Kings Arms in York

Let's be clear - this isn't a pub that is easy to like. If you're looking for comfort and modernity then you need to get back on the main road and think about why you came to York. Thing is though, if you came looking for history and culture this place is as close to how you might have experienced drinking in past (it's got electricity - but I'll come to that).Looking at other reviews it's interesting to see people getting uppity when challenged by the rules even though they poke you in the eye as you enter (signs everywhere regarding the moratorium on digital devices) but I'm not surprised by that since I've spent a working lifetime trying to educate individuals so as not to break the rules and I'll tell you what (if COVID mask wearing didn't already make you realise this), people don't like being told off, so the best part of this visit was actually reading later about how the waiters were rude and surly (and no, the irony is not lost on me that I was doing this on my phone as I am now) asking people not to use their phones. So the plus points? Well, no students since they're unlikely to have the surgery required to have their devices removed from their wrists, the beer was very well kept (expected if this is a S. Smith's flagship pub), the pricing is actually unbelievable given its location and this is what really makes it a time machine, and it was quiet. The negatives? Well it was quiet and whilst that suits some it's a bit of an atmosphere killer particularly on a Friday evening. This is interesting though because I've been in many quirky pubs and if you asked me what that special ingredient was that draws the crowds in I'd be hard pushed to say.The rules for all Samuel Smith pubs are the same and its 76 year old very rich owner preserves old demarcations in their layout. A snug with its own fire is typical, saloon type bar featuring a pool table and darts, wood panels and austere upholstery dominating the interior. The aesthetic is, as the company’s website stipulates, “uncompromisingly Victorian”. This includes no jukebox and no electronic gadgets. I am irritated slightly though by the fact that this billionaire can afford to tailor his pubs to his own nostalgic tastes regardless of what the market can tolerate. But then I'm probably also jealous because if I had his money I'd probably do the same.I liked the Guardian's take on Smith's passion project: nowhere else – certainly not the home – is a bounded sanctuary like this anymore; the intrusive reach of digital communication penetrates all other spaces. In this pub (that the paper was reviewing) things are seen and heard that the brain begins to remember and recognise, which it had all but forgotten: the sight of a couple sitting quietly at a table by the fire, sipping a drink while gazing out at high-street shoppers; the sound of loose change in a pocket as someone roots around for the price of a pint; the hushed conversation of two people propping up the bar, which barely disturbs the silence of mid-afternoon; the crack of a newspaper page being stretched and turned.That's probably what I'm trying to define in what makes a pub great (and yes, the fumbling for loose change is real - they don't accept cards!) but for goodness sake, next time I visit can you put another log on the bl**dy fire? It was freezing (and yes I know that sort of language would get me thrown out of this particular pub).

Visited mid week and although the pub itself is like stepping back in time and has that lovely old York pub charm it is spoilt by a company rule of no phones or tablets...signs and beer mats everywhere reminding you! I had just worked a 12 hr shift in the NHS and wanted to catch up with friends and family as I do not live in York and was staying over due to work so feeling quite isolated. Being told to put my phone away was enough to get me to leave and enjoy some warmer hospitality elsewhere. There are lots of nicer pubs in York I soon discovered.

Lovely little pub. This will not be to everybody's taste. No phone/tablet/laptop rule rigorously enforced. Ginger lady behind the bar very friendly as were the locals I chatted to. Sam Smith's stout was gorgeous. Stopped for longer than planned.

Amazing traditional pub with a rich and quirky history. It feels like you’ve gone back in time as people are actually having conversations and are encouraged to start chatting to strangers at the bar. Very refreshing and nostalgic!

Inside this pub was like stepping into the a time long forgotten. Personally I love old pubs and this one is a treat. Only looses a star as no mobile phone or technology rule is out dated. I can understand a rule of no talking on phones or not being sat glued to your phone. But I was told off in a manner that reminded me of being in school for checking the time as we were waiting for the ghost tour!I think this rule could be more politely maintained not screeched out across the pub. Must loose them a lot of costume. I recommend a visit but beware

This was the worst pub experience of my life. I went on my phone to look up train times and the bartender told me that no mobile phones were allowed to be used in the pub because Samuel Smith has banned them and would shut the pub down if he saw them in the pub. The bartender then told stories of the way Smith runs his pubs and it sounded awful. Employees have been fired and abused for allowing customers to use mobile phones. It was a bizarre and extremely uncomfortable experience. I would NOT RECOMMEND any Samuel Smith pubs to anyone.

Nice little pub, lady behind the bar was welcoming at first. Then out of no were.. very aggressive, no swearing-that's fair enough. No phones -bit drastic as away from home and like to know home can get in touch ... so would definitely give this pub a swerve in future

We were surprised when we walked in on Saturday evening 30th October 2021 to find it so quiet. All the other pubs in York were packed. We soon found out why. The young lady who was serving was insulting to customers and very rude. A group of 4 young men entered the bar and the first thing she said to them was they couldn't use their mobiles and they couldn't swear (not one of them was holding their phones) and none of them was using bad language. She reluctantly served them with a face like thunder. Then a group of 4 women entered and they were on a hen party but the ladies were very courteous, not being silly or loud and the bar woman said straight away "we don't serve hen parties". The hen took off her banner she was wearing and they were still refused to be served so they left. The customers in the pub were all disgusted and couldn't believe how rude she was being. We got up and left and so did some others. The manager needs to train this member of staff in customer relations quickly to avoid getting a bad reputation. It's a lovely pub in a great location but shame about the staff. Oh and one more point why don't you sell Baileys or Tia Maria, had to have a bitter lemon.

Interesting pub with interesting rules inside. I liked the idea of it though, won't be getting a place with everyone glued to their screens inside. Quick service and good old fashioned staff.

Great location set on the banks of the river. Ideal spot to meet up with friends for a pint of your favourite Sam smiths beer.