Whether you’re heading out for a cheeky pint or wanting to make a night of it, if you’re looking for the best pubs in Harrogate, you’ve come to the right place.
It’s no secret that Harrogate is now one of the top nightlife destinations in Yorkshire, even holding its own against favourites like Skipton, Leeds and Sheffield. Arguably among the most vibrant town’s in Yorkshire where culture, music and food & drink are concerned, you’ll find a host of amazing bars in Leeds, each with its own unique identity and eclectic atmosphere.
In this roundup, we’re taking you round our personal favourites, remaining concious that everyone’s looking for something different. What’s more, as Harrogate grows and the offering of pubs evolves, we’re more than happy to sample new and exciting concepts, so drop us a line with your own personal favourites, and we’ll be sure to put it on our visit list.
The Best Pubs in Harrogate You Don’t Want To Miss!
The Timble Inn
The Timble Inn
First on our roundup is the ever wonderful Timble Inn. Found within the village of Timble in the heart of the Washburn Valley, the pub and restaurant was updated in 2017 and has since gone on to be awarded two AA Rosettes for their food.
Behind the bar, you’ll find friendly, smiling service, an extensive range of locally sourced beers direct from nearby breweries, a great selection of wine and a whole host of other alcoholic delights. Perhaps it’s the restaurant which makes The Timble Inn such a destination, but as a drinking location, it’s second to none.
The Fat Badger
Address: Cold Bath Road, Harrogate HG2 0NF
Yet another Harrogate institution found in the heart of Harrogate’s exclusive Montpellier Quarter, The Fat Badger has an exceedingly stellar reputation as a restaurant – also the proud owners of 2 AA Rosettes for their food.
What’s more, the service is exceptional and their bar is fully stocked with all kinds of options for the discerning drinker – ranging from locally sourced, carefully selected ale to lesser found international spirits.
Starling Independent Bar & Cafe
Address: 47 Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1PW
If you’re after a flavour of Independent Harrogate at its best, it’d be an oversight to not pay Starling Independent Beer & Coffee House a visit.
As you might have gathered from the name, as well as a healthy passion for beer, they’re also on hand with a great selection of delicious locally sourced coffee. Craft beer, gin and fine wines are complemented with tasty food and a great, relaxing atmosphere.
It’d be easy to spend a whole day in this Harrogate institution, and what’s more, they host one of the most popular Quizzes in Harrogate on a Thursday.
Christies
Address: 20 King’s Rd, Harrogate HG1 5JW
In the heart of Harrogate, you’ll find Christie’s. Serving the fine people of Harrogate for in excess of 35 years, it’s a pub in Harrogate’s that’s here to stay.
Always busy on a weekend and throughout the week, Christie’s is well known for its attention to detail. They’ve got a great selection of craft beer, crowd-pleasing lagers, all kinds of spirits and more.
They’ve also got a busy kitchen, where you can enjoy everything from pizza to award-winning locally made pies. Well worth a visit, whenever you find yourself in need of a pub in Harrogate.
Hales Bar
Address: 1-3 Crescent Road, Harrogate HG1 2RS
Proudly known as the oldest pub in Harrogate, Hales Bar is difficult to ignore. The drinking establishment has been in Harrogate from the very beginning, dating back to the mid-18th century.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that a pub with such a long history could be a little out of sorts with the times, however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Named after the original landlord of the pub as we know it today, William Hale, on draft you’ll find a selection of regional ales, craft beer and all manner of drink options.
Although the pubs well placed for the contemporary drinking scene that Harrogate’s well known for, the original character of the building has been well preserved, featuring wooden beams, traditional gaslighting and cigar lighters. Well worth putting on the list, if not just to soak in the character of the Harrogate of the past.
The Alexandra
Address: Prospect Pl, Harrogate HG1 1LB
Found in Prospect Place in Harrogate, The Alexandra is best known for its great views of the Stray, Fountains Abbey and the Yorkshire Dales. It’s a city-centre pub with a lot to offer, and although isn’t an independent business, is welcoming and serves good food.
In the days gone by, The Alexandra was once a 19th Century Hotel, which has since been restored empathetically. If you’re in the region for a relaxed pint, want to catch up on the latest football fixtures, or would like to grab a reasonably priced bite to eat – The Alexandra is one to put on your list.
The Coach & Horses
Address: 16 West Park, Harrogate HG1 1BJ
Having been in Harrogate for almost two centuries, The Coach & Horses can be found at the junction of Tower Street and West Park and is found in a vibrant area with no less than 8 pubs.
In the past few decades, the pubs changed hands a few times, until being bought by John Nelson in 1996, who purchased the freehold, making a true free house. Since then, the pubs developed under John’s leadership and has become a go-to pub in the area.
You’ll always find a well-kept pint of Timothy Taylors, or have the opportunity to indulge in a range of locally sourced beers. They also serve traditional pub food, that’s honest and affordable. They’ve always got an event or two in the pipeline, so check out their schedule to see what’s on offer.
Harrogate Tap
Address: Harrogate Station, Station Parade, Harrogate HG1 1TE
Many who travel through Harrogate by train will have spent a few hours in the Harrogate Tap. It’s literally part of the rail station and where Leeds train station has a host of national chains like Wetherspoons on offer, they do things differently in Harrogate.
They’ve got a massive choice of drinks, with over 100 different types of beers available to sample. There are no fewer than 12 cask lines and 12 keg lines available too. They offer quick and personable service with a smile – and are the perfect destination for a pint before you head home via train or are simply in the area and fancy a pint.
North Bar
Address: 2D Oxford Buildings, Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate HG1 1DA
Already a thriving pub in the vibrant Leeds City Centre, North Bar arrived in Harrogate back in 2016 and has since developed a sterling reputation as one of the most happening bars in Harrogate. Having been successful in leads for over 20 years, North Bar has developed a winning formula for what makes a great drinking establishment.
The biggest pull to North Bar is the exceptional selection of beers on offer – with a staggering 100 bottles of beer and various other draft options. But fear not, if you’re no beer connoisseur, the team here are passionate about what they serve and are always on hand to offer you advice, and help you find your new favourite beer.
And as if that wasn’t enough, they also have a selection of bar snacks available, making it a cracking place to stop for a boozing Friday lunch, or to simply enjoy a coffee in a cool and welcoming bar. What’s more, their coffee is sourced from Yorkshire coffee company, Dark Woods Roasters who’re based in Huddersfield.
Major Tom’s Social
Address: 3 The Ginnel, Harrogate HG1 2RB
Major Toms social arrived in Harrogate in 2014 and has since become a vibrant, happening and cool bar, with a focus on the vintage.
Tucked away and found above a vintage vinyl store, the bar, pub, café and music venue has brought the cool back to Harrogate and is one of the best pubs in the region if music is your thing.
As well as some excellently kept locally source guest beers, they’ve got fresh homemade pizzas on offer and a bunch more craft beers from the likes of Brew Dog, Brooklyn and various others. If you’re a music fan, they host regular bands from across Yorkshire and beyond.
The laid back atmosphere’s perfect for an afternoon relax, and into the evening the venue’s one of the most bustling in town – offering the best of both worlds and suited to most people. Get yourself down there, now!
The little Ale House
Address: 7 Cheltenham Cresent, Harrogate HG1 1DH
You get a real sense of the owner’s passion for beer as soon as you walk into The Little Ale House. Every aspect of this “micro-pub” is carefully thought out.
Not only is it super trendy and frankly a lovely setting for anyone who enjoys a pint – it’s got an unrivalled selection of micro-brewed beers from breweries in the region.
Here you’ll find the beers that you can’t find anywhere else, including favourites from North Riding of Scarborough, Brew York and Settle Brewery to name but a few. If you’re overwhelmed and not familiar with the intricacies of modern microbrewing, the team there are as passionate as they come, and if you spark up a conversation about beer – you could be there for hours!
If beers not your thing, they also have a great selection of gins and ciders which will make those adverse to beers as welcome as anyone else. There’s no music, and no TV, but the atmosphere is wonderful and has quickly made the Little Ale House one of the best pubs in Harrogate.
10 Devonshire Place
Address: 10 Devonshire Place, Harrogate HG1 4AA
It’s hard to remember what Harrogate town centre was like before 10 Devonshire Place. Having been an increasingly run-down pub for many years, it seemed probable that The Devonshire Arms was doomed to failure. That’s when, in 2014, it was taken over and transformed into the wonderful pub that we find today.
With a new look, a new menu and a new breath of life pumped into it, it’s no surprise that it’s become one of the most popular pubs in Harrogate.
They’ve got a massive selection of drinks, too. 10 Red and White wines, over 70 different gins, and a regularly rotating range of beers, which includes both locally sourced ale and international favourites.
