A new generation of drinkers are being drawn to craft beer and cocktail bars, sparking a decline in traditional pubs.
And while many of us love a good Negroni or an IPA, you can’t beat a good old fashioned British boozer.
Fortunately we are still blessed’ with some excellent ones in the Harrogate district.
We asked our readers for their favourites. Here are four of them:
Reputedly, the oldest pub in Harrogate has a history going back to the earliest days of the town’s emergence as a leading spa resort.
Originating as one of the first inns for spa visitors after sulphur wells were first established in the mid-18th century, sulphur springs still flow beneath the cellar and the distinctive odours occasionally percolate up to the bar area.
The premises were rebuilt circa 1827 and known as The Promenade Inn. At this time it was said to be a most successful coaching inn. It was enlarged in 1856 and known as Hodgson’s until 1882, when William Hales became the landlord.
The interior decor is reflective of the pub’s long history, with mirrors and fittings from the Victorian era, including traditional gas lighting and cigar lighters.
Stray Ferret reader Richard Dunston Brady said:
“Hales, is the best traditional pub for charm, atmosphere, friendly staff and a well pulled pint.”
Hales Bar, 1-3 Crescent Road, Harrogate, HG1 2RS
The One-Eyed Rat is a traditional pub, famous for its old fashioned charm.
It can be found on Allhallowgate, one of the oldest parts of Ripon.
A real ale destination over many decades, the One Eyed Rat was refurbished and re-opened under new management in the summer of 2020.
A Grade II listed building set within a terrace of 200-year-old houses, its narrow frontage leads to a warm and welcoming hostelry.
The pub has a long, narrow interior with traditional seating and an open fire, and there is a large garden at the rear, including a covered area.
You can also enjoy a traditional pie and a pint.
The historic building dates back to 1340 and goes back several centuries as an inn.
It was almost certainly known as the Ship in the 17th century, as there is a token copper coin in existence, dated 1671, which shows a ship in full sale with the inscription “John Briggs in Aldborough his half penny”.
Brian Rey and Elaine Howden, the owners of The Ship Inn, have been restoring the pub since January following a fire. They have served many high-profile guests, including Prince William and Harry.
The traditional country pub in the Roman town of Aldborough is well-known for Brian’s Yorkshire puddings and ‘real gravy’.
Low Rd, Aldborough, YO51 9ER
A historic Harrogate pub with a history dating as far back as 1830 is set to return this month after a two-year hiatus.
The Coach & Horses, well-known for its traditional charm, Sunday roasts and real ales, will reopen on Friday, July 22.
Provenance Inns, which owns the West Park Hotel on the same street, took over the pub in October last year.
It has been closed since May 2020 after previous landlord John Nelson had his licence revoked for breaching covid rules.
The refurbishment aims to add “a touch of modernity to the pub”, whilst paying homage to its heritage.
The first floor has been transformed into a dining room, which overlooks The Stray.
A gastropub-style menu will feature dishes including Doreen’s black pudding scotch eggs, beer battered fish and triple-cooked beef dripping chips, as well as a traditional Sunday roast.
The Coach and Horses burger will see £1 from each sale donated to Martin House children’s hospice, a charity relationship the new owners are keen to foster.
The pub will also offer a selection of pies, while an extensive range of local and international gins will complement a selection of cask ales.
Speaking ahead of the reopening, which will create 30 new jobs, operations manager Chris Cartledge said:
‘’As one of just a handful of Harrogate’s oldest surviving traditional pubs, it’s safe to say that anticipation for the return of the Coach & Horses has been high.
“We’re pleased to say that meticulous care and attention to detail has been taken to ensure the Coach is subtly modernised, whilst restoring original features, where possible, to their best.’
“The new first-floor dining room is the perfect spot to enjoy our hearty and traditional menu, whilst taking in the views of The Stray.
“Along with our fresh food and vast drinks range, we will also be carrying on the tradition of a regular quiz night and of course raffles, all in aid of local charities which we are keen to continue to support.
“We can’t wait to welcome our first guests into Harrogate’s original local pub.”
The Nelson Inn on the A59 is set to reopen in the autumn following a takeover by a pub restaurant chain.
Brunning and Price said today it was “thrilled” to have received the keys for the 18th century inn, which has changed hands several times in recent years.
The new owners have a portfolio of 80 pub restaurants, including the Highwayman in Kirkby Lonsdale and the Bull at Broughton.
They plan to spend the next few months refurbishing the Nelson Inn, which is on Skipton Road in Killinghall, before a planned reopening in early October.
Former popular Harrogate French restaurant Chez la Vie owned the pub in 2019, before new owners took it on in 2020, which also saw a sweet shop and ice cream parlour launched at the site on Skipton Road.
Mary Willcock, managing director at Brunning and Price, said:
‘’You’ll find us traditional in style, with wooden floors, bookcases, open fires, trusty old furniture and lots of rugs and plants. We love to restore old buildings, learning about the character they have within them.
“Being foodies, our menu, which will be published on our website each morning, will be something of an eclectic mix, striking a balance of hearty pub classics, complemented by more exotic influences from around the world.
“We think simple things done well are often the best and we want to create a friendly atmosphere in attractive surroundings where locals, regulars and new customers can meet, eat, drink and relax. That for us, is what being a good pub in the heart of its community is all about.’’
The Nelson Inn was built around 1776 and remained a private house until early in the 19th century.
For much of its early years the pub used to be more or less a farm with a sack over the door where locals came in for a drink.
It received its name around 1805 when Nelson was victorious at the Battle of Trafalgar and it has remained all that time, except for its short spell as Chez La Vie in 2019.
Brunning and Price is set to launch a recruitment drive for the pub, with job opportunities including management, chefs, front of house, cleaners and gardeners.