Review: The Hop

Rating: www.thehopyork.co.uk Twitter - @TheHopYork More often than not, it's the simpler things in life that give us pleasure. The ethos of the newest addition to York's nightlife, The Hop, is just that. Situated on Fossgate, a one-minute walk from the bus stop, this trendy real alehouse offers a warm and friendly atmosphere that is unique and quirky. Serving quality stone-baked pizzas, a great range of ales, lagers and ciders and boasting live music every Friday and Saturday night, The Hop is for those students that want something a little bit different. If at this point you are wondering what that difference is, read on! The Hop is part of a chain of pubs in Yorkshire run by Ossett brewery. With pubs of the same name in Leeds and Sheffield already popular, The Hop arrived in York around five weeks ago with much excitement. We arrived last Friday to a lively and bustling atmosphere and were immediately impressed with just how good the place looked: the shiny new bar, trendy ale-related quotes on the wall and a quirky, unique decor that added to the rustic ambience. The sheer busyness of the place was a surprise, posing the question: what's the secret to their quick success? Our question was quickly answered, however, after grabbing a couple of pints of the festive Movember, (one that we would highly recommend), we got a table in the pizzeria section of the pub.

The Hop doesn't serve traditional pub food. In fact, pizza is the only thing on the menu but thats certainly not a bad thing; it contributes to The Hop's uniqueness. Ossett Brewery has worked hard to create quality, authentic, hand-made pizzas unlike anything else you'd try in town. Far better quality than the greasy late-night alternative and at a great price of PS7.50 each, the pizzas were informally served on large paper plates, a concept we found quite original. Our personal favourite was the wonderful 'Fresco pizza', topped with sun-dried tomatoes, crisp peppers and garnished with a salad. Washed down with a pint of The Hop's most popular beer, 'Yorkshire Blonde', it provided an excellent alternative night out in York. We wondered why The Hop had chosen to combine a stylish pub with a pizzeria, and the response was typical of the no-nonsense, feel-good ambience of the place: "people like beer, and people like pizza... what's not to like?" Nothing apparently, judging by the amount of people enjoying themselves. For students looking for a quieter night, something not too expensive that's different to the regular pubs that York is inundated with, The Hop is the place to be. Give it a try, you won't regret it.