Bar billiards is a relatively niche sport that has precious few footholds remaining in the country, particularly in the North of England.
Dating back to the 1930s, and with a heyday around the 1970s, it has, in recent decades, slowly dropped in prominence nationally.
In York this meant that in 2014 there were only two tables left in the city, with the prospect of one of those also disappearing.
Sparking what turned out to be a revolution in the York bar billiards scene, Michael Shallcross decided to prove its appeal by initiating regular competitive matches between The Golden Ball, in which he’s a cooperative member, and The Phoenix Inn.
It wasn’t long before other pubs wanted to get involved, and a fully-fledged league was formed, including The Fulford Arms, Knavesmire, and Waggon & Horses, as well as the much-missed Woolpack and York Brewery tap room.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic to the hospitality sector, the league returned stronger than ever, coming into its own as a way to bring people back together and offer a social lifeline in difficult times.
As the league enters its second decade, York is now the northern stronghold of the game. The 2025 season sees ten teams taking part in league and cup competitions, including the return of The Knavesmire and Walmgate Ale House after a few years away.
As well as the founding pubs, other league venues now include The Ackhorne, Castle Snooker Club and Crescent Community Venue, while the spirit of York Brewery lives on with the team of ex-staff members and regulars who now use the Ackhorne as their home venue.
To mark the 10-year milestone, the league recruited local artist, Elliot Harrison, to produce a special print that depicts all the venues that have hosted teams throughout the league’s history.
A personalised version was presented to Michael, as league organiser, during the recent 2024 trophy presentations, and copies are available directly from Elliot here. A number of league venues have already placed orders.
The collaboration with Elliot reflects the league’s emphasis on supporting local arts and crafts expertise. Most of the league’s tables have been renovated (and in one case, built from scratch) by local craftsman, Graham Durant, while the league trophies are hand-crafted from wood by York Brewery captain, Wilf Williams.
At the presentation event, the league trophy for 2024 went to The Ackhorne – champions for the third season in a row.
Geraint Davies of the Phoenix was crowned singles champion, and Leo Clayton (Golden Ball) and Wilf Williams (York Brewery) took home a third doubles title.
Meanwhile, the highest break of the season went to Glen Chittock (Ackhorne) who racked up a remarkable 11,910 points, while keeping his opponent away from the table for an entire frame – an almost unheard-of achievement.
For anyone interested in dipping a toe into the sport, a series of one-off singles competitions are being held at each of the league venues throughout 2025, offering a great opportunity to see what it’s all about.
The next of these will be on Saturday 3 May, at Walmgate Ale House, from midday. Keep an eye on the league’s Facebook page for more dates. And if you’re interested in joining any of the current teams, or starting a new team of your own, simply email yorkbarbilliards@gmail.com. The league is always glad to have new recruits to bolster the York bar billiards revolution!