In Chapter 111, Strike stops off in York on his way back to London from Northumberland and decides to have a late lunch in the Old White Swan.

Strike leaves his BMW and sets off walking. We don’t know which car park he used, but the closest car park to the Old White Swan is probably Monk Bar car park.

On his way to find a pub, Strike calls Robin to fill her in on his trip to Heberley and his conversation with Tara.

“The name of the pub, the Old White Swan, reminded Strike unhappily of Ironbridge, but as he didn’t want to have to walk any further he entered to find a pleasant space with white and blue painted walls. He’d just bought himself a pint of alcohol-free beer and ordered fish and chips when his Met contact, George Layborn, called him.” (Chapter 111)

Notice the white and blue painted walls.

It’s not mentioned in the book where Strike specifically sits. When we were there we enjoyed a coffee in the Stage Coach Bar (the room with the white and blue walls) and then had fish and chips in the Tudor Bar.

Check out this interior!

There’s also a third room called the Georgian Room, a restaurant space which is also available for hiring.

The Old White Swan certainly ranks quite highly on our list of favourite Strike pubs.

The Old White Swan is located at 80 Goodramgate, Guildhall, York. You can find it on the map below.