ONE of the smallest pubs in a pretty UK city has some of the strictest house rules you’ll ever read.

The Blue Bell pub, in York, not only bans mobile phones and swearing, but also large groups.

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The Blue Bell pub is in easy walking distance of York’s famous Shambles so it a great place for a pint.

But you had better wash your mouth out before you arrive – the pub’s website dedicates a whole page to its ‘House Rules’, which include no swearing.

There’s similar thinking behind the pub’s ‘no mobile phone noise’ rule.

The pub states: “Just as with swearing, loud chatting on mobile phones and the playing of music or videos ruins the enjoyment of the pub for those around you.

“We kindly ask that all mobile phone conversations take place outside of our public rooms in order for everyone to enjoy their pint in peace.

“We know that your grand daughter’s choir performance means a lot to you but please trust us – no one else wants to hear it.”

Groups are also banned from the pub – for the simple reason it’s too small to accommodate them.

Groups may be allowed in with prior agreement, but it asks you don’t take it to heart if your group is turned away.

The Blue Bell’s final house rule is ‘no under 18s’, for the obvious reason under 18s can’t be served alcohol, but to also to allow teachers somewhere to escape.

Why it has these rules is apparently one of its most-asked questions. 

It explains: “The answer takes us all the way back to 1902 where the manager, Harry Hayes was dismissed by the pub’s owners for landing himself in court three times in one month for bad behaviour, drunkenness and non-payment of rent. 

“The owners – CJ Melrose & Co – installed a new landlord and landlady called George and Annie Robinson in January 1903 who, along with their daughter Edith, ran the pub until 1992.”

George was apparently chosen due to his regimental, strict and non-nonsense approach to running a small pub. 

He and Annie were aware that in such a small space manners are paramount to everyone enjoying a friendly drink.

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So they insisted that swearing and uncouth behaviour not be allowed.

Edith went on to take over her parents’ lease of the pub and kept the House Rules in place.

She retired in 1992 after 89 years at the pub, but every landlord and landlady since has recognised the value of her father’s wisdom.

Despite the strict rules – previous punters have raved about the pub.

One person said it: “It feels like stepping back in time.”

Another agreed: “That was such an amazing experience to have a beer in a smaller and coziest pub in York.”

A third said: “No fuss, no phones, no television. Just a proper old fashion pub. I loved it.”

If you’re planning a trip to York, we’ve revealed how to do 24 hours in the city.

And one expert has revealed some of the best things to do there.

THE best hotels in the world have been revealed, from beachfront resorts to towering city skyscrapers.

And I was lucky enough to visit one during my trip to Hong Kong, when I stayed in The Peninsula.

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The Telegraph recently named the prestigious hotel as one of of the world’s best, after looking at everything from in-room perks, personal reviews and staff-to-guest ratios.

The Peninsula, which came in fourth, is the oldest in Hong Kong having opened in 1928, and nicknamed the “Grande Dame of the Far East.”

They certainly show you on arrival why they are the creme de la creme.

All guests get picked up from the airport in their own branded Rolls-Royce cars in Peninsula green, as well as a complimentary newspaper inside.

It’s not always faster, what with Hong Kong traffic sometimes making the public transport a quicker option.

But it’s certainly one in style.

The grand Art Deco lobby is rather breathtaking too, with huge marble columns and glass chandeliers lining the corridors,

I was stunned that all of the staff seemed to know my name by day two of staying (and not because of any bad behaviour).

The rooms

With 300 rooms, the best ones are the suites overlooking the river.

My room had its own lounge, bedroom and two bathrooms (one for ‘guests’) with the main one having a corner bath overlooking the city.

My bedroom even had its own telescope for looking out to the waterfront.

One very exciting element I had never seen were drawers that had their own chargers in, as well as wireless chargers.

The food and drink

There is enough to explore in Hong Kong but the hotel does its best to keep you there.

There is its own on-site chocolate shop, where you can watch as they make everything in house.

I was greeted by a different chocolate work of art in my room most days, from planes to passports… all handcrafted.

You won’t get hungry with the huge number of restaurants on-site either.

There is the one Michelin-star Gaddi’s, serving French cuisine, as well as the Michelin-starred Spring Moon serving traditional Cantonese.

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A Swiss-themed restaurant will take you straight to the Alps, or you can go to the Japanese restaurant Imasa.

The rooftop bar Felix is a must too with even more amazing views, abd tge miost deliciously fresh melon yuzu cocktails.

I dined with their nine course menu with all of the decadent dishes you can think of – by that I mean truffle gnocchi and juicy scallops.

What we didn’t realise was there is often an evening light show, which was an amazing surprise as we finished off our drinks.

I also tried the hotels’ amazing breakfast buffet in the Verandah restaurant, which blew me away with the choice.

Already a dim-sum obsessive, every morning i gorged on juicy prawn dumplings, refreshing cold noodle soups and my favourite – congee (think a savoury rice porridge).

Of course there were also Western options if you don’t fancy the local cuisine.

The only sad thing was not being able to sit outside, but there was nothing tempting me to be in the humidity.

What is it like to go to Hong Kong?

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited Hong Kong – and found amazing food and stunning beaches.

Hong Kong is the perfect stopover destination between trips to Australia and New Zealand, and is easier to get around that London.

The Metro is simpler than the London Underground and you can even hop on a “ding ding,” one of the many double-decker trams.

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But exploring by foot, a food tour let me explore everything from mango tofu puddings, egg waffles and milk teas.

If you fancy a quieter hike, less than an hour from the city centre is Sai Kung, known as the “back garden of Hong Kong”.

The region’s bright-blue waters and hiking trails, as well as the golden sandy beaches surrounded by huge green slopes, made me feel like I was in Hawaii.

Its bar scene is unmatched too, from the Early Grey Caviar Martinis at Quinary named one of Asia’s best bars, or Ozone, the highest rooftop bar in the world.

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The amenities

The Peninsula has is its own shopping arcade, albeit with expensive designer brands such as Chanel and Prada.

And the extremely beautiful swimming pool on the ground floor comes with ornate water fountains and sun loungers.

Make sure to check out the spa with massages also overlooking the Hong Kong skyline.

You can even tour its helicopter pads on the roof which only the elite guests use.

Even if you can’t stretch to a stay at the hotel, you can book its famous Afternoon Tea, loved by the locals and with live music.

Can’t quite swing to Hong Kong? The Peninsula London opened last year, becoming the city’s first billion-pound hotel.

Otherwise here’s a hotel in Greece that was named the best in the world by TUI.

And this hotel has one of the best views in the world.

THEY are the companies you trust the most with your precious holidays.

The 2024 Sun Travel Awards saw you voting in your tens of thousands for the travel providers you love to head away with, both home and abroad.

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And last week, The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot presented the very special accolades to the ­winners at an awards lunch at our London HQ hosted by the TV and radio presenter Alexis Conran.

Here’s who won your vote.

BEST AIRLINE – EMIRATES

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PICKING up the award for the second year running, Emirates is obviously a hit with Sun readers for its extensive network that carries you across the globe.

The airline’s generous seat sizes and baggage allowances in economy are probably why — as well as comprehensive in-flight entertainment and warm hospitality.

Second place went to the original flag carrier, British Airways, with airline and tour op giant Jet2 in third.

BEST SHORT-HAUL OPERATOR – JET2 HOLIDAYS

THE northern airline that has transformed itself into the UK’s largest tour operator has won the award for the second year in a row.

Its huge network of regional holidays and commitment to customer service is obviously a hit with Sun readers.

Second came its arch-rival, Tui, closely followed by new kid on the block easyJet Holidays — popular with you for its generous luggage allowances and huge network of city and beach destinations.

BEST LONG-HAUL OPERATOR – VIRGIN HOLIDAYS

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THIS year celebrating 40 years flying, Virgin Holidays continues to be the go-to tour operator for us when we’re heading across the pond to places including Orlando, Miami, New York and Las Vegas.

And its new Maldives flights are proving as popular — along with packages to the Far East, Mauritius and the Caribbean.

Second was Tui with its reasonably priced offerings to Florida and Thailand. British Airways Holidays took third place.

BEST IN CRUISE – ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

IT took delivery of the world’s largest ever cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, this year and Royal Caribbean remains hugely popular with Sun readers for its incredible family-friendly offering.

Coming in second was the British cruise experts P&O Cruises and third was all-inclusive favourite Marella Cruises.

BEST OF BRITISH – NATIONAL TRUST

THIS new award for 2024 sought to celebrate the people, places and British institutions at the very heart of your staycations.

And the top award went to the National Trust.

The charitable organisation is dedicated to preserving and protecting the historic places and natural spaces we enjoy on every day out, weekend away or summer holiday. Established in 1895, it manages more than 500 heritage properties, playing a crucial role in conservation and ensuring they are accessible for future generations.

In second place came our go-to for a bargain pint and decent fry-up, pub giant Wetherspoons. And in third, Premier Inn, popular for its reliable, value rooms and oh-so-comfy beds.

BEST SHORT-HAUL DESTINATION – SPAIN

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WITH its stunning coastlines and guaranteed sunshine, it’s no surprise that Spain took the top spot in this category.

We love our traditional favourite and are exploring beyond the norm more than ever before.

But closely snapping at its heels was Greece, with Italy in third place.

BEST LONG-HAUL DESTINATION – CARIBBEAN

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IT’S clear Sun readers love a totally tropical escape and when it comes to heading further for our holidays, the Caribbean’s intoxicating mix of culture and relaxation has helped it take the top slot.

Second is the USA, with tempting Thailand coming third.

MOST TRUSTED TRAVEL COMPANY – TUI

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THIS award is important for Sun Travel readers — they want to know they are spending their precious holiday pounds with a company that will look after them, provide support when things go wrong and strive to treat their customers fairly.

It’s always a closely fought race and there was very little between our top three. Tui triumphed, with last year’s winner Jet2 second and British Airways Holidays third.

BEST UK HOLIDAY PROVIDER – HAVEN

WITH their good-value breaks and fabulous facilities, Haven grabbed the top slot — the self-catering giant even welcomed the first-ever Wetherspoons at a holiday park this year.

In second place came Hoseasons, and in third, Park Resorts.

BEST UK ATTRACTION – ALTON TOWERS

WE couldn’t get enough of the re­vamp­ed classic, Nemesis Reborn at this year’s winner, Alton ­Towers. The natural wonders of Cornish gem The Eden Project won you over to bag second place, with Legoland Windsor third.

BEST GLOBAL ATTRACTION – WALT DISNEY WORLD, FLORIDA

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WALT Disney World Resort in Orlando claimed victory — and this year announced even more plans to expand its Florida empire with new lands coming in the next few years.

In second place it’s Universal Orlando Resort, which is looking forward to the opening of a new park, Epic Universe, in 2025.

And in third place came French favourite, Disneyland Paris.

EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD – MERLIN ENTERTAINMENT

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TODAY, across the UK, in some very special places you will hear screams of delight and gasps of wonder.

Young and old will be learning about our nation’s history, amazing wildlife and nature, and scaring themselves silly on adrenaline-charged rides.

They will be escaping the everyday and indulging in some unadulterated fun.

My Editor’s Choice award this year went to Merlin Entertainment. Its roster of theme parks and attractions create unforgettable memories for millions every year.

 Through our SuperDays promotions we know just how popular a visit to our greatest attractions are – from the thrills of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park to the wonders of SeaLife and Legoland.

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Merlin continues to innovate across its stable. This year has seen the much-anticipated launch of Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers and the terrifying Hyperia at Thorpe Park.

Turning a day out into a minibreak has become easier with Woodland Village at Legoland Windsor and Warwick Castle hotel.

They deserve recognition for never resting on their laurels and finding ever more wonderful ways to entertain.

TURKEY’S third biggest city, Izmir, sees temperatures hovering around 25C well into autumn.

Combining culture and coastline, it is the perfect place to get your fix of sunshine.

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Top that off with fabulous food and you’ve got an epic city break.

WHY SHOULD I VISIT?

OFTEN overlooked in favour of the capital, Istanbul, or other coastal towns such as Bodrum, Marmaris or Kusadasi, Izmir is something of a hidden gem.

It’s the gateway to the pretty Cesme peninsula, which juts out into the Aegean and is dotted with beautiful beaches (try Tekke, a stretch popular with families, near a string of hotels and apartments, or Alaçatı Körfezi, a shallow, protected bay which offers jet skis, banana boats, and windsurfing).

And if you love food, you are in luck. Fish and seafood restaurants line the waterfront, known as the Kordon, while you can taste a variety of snacks in the city’s bustling Kemeralti bazaar.

Most sights are within easy distance from each other, but there’s an efficient public transport system, including bus and underground.

The Bilet 35 ticket can be bought for two, three, five or ten journeys, starting from just nine lira (20p).

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

IZMIR’S centre has several must-sees, all within walking distance of each other.

Start by strolling the picturesque Kordon, where you will see ferries regularly crossing the bay, and pass by Konak Pier, which was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel. Here you will find several retail stores, as well as a handful of bars and restaurants.

Beyond this is Konak Square, known for the distinctive marble and stone Clock Tower in its centre which dates back to 1901.

From here you can lose yourself in the maze of streets that make up the Kemeralti Bazaar.

Stalls sell everything from clothing to fruit and vegetables, and you will find plenty of souvenirs to take home, from glass tea sets to baklava and lokum (Turkish delight).

Don’t miss a swift ride up 56m to the top of the city’s “Asansör” — the word means elevator, and this one, which was first built in 1907, used to be powered by steam, like the one in Lisbon. You will get a fantastic view of the city from the top (free).

ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?

IT’S not in Izmir, but while you’re there, a trip to the ancient site of Ephesus is a must (£33pp, muze.gov.tr).

Less than 90 minutes’ drive away, the old city dates back to 10,000BC, and at various points, was ruled by the Greeks, the Romans, and the Ottomans.

Today you can still see what’s left of its inhabitants’ elaborate houses complete with mosaic floors, temples to gods and goddesses, and even a set of open-air, marble-topped public loos.

Pose for pictures next to the impressive 56ft-high remains of the Library of Celsus. Measuring 2,000 sq ft inside, it was one of the largest libraries in the Greco-Roman world.

You will also want to snap some of the dozens of cats who consider this site their home.

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WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

IF you are just looking for a snack, Kemeralti Bazaar has simple cafes which specialise in cheap and tasty fish sandwiches — a local favourite.

And look out for those selling kumru, a hearty, local sausage, cheese and pepper roll.

You will also find street carts offering midye dolma, cooked mussels stuffed with rice and herbs, and served cold.

For more traditional Turkish food, try affordable Konyali Alsancak for kebabs and lahmacun (Turkish pizza made with mincemeat).

Or for a more romantic setting, Adabeyi on Konak Pier offers the chance to dine on anything from calamari to grilled sea bass as you watch the sun set.

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I FANCY A DRINK

FOR a tipple with a stunning outlook, head to the Skyfire bar and restaurant on the eighth floor of the Renaissance hotel, which offers a panoramic view across the Aegean.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

THE Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir is a smart, contemporary hotel close to the waterfront, featuring cool artwork and sculptures dotted around the grounds.

Or the nearby cosy Renaissance Izmir has rooms decorated with vintage, black and white photos of the city.