Food and Drink in Harrogate
Food and Drink in Harrogate, Knaresborough, and Ripon- Discover the best food and drink in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, from award-winning restaurants and cosy cafés to traditional pubs, stylish bars and independent coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely brunch, afternoon tea, fine dining, family-friendly eateries or local food producers, explore the flavours that make North Yorkshire a fantastic destination for eating out, socialising and unforgettable culinary experiences.
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You don’t have to leave Harrogate to visit one of Britain’s best pubs – Historic Hales Bar named among the UK’s finest pubs by The Telegraph
Looking for somewhere special for your next pint?
One of Harrogate’s best-kept treasures has just received national recognition after being named among The Telegraph’s 650 Best Pubs in the UK.
Hales Bar, tucked away on Crescent Road, is not only Harrogate’s oldest pub but is now officially one of Britain’s top places to enjoy a drink, thanks to its rich history, unique character and traditional atmosphere.
🍺 Why everyone is talking about Hales Bar
The prestigious guide is compiled by award-winning beer and travel writer Will Hawkes and a panel of pub experts who personally visit every venue before deciding which deserve a place.
Every pub is judged on:
- Historic character
- Friendly atmosphere
- Outstanding beer
- Memorable experience
- A genuine sense of place
Step inside one of Harrogate’s oldest buildings
Walking through the doors of Hales Bar is like stepping back more than 200 years.
Visitors can still enjoy:
- Original Victorian bar fittings
- Rare gas lighting
- Traditional cask ales
- Cosy horseshoe-shaped seating
- One of Harrogate’s famous sulphur springs flowing beneath the cellar
It’s these remarkable details that helped secure its place among Britain’s very best pubs.
What The Telegraph said
Will Hawkes described Hales Bar as a genuinely quirky venue” with “gas lighting and Victorian bar fittings” offering “a real sense of the past.”
He also highlighted its distinctive Old Legover ale and the pub’s welcoming, traditional atmosphere.
Why it’s worth visiting
Whether you’re a lifelong Harrogate resident or exploring the town for the first time, Hales Bar offers something few modern pubs can match.
It’s a place where history, heritage and Yorkshire hospitality come together over a perfectly kept pint.
Another North Yorkshire favourite makes the list
Joining Hales Bar in the national guide is The Cross Keys in nearby Knaresborough, showing once again why North Yorkshire is one of England’s finest destinations for traditional pubs.
Planning a visit?
If you’ve never experienced Hales Bar before, this national recognition is the perfect excuse to discover one of Harrogate’s most fascinating hidden gems.
From its centuries-old interior to its award-worthy atmosphere, it’s easy to see why experts believe this historic pub deserves a place among the very best in Britain.
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Harrogate’s First Fully Gluten-Free Café Reveals Opening Date Ahead of Town Centre Launch
A new independent gluten-free café in Harrogate is set to open its doors next week, bringing a dedicated dining experience for coeliac and gluten-intolerant customers to the town centre.
Café Otto, located at 34 Oxford Street in the former JoJo Maman Bébé unit, will officially open on Wednesday 20th May after weeks of major renovation work.
The new Harrogate café is being described by its owners as the town’s first “totally gluten-free” café bar, offering a full menu designed specifically for people looking for safe and reliable gluten-free dining in North Yorkshire.
The business is being launched by Jonathan Skinner and Sara Ferguson, who together bring almost 60 years of hospitality experience to the venture.
Sara Ferguson, who has worked in Harrogate’s hospitality industry for nearly 30 years, is gluten intolerant and also has close family members with coeliac disease. The couple say this helped inspire the idea behind Café Otto and their passion for creating a welcoming gluten-free café in Harrogate.
Jonathan Skinner also brings nearly three decades of experience in catering equipment supply and commercial kitchen design, helping shape the specialist kitchen and food preparation areas inside the new venue.
The transformation of the Oxford Street property has already caught the attention of shoppers and visitors, thanks to its bold green exterior, modern redesign and new outdoor decking area for al fresco dining.
Updates on the renovation and launch preparations have been shared through the café’s Instagram account, @theottocafe, where excitement has continued to build ahead of opening day.
The arrival of Café Otto comes as demand for gluten-free restaurants and cafés in Harrogate continues to grow, with many coeliac customers often struggling to find dedicated dining spaces without the risk of cross-contamination.
Further details about the menu, drinks offering and opening events are expected to be announced soon.
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Harrogate is at the heart of the region’s culinary reputation. Known for its elegant tearooms and famous afternoon tea, the town also boasts a thriving restaurant scene, stylish bars and independent cafés. Visitors can enjoy everything from relaxed brunches and artisan coffee to fine dining experiences, with many venues showcasing locally sourced Yorkshire produce.
Just a short distance away, Knaresborough offers a more relaxed, scenic setting. With its iconic riverside views, the town is home to cosy pubs, welcoming cafés and independent eateries. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch, traditional British dishes or a casual bite while exploring the surrounding countryside and historic streets.
Ripon completes the trio with its rich heritage and growing food scene. Here, you’ll find a blend of historic inns, contemporary restaurants and artisan food outlets. The city celebrates hearty Yorkshire flavours alongside modern menus, often featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and producers.
Across Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, quality and hospitality are at the forefront. From award-winning restaurants and hidden gems to family-friendly venues and vibrant food spots, there is something for every taste and occasion.
The Harrogate Guide makes it easy to discover the best food and drink in the area, helping visitors and locals alike explore top dining destinations, uncover new favourites and experience the true flavour of North Yorkshire.
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