A PUB in York recently crowned as the best in York for its food and drink offering has now been shortlisted for its overall hospitality.
The Nag's Head in Heworth Road has been shortlisted by readers of The Press as one of the best 10 pubs in the city, hot on the heels of being named best Restaurant or Gastropub in May's audience competition.
Ryan Cooper, 38, and Ellie Hughes, 23, run the pub and praised the hard work of their team and thanked its customers after earning another nomination.
Ellie said: "We are constantly inspired by York’s incredible pub culture — the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, wide selection of drinks, and the individuality that so many venues have.
"From the very beginning, our goal has been to create a pub with its own strong identity and personality.
"We’re incredibly grateful to all the loyal regulars who have supported us and it’s equally rewarding to see new faces coming through the doors and becoming part of the growing Nags Head community."
Customer service has been central to the pub’s success, Ellie said.
Ryan Cooper and Ellie Hughes praised the hard work of their team
(Image: Supplied)
She added that the team was especially central to the pub’s success during the pub's screening of the recent England men's football World Cup, with each member bringing different strengths, from artistic talent for the pub's signage to the knowledge of its extensive cellar.
Ellie said: " Our cask ales have also received fantastic feedback, which recently led to the installation of two additional hand pulls.
"We're also in the process of receiving a Timothy Taylor’s Champion Club award for its Boltmaker ale and one of our most popular."
An upcoming refurbishment by pub company Stonegate will transform the venue with fresh décor, improved lighting, and better accessibility throughout the building.
Currently, the pub offers regular events including karaoke, speed quizzing, live music, and a Northern Soul night on the last Saturday of every month.
Popular live bands such as Bang Bang Bang and V2 are also welcomed.
The team is also in the process of forming a Nags Head pool team.
Ellie reserved special thanks to one of her colleagues who help maintain the venue’s high standards.
She said: "We would like to give a special shout-out to our cleaner, Amy Peacock of Peacocks Pristine Clean.
"Amy and her team do an outstanding job looking after our hotel rooms and keeping the pub spotless, and their hard work plays a huge part in the experience we offer our customers."
The Nags Head also has another hotel room opening very soon, allowing it to welcome even more guests.
They said: "To be shortlisted among the top ten pubs in York is something we are incredibly grateful for. It's a real encouragement to know that all of the hard work we've put in has been recognised and so positively received."
Voting slips for The York Press Best Pub 2026 are in copies of the newspaper up to and including Saturday, August 5 and must be posted off to the address provided to count.
The winner will be announced shortly afterwards.