DON’T worry – the Hull City fans have all gone. So come join me as we head to the scene of the drama and explore the York pub that was dominating the news just seven days ago.

Last Saturday’s incredible scenes, when dozens of football fans barricaded themselves into the Lendal Cellars before being evicted by riot police, were the talk of the city.

But now that the chaos and condemnation have subsided, a question remains: what of the pub itself? Let’s take a look.

You enter the Lendal Cellars via a slope from St Helen’s Square followed by steps leading to a large, cavernous interior, which consists of three main rooms including a long corridor running parallel to the Ouse.

The welcome sign proclaims that the place stands on the site of a 13th century Augustinian friary and, while I can’t claim quite such heritage, this is somewhere I’ve visited fairly frequently since I moved to York a decade ago.

Back in my university days, our campus newspaper twice voted it student pub of the year, reflecting its glut of cheap offers and promotions, while more recently it has served as a handy rendezvous point ahead of council meetings at Guildhall next door.

I don’t recall it ever being a bad pub in that time, but it’s certainly worthy of a visit now. A refurbishment in January makes it a pleasant place to while away an afternoon or evening, and the beer selection is impressive. When I headed there on Thursday, the choice consisted of: Carling, Fosters, Stella, Guinness Extra Cold, Aspall Cyder, Strongbow, Old Rosie, Greene King Chilled Smooth Flow and three real ales – Greene King IPA, Davenport Strawbeery Fields, and Camerons Arthur Wharton.

The last of those is the one I went for, albeit somewhat belatedly – this was the World Cup special from Camerons, named after the man who was England’s first black footballer and first 100-yard record holder. I didn’t know the story when I drank it, but looked it up online afterwards and it’s an interesting tale. Alcohol abuse sadly played a part in his demise, and from each pint sold, 5p is donated to north east alcohol misuse groups, with a further 10p going to a charitable fund which hopes to build a statue in Wharton’s memory.

The beer itself has an ABV of four per cent and is extremely light and clear, with the appearance of a very diluted fruit squash. Fruit comes through in the flavour too, but subtly rather than strongly. It was enjoyable and refreshing without being spectacular.

For those after food, there’s a varied menu of pub classics and more innovative dishes, and also a decent children’s menu.

Competition winner

Thanks to all who entered the Great British Beer Festival Competition last week. The winner, drawn at random, was Mrs D Dickinson of Moorcroft Road. Thanks again to the prize donors Camra, East Coast rail, and Ibis London Earls Court.