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Duke of York Pub

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London
London

Duke of York Pub

8 Duke of York Street, Marylebone, London, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Duke of York Street in Marylebone, this classic British corner pub proves that size isn't everything. What the Duke of York lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in character, community spirit, and those famous 2-for-£6 cocktails that have become the stuff of local legend.

Duke of York Pub: Marylebone's Tiny Powerhouse of Proper British Pub Culture

Where legendary quiz nights meet dangerously good cocktail deals in a space barely bigger than your living room

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into the Duke of York and you're entering what feels like someone's exceptionally well-stocked living room – because that's genuinely about the size of this single-room establishment. The venue scores a solid 7.5/10 for energy levels, and you'll understand why the moment you walk in. Dark wood paneling, etched glass, and historic memorabilia create that quintessentially British pub atmosphere that tourists spend fortunes trying to find. Three big screens with Sky TV ensure the sports crowd feels at home, while cosy armchairs scattered about provide intimate spots for conversation – when you can find them. The pub gets absolutely rammed with the after-work crowd between 6-9pm, transforming from a relaxed local into a buzzing social hub. Dog-friendly policies and pavement tables outside add to the welcoming community feel, though don't expect much sophistication – this place scores just 3.5/10 on the refinement scale, and that's exactly as it should be.

Food & Drink

The Duke of York delivers exactly what you'd expect from traditional British pub grub, no more, no less. Their crispy beer-battered fish & chips at £12.95 represents solid value in Marylebone, while Sunday roasts come with all the trimmings across beef, lamb, chicken, and pork options. The kitchen focuses on British comfort food staples – bangers & mash, daily specials using fresh seasonal ingredients – all designed to soak up those real ales. Speaking of which, the bar stocks proper British ales including IPA, Doom Bar, and Bombardier, alongside craft beers and fine wines. But the real draw here is those 2-for-£6 cocktails that have earned legendary status among locals. It's straightforward pub fare executed competently, with the drinks program being the true star of the show.

Service & Experience

The friendly bar staff who know everyone's name epitomize what makes British local pubs special. This isn't about polished service or sophisticated hospitality – it's about genuine warmth and community connection. The venue scores 8.0/10 for conversation-friendly atmosphere, largely thanks to staff who facilitate that local pub feeling where regulars become part of an extended family. Service can get stretched during those peak after-work hours when the tiny space becomes uncomfortably packed, but the team maintains that unpretentious, welcoming approach that defines the Duke of York's character.

Value for Money

Here's where the Duke of York truly shines in an area where value can be hard to find. With a price level of 2/4, this pub delivers cheap-and-cheerful pricing that matters in Marylebone. Those 2-for-£6 cocktails are genuinely dangerous territory for your wallet and your evening plans, while £12.95 fish & chips represents solid value for the location. The venue specifically caters to students and locals seeking authentic London pub culture without tourist trap prices. It's the kind of place where you can have a proper night out without breaking the bank – increasingly rare in central London.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Timing is everything at the Duke of York. Avoid the 6-9pm after-work rush unless you enjoy being packed like sardines in that single-room space. For the legendary Thursday quiz nights starting at 7:30pm, arrive by 6:30pm to secure your spot – this place fills up faster than you'd expect. Weekday afternoons and later evenings offer more relaxed vibes, while Sunday roast service provides a more civilized experience.

What to Focus On

Those famous 2-for-£6 cocktails are non-negotiable – they're the venue's claim to fame alongside the quiz nights. For food, the fish & chips at £12.95 represents solid value, while Sunday roasts with all the trimmings showcase traditional British pub cooking at its most reliable. Real ale enthusiasts should sample the IPA, Doom Bar, or Bombardier.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Blue Room provides private dining space for special occasions – perfect when the main pub gets too crampedThursday quiz nights are legendary but arrive early as the tiny space fills impossibly fastThose pavement tables outside offer breathing room when the interior becomes claustrophobic during peak hours

The Final Verdict

The Duke of York Pub succeeds precisely because it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is – a proper British local that happens to be located in one of London's more upscale neighborhoods. Yes, it's tiny to the point of being cramped, and no, you won't find cutting-edge cocktails or Instagram-worthy interiors. But you will find genuine community spirit, honest pub grub, and those dangerously good cocktail deals that keep locals coming back. It's a Marylebone gem that proves authenticity trumps size every time.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Students and budget-conscious drinkers seeking value in central LondonQuiz night enthusiasts and sports fans looking for proper local atmosphereDog owners and locals wanting unpretentious British pub culture

Quick Details

1

Duke of York Pub

🍺 Tiny pub
⭐️ Quiz nights
⭐️ Sky sports
⭐️ Marylebone
🍸 Cheap cocktails

Barely bigger than a living room, this Marylebone corner pub packs more character per square foot than venues ten times its size. The single-room layout forces conversations between strangers while three big screens show Sky Sports to a crowd that actually cares about the results. Thursday quiz nights at 7:30pm become legendary local events where regulars defend their territory against newcomers. Real ales including IPA, Doom Bar, and Bombardier flow alongside dangerously good 2-for-£6 cocktails that make you forget you're in expensive Marylebone. The after-work crowd from 6-9pm creates standing-room-only chaos, but the authentic British local atmosphere rewards those who squeeze in. Dark wood, etched glass, and historic memorabilia create proper pub ambiance where friendly bar staff know everyone's name.

What's Great

✓ Three big screens with Sky TV showing live sports daily

✓ Thursday quiz nights are legendary local events

Keep in Mind

× Extremely cramped single-room layout gets uncomfortably packed

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the quiz night at 7:30pm Thursday but arrive by 6:30pm to secure a spot - this place fills up faster than a speedrun

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Venue details

🕐"Monday - Saturday: 11am - 11pm, Sunday: 12pm - 10:30pm"
📍8 Duke of York Street, Marylebone, London, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7839 3139
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Duke of York Pub has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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