I came to York for the history, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out the city's also a destination for beer. York boasts more independent brewpubs per-capita than any other comparable city in England; and the York Brewery, since its establishment in 1996, has become one of the hubs of the real-ale movement.
A quirky little place, whose bar is stuffed up into a cozy old attic (don't worry, it's warm). The York Brewery offers a very informative and personal tour of their craft-brewing operations—newcomers to the art of handcrafted beer are especially welcomed. The £4.50 tour admission is a real bargain, as it includes two half pints of ale for the tasting.
In all, the beers are a quintessential sampling of the British real-ale styles: smooth, flavorful, cask-conditioned, hand-pulled. The staff and clientele are exceptionally welcoming, and since the York Brewery is a local favorite (in a somewhat out-of-the-way part of town), this is a great place to make some quick friends.
http://www.yorkbrew.demon.co.uk/