Our co-operative

Welcome to the Golden Ball Co-operative free-house! The pub has a fascinating history and has always had a special place in the heart of the local community. The co-op was established in 2012 when the pub lease became available. A few people from the local area held a public meeting to discuss the potential for a community owed pub. One hundred and eighty-nine people bought a share each to secure the future of their favourite pub. Today our members are as far flung as Peru and as local as next door.

The pub has a full-time manager overseen by a voluntary board. The board is made up of members with specific expertise or just a willingness to spare some time to ensure that the co-op runs smoothly. Any member can stand for election to the board. In 2018 the board negotiated a free-of-tie lease for the Golden Ball ensuring a healthy financial future for the business.

The Golden Ball Co-operative Limited is proud to be a Real Living Wage employer.

The Golden Ball was just the 12th co-operative pub in the country and the first ever city centre co-operative pub. The pub has gone from strength to strength since the formation of the co-op. We have gained a place in CAMRA’s Real Ale Guide and received York CAMRA’s pub of the season award. We regularly feature in the local and national news.

If you’d like to contact us about the Co-operative or about the pub in general please use our enquiry form . You can also contact us through Facebook, Twitter, or telephone 01904 849040. From time to time we release additional shares in the co-operative. Please read our Share Prospectus and get in touch if you’d like to find out whether shares are available.

If you are concerned about protecting your local then please visit our good friends at Protect Pubs: WebFacebook