(Lead image: Pixabay)
Whether you’re a fan of real ale, a lover of a delicious cocktail, or simply appreciate the ambience of a place, you’ve got a whole host of options to pick from in North Yorkshire.
The Stray Ferret has picked a diverse selection of seven pubs and bars across the region, that each tick a different box.
For good pub grub
Three’s a Crowd, Harrogate
Three’s a Crowd
Three’s a Crowd describes itself as a ‘modern gastropub serving quality British food in a relaxed setting’, with a menu that puts great emphasis on fresh and seasonal produce.
Diners can expect to tuck into traditional dishes with a modern twist, such as fish and chips, chicken schnitzel and a classic charcuterie board – as well as plenty of plant-based options too.
Drinks include a bespoke cocktail list, and a carefully curated array of wines and beers – all to be enjoyed while overlooking the green expanse of the Stray.
Three’s a Crowd is located at 11 West Park, Harrogate, HG1 1BL.
For a quintessential village pub feel
The Fauconberg, Coxwold
North York Moors (Image: Pixabay)
The Fauconberg is a 17th century coaching inn situated in Coxwold, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the North York Moors National Park.
Stepping inside, a sense of history can really be felt, from the exposed wooden beams and traditional flagstone floor to the log fire and menu of hearty Yorkshire pub fare.
The village is a great destination for walkers exploring the North Yorkshire scenery, and true to its roots, the inn also has guest rooms for visitors looking to extend their stay.
The Fauconberg is located at Thirsk Bank, Coxwold, York YO61 4AD.
For a classy cocktail (or two)
Locus Bar, Harrogate
Flavia Milovi and Natasha Murray behind the bar at Locus Bar in Harrogate
Locus Bar joined Harrogate’s nightlife scene in November last year, but has already established a reputation for creating delicious cocktails in a chic setting – to the backdrop of a toe-tapping 70s and 80s playlist.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret on the day of its launch, bar manager Natasha Murray said:
“We want to give people a reason to get out of their homes and come to a nice, welcoming place that feels just as comfortable, but more stylish.
“We’re strong on wines and cocktails, with a range not just of the classics, but also of some that guests might not have tried before, like the Locus 21 and the Lost in Locus.”
Locus Bar is located at 21 Cheltenham Crescent, Harrogate HG1 1DH.
For real ale enthusiasts
One Eyed Rat, Ripon
One-eyed Rat
Found in one of the oldest parts of Ripon, One Eyed Rat is a ‘family-run, independent ale house since 1996’, according to their social media.
With six cask lines of real ales that are switched up periodically, as well as a selection of continental larger, traditional ciders and other wines and spirits, this is certainly the destination for those who like to strip back the layers and appreciate their pint.
Deceptively spacious, the pub has many nooks to sit and soak up the laid back atmosphere, as well as a beer garden to the rear, popular with both locals and tourists alike in summer.
One Eyed Rat is located at 51 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ.
For a family-friendly feel
The Squinting Cat, Harrogate
The Squinting Cat
Part of the Greene King enterprise, The Squinting Cat boasts a big draw for families with younger children for one key reason – there’s a Wacky Warehouse attached.
Located on the outskirts of Harrogate, the old coaching inn has a large beer garden for sunnier months, as well as a dedicated kids’ menu, and the ability to host parties at the adjoining soft play area.
For the grown-ups, the pub stocks an extensive range of cast ales and lagers, and shows a selection of live sporting events, including premier league matches shown on Sky and TNT.
The Squinting Cat is located at Lund House Green, Harrogate, HG3 1QE.
For the ultimate quizmasters
Six Poor Folk, Knaresborough
Six Poor Folk
Wednesday night is quiz night at Six Poor Folk, and competition can be fierce – but friendly, of course.
Set in one of Knaresborough’s oldest buildings, a 15th century almshouse nestled just off the ancient market square, the event starts at 7.30pm and booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Quiz master Munro hosts the evening, posing questions from a vast array of subjects, while competitors can sip on a selection of beers, wines or spirits, and tuck into loaded fries, a special quiz night addition to the menu, available between 8pm and 9pm.
Six Poor Folk is located at 25 Castlegate, Knaresborough HG5 8AR.
For a good pub garden
Craven Arms, Appletreewick
Yorkshire Dales (Image: Pixabay)
A former 16th century farmhouse-turned-pub, Craven Arms is so named because of William Craven, a Dick Whittington-esque local character who travelled to the capital to make something of himself, and eventually became Mayor of London.
The terraced beer garden is a sun trap on hot days, and offers customers a view across Wharfedale, where Simon’s Seat rises over the landscape.
Their unmissable signage is sure to get people talking too – it reads ‘Welcome to the Craven Arms, gateway to the ales’.
Craven Arms is located in Appletreewick, Skipton, BD23 6DA.
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