Harrogate might be better known for afternoon tea and elegant hotels, but it has a seriously good pub scene too.
You'll find everything from proper traditional pubs and cosy neighbourhood locals to independent craft beer bars and gastropubs where the food is as much of a reason to visit as the drinks.
Whether you're looking for a pint after exploring the town, somewhere for Sunday lunch or a good pub to settle into for the evening, here are some of the pubs we'd have on the list.
The Fat Badger
Cold Bath Road
Sitting beneath The White Hart in the Montpellier Quarter, The Fat Badger combines the atmosphere of a traditional English pub with a location that's difficult to beat.
There's a strong food offering alongside cask ales, wines and cocktails, with the terrace making it particularly appealing when the weather cooperates.
Its position also makes it a great starting or finishing point for exploring Montpellier and the town centre.
Three's A Crowd
West Park
Part pub, part modern gastropub, Three's A Crowd has become one of Harrogate's best-known places for combining a relaxed drink with seriously good food.
Overlooking The Stray, it's a particularly good choice if you want the informality of a pub without compromising on what arrives on the plate.
The menu changes with the seasons and there's a strong focus on quality ingredients alongside beer, wine and cocktails.
The Harrogate Arms
Harrogate
A historic pub brought back to life close to RHS Garden Harlow Carr, The Harrogate Arms is a particularly good option if you're combining a day out around the western side of Harrogate with lunch or a drink.
Its setting gives it more of a country-pub feel than many of the venues in the town centre, making it worth considering after a visit to Harlow Carr or a walk nearby.
The Coach & Horses
West Park
One of Harrogate's more traditional pubs, The Coach & Horses sits opposite The Stray and has the feel of a proper local.
It's the sort of place to choose when you're looking for a pint and a traditional pub atmosphere rather than cocktails and polished interiors.
Its location on West Park also puts it within easy walking distance of the centre.
Cold Bath Brewing Co
Cold Bath Road
Not technically a traditional pub, but it absolutely deserves a place in a Harrogate drinking guide.
Cold Bath Brewing is one of the town's best-known independent names and its Cold Bath Road taproom has helped make the area one of Harrogate's most interesting places for an evening out.
Expect the brewery's own beers alongside a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere.
The Old Bell Tavern
Montpellier
The Old Bell is tucked into the Montpellier area and delivers much of what you want from a traditional town-centre pub: character, beer and a location surrounded by some of Harrogate's best-known streets.
It's an easy place to drop into while exploring Montpellier and makes a good contrast to some of the area's more polished bars and restaurants.
Major Tom's Social
The Ginnel
Another venue stretching the definition of "pub", but one that belongs on the list.
Hidden upstairs on The Ginnel, Major Tom's combines craft beer, pizza, music and an intentionally laid-back atmosphere.
It feels quite different from much of Harrogate, which is precisely why people like it.
The Little Ale House
Cheltenham Crescent
Small by name and by nature, The Little Ale House is an independent micropub with the focus firmly on the beer.
It's one for people who appreciate cask ale and a more intimate drinking experience rather than a huge bar or gastropub.
You'll find it just outside the busiest part of the town centre on Cheltenham Crescent.
The Disappearing Chin
Harrogate town centre
Another small independent drinking spot, The Disappearing Chin has built its reputation around craft beer, interesting drinks and an intimate atmosphere.
It's a good alternative to Harrogate's larger bars and traditional pubs, particularly if trying something different matters more to you than finding the biggest beer garden.
The Knox
Knox
If you'd rather get away from the centre, The Knox is a neighbourhood pub north of the town centre with food, drinks and outdoor space.
Its location close to the Nidderdale Greenway also makes it worth knowing about if you're walking or cycling around this side of Harrogate.
Which Harrogate pub should you choose?
If you want traditional, start with The Coach & Horses or The Old Bell.
For food, Three's A Crowd and The Fat Badger should be on the shortlist.
For craft beer, try Cold Bath Brewing, Major Tom's Social or The Little Ale House.
And if you're spending the day at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, The Harrogate Arms makes a natural addition to the trip.
The best option, of course, depends on what sort of afternoon or evening you have in mind.
Explore more of Harrogate
Planning where to go next? Explore our guides to the best restaurants in Harrogate, things to do in Harrogate and what's on in Harrogate.
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