Step into the Great Hall at Barley Hall for an evening of mead, myths, and memorable storytelling.
The Vikings loved nothing more than sharing a drink while listening to a skald weave tales of gods, heroes, and fearsome monsters. Think of it as their version of dinner and a show.
In this unique tasting experience, you’ll discover a new side to one of the world’s oldest drinks as our friends from Horns of Odin serve a selection of expertly crafted mead cocktails. Between each drink, our skald will bring the world of Norse mythology to life with dramatic tales inspired by the Viking Age.
Whether you’re a mead enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to experience Viking hospitality with a modern twist.
So raise your glass, drink, and be merry. Skål!
Please Note: This event is for adults aged 18 and over.
If you have any dietary requirements please contact our reservations team at groups@yorkat.co.uk.
Accessibility:
Due to the historic nature of the building, Barley Hall has raised thresholds throughout. A temporary ramp provides access to the Great Hall and the Steward’s Room. Public toilets are available; however, there are no accessible toilets on site
Join the Medieval custom of trying the cities Ale Houses
The Assize of Ale and Bread is a medieval tradition that requires the Sheriff of York to visit local pubs, tasting the ale to ensure it is of good quality.
The expensive equipment required for brewing led to a commercial market for these goods, and so a need for regulations to control quality and pricing, therefore the Sheriff summoned their sergeants to visit the city’s ale houses to test the quality of the ale. Any sergeant who failed to answer the summons was guilty of an offence and liable to fines or time in the pillory, so be warned !
Starting at York Mansion House, the event involves participants visiting several pubs in the city centre with the final stop at the York Food and Drink Festival Marquee in Parliament Street for the closing declaration.
Guests are then invited for a Fish and Chip Supper and an ale sponsored and supported by ‘Mr Chippy’, ‘Brew York’ ‘Dough’ and ‘The Potions Cauldron Group’. All this fun, excitement and tradition for only £20, with all proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund which this year is local charity ‘York Cares’ and community group ‘Shared York’. The event is held at St Sampson’s Centre, York.
Participants wearing medieval or ancient costumes will be eligible to 10% discount off drinks in all the participating pubs. Should you need inspiration, Festival of Fun on Goodramgate is offering 10% off purchases if you quote “Assize of Ale” !
The events starts at 2pm at York Mansion House where the Town Crier will start proceedings by introducing The Sheriff of York to perform the traditional proclamation. There will also be fanfare in St Helen’s Square provided by YO1 Radio with Owls also in attendance.
Please book the Fish and Chips Dinner separately!
EMAIL civicyorkfundraising@yahoo.com TO BOOK
An evening tasting Yorkshire Wines, Beers and Spirits.
A selection of Yorkshire producers will be showcasing some of their finest products, for you to taste and discuss with them. The wine area is co-ordinated by the Festival and hosted on the night by Lucy Hjort from Melton’s restaurant – Lucy has raised awareness of the quality of Yorkshire wines for many years featuring them on her renowned wine flights.
Yorkshire Breweries and Distillers will take a range of stands and offer you the opportunity to meet the makers.
Love Cheese? Love Whisky? Then this is for you.
A collaboration between Jordan at Love Cheese and the team at York Whisky Club pairing 4x Whiskies and 4x generous helpings Cheese.
