YORK has many claims to fame, from being the most haunted to having a pub for every day of the year.

Although York has plenty of pubs, they don't quite tally to 365. (As for the ghosts, we'll leave them for you to discover – perhaps more likely after a visit to one or more of the city's hostelries!).

What is fact, though, is that York is bucking a national trend in pub closures, with the number of new openings rising in the past 17 years.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that around the country more than 11,000 pubs have shut since 2008.

In York, however, the ONS said the number of pubs has actually risen.

In 2001 there were 175 pubs in the city, and while that number has fluctuated, the ONS said it currently stands at 190.

So not quite, 365, but still a decent number to go at.

We thought this news merited a rummage in the archives to dig out old photos of some of the best-loved pubs in the city.

First up, is an old picture of The Blue Bell, in Fossgate, noted for being York's smallest pub. Another one shows The Phoenix in George Street, with a horse and cart outside.

And did you know that York had a Pavement Vaults on Pavement, near The Golden Fleece? Our picture shows its frontage. Today, there is a pub of that name on Piccadilly, in the former White Swan Hotel.

The honour of being York's oldest pub goes to Ye Olde Starre Inne in Stonegate, first licensed in 1644, followed by The Punch Bowl on Stonegate and then the The Old White Swan in Goodramgate, dating from 1703.

Some pubs have a more recent history that is worthy of note too. The Golden Ball in Bishophill was extended in the late 19th century and was remodelled in 1929. Its inter-war interior is rare and accounts for the pub's Grade-II listing by English Heritage.

Gallery of 188 old photos of York pub, inside and out

Of course, many pubs have come and gone, some by name, others by bricks and mortar. If our photo of the Lendal Bridge Inn looks familiar that's because it's now home to The Maltings. But the Admiral Hawke on Walmgate is no more – shame really as it would be bang next door to The Press newspaper office, and handy for journalists seeking refreshment after their shift!