The Busby Stoop Inn, Thirsk

Allegedly Yorkshire's most haunted pub, it is reputed to be haunted by the hangman's noose wearing ghost of Thomas Busby, who murdered his father in law and fellow crook Daniel Auty (or Awtey) nearby in 1702 and after being hung was exhibited on the gibbet or “stoop” that stood at the crossroads where the pub is. He cursed his favourite chair, as he found Auty sitting in it prior to the vicious murder (a hammer was used), and there are reports of people dying soon after sitting in the chair. The chair is shown on the pub sign and was removed to the Thirsk museum in 1978 at the then landlord's request, the museum has it hung up high on a wall and their website adds portentously “It has not been sat on since”. Please note there are various versions of this tale - some more believable and accurate than others. The pub itself is a pleasant place, cosy with low ceilings and not what you may expect given its interesting history, there is only one small noose hanging outside. The only other hint of its famous past I spotted is a grim faced manikin by the door proffering menus from a tray. The bar is L shaped and one side is a dining area while the other is a traditionally furnished bar with a pool table, darts board, machines and a Bagatelle board at the far end. Traditional bench seating with wooden tables and wheel back chairs (uncursed), there are some tables and stools by the games area for spectators and the resting of player's pints. No big screen just a normal TV, the room is decorated with drink related mirrors and advertising/humourous signs. The brick built bar counter follows the room shape and is home to four handpulls with only well kept John Smiths Cask on, and two T bars with a standard range of Carling, 1664, Fosters, Guinness and John Smiths Smooth, I didn't notice a cider but if there was it would probably be Strongbow. Above hangs a Yard of Ale and there is an old cash register on the dining end of the counter, unfortunately the pub prices are not contemporary with it. At the back is a decked area possibly used as a smokers club. Friendly staff and customers, in spite of its relatively remote location it seems to have a good local following as the banter and games trophies would testify. It is also a convenient stop between the A1M and Thirsk racecourse a couple of miles further on down the A61.