the Black Boy dates back to the 1330s, though the first reference to
licenced premises on the site was in 1729. The site has housed a pub intermittently since. The
existing building is a legacy of many changes over a long period of time; with parts of the
structure dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Users' View Paul Milsom writes: Since Phil
Asquith took over the pub two years ago, it has been open all day
for the permitted hours. It is now owned by Enterprise Inns (not
century). They do not stock Old Mill beers. The lagers are now
Carling and Stella, there are no Belgian beers, unfortunately. Hot
drinks are served, tea and coffee. Children are welcome during food
service times in the downstairs front room
