An application has been made to list the Blue Bell pub on Fossgate as an asset of community value.

It is the latest in a string of applications which – if successful – gives the local community time to raise funds to buy a threatened building.

The application will be considered by the Councils Executive at a meeting taking place on 17th October.

The Blue Bell has a good reputation in the City as a small, friendly, traditional pub. It is rated number 1 by Trip Advisor

“A Well Preserved Traditional English Pub in York

Situated on Fossgate, the Blue Bell is one of the smallest pubs in York. When it dates from is a little hazy as there was another, older, Blue Bell on Fossgate (now gone). However, this one was certainly known to be a pub in 1790.

It also has an original and perfectly preserved interior. It is one of York’s few representatives in CAMRA’S National Inventory of outstanding pub interiors. Additionally the Blue Bell was one of the York pubs to be given Grade II listed building status. The fittings and paneling that you see today are from refurbishment in 1903, when one George Robinson became landlord.

George Robinson was a great football fan. He hosted meetings resulting in the formation of York City’s’ first Football Club in 1922. He was elected as a director and treasurer to the club and in 1927. Subsequently they entered the Northern Division Three.

George died in 1948 and his wife took over, followed by his daughter Edith Pinder. She held the license until she retired in 1992. The licence was held by the same family for 89 years. This could well be the secret of this lovely little pub’s appeal”.

The pub got a new licensee a couple of years ago