Conveniently located on High Holborn, close to many an office and shop, this old-timer still has plenty to offer.

The Venue
The entrance itself is rather interesting as there are three separate doors and, once inside, you realise why. The first door leads to a seating area, where there is plenty of space to stand and sit, with recently refurbished furniture and lots of mood-setting pictures on the mahogany walls. Another door leads to the cellar where food can be ordered. With its low ceilings and arches you feel transported back to Dickensian times (minus the bad plumbing and lack of ventilation). The third leads to the main bar area - a very impressive room which, though dark and moody, is very spacious, airy even. This is accomplished by the high ceiling and thoughtful space-saving booths along the right wall, and the décor manages to be both imposing and welcoming at the same time.

The Atmosphere
As a pub located in the City, the clientele comprises of people that work locally and tourists that are lured in by the impressive exteriors. Lunchtime gets busy as do the early evening hours. But, at other times, because of the large capacity, it takes a while to fill up, which can suit those who want a quiet drink. You can overhear various foreign languages from couples with backpacks, work talk between men in suits and fun gossip from girls on a night out. Friendly and helpful bar staff are on hand to advise you on the choice of tipple.

The Food
Orders are placed in the basement bar but food can be eaten upstairs as well. The cheese burger (£5.50) is very satisfying. For something lighter opt for a prawn sandwich (£3.95) filled with crunchy lettuce and Marie Rose sauce. Classic fish and chips will leave you full for £5.95 and the steak and ale pie (£5.95) is top notch.

The Drink
As a Sam Smiths pub the choice of beverages is own-brand-only but the selection is huge. There are many lagers and ales to choose from, including a very tasty Pure Brew (£3.10) which is served in a very sleek pint glass. The less expensive yet also adequate Alpine is £2.27 and a refreshing cider comes in at £3.10. While the wines leave a lot to be desired (for around £4 it’s not all that surprising) and spirits cost around £3-£4, the main attraction are definitely the bargain draught and bottled beers.

The Last Word
Popular, due to its location and the fact that a pub has occupied this site for centuries, the Cittie of Yorke has a loyal clientele. Though it has lost a bit of its soul after the refurbishment, it remains a good pub with decent food and a lot of cheap drinks behind the bar.

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