The Green Dragon, Bedale

The Green Dragon can be found in a prominent position overlooking the Market Place. Its location inevitably assures it a brisk passing trade in a town where pub numbers are quickly diminishing. This is a Marston's pub with a large front bar which possesses a couple of bay windows. It has bare boards with 3 TVs showing BBC News and a quiz programme on mute. There were also a couple of games machines and a few black and white pictures of the local area on the walls, as well as a fireplace on one side. A carpeted dining room can be found to the rear of the bar, whilst there is also a beer garden through a side door and to the rear of the pub. There are 4 handpulls on the bar. 3 were clipped for our visit, with Bombardier, Wainwright Gold & Razor Back available. The cider was Strongbow. A promotion on a Monday & Tuesday had cask ales selling for £2.80 a pint. The pub welcomes dogs and there is live music on some weekends. Marston's wifi is available.

Probably the best pub in Bedale for beer and friendliness, it's not badged outside but all the cask beers are from the Marston's stable, Ringwood, Mansfield and a very nicely kept Hobgoblin. The single bar shows signs of a recent renovation in the modern, old style with comfortable upholstered benches, stained glass over the counter and in a divider , a bit of panelling, stools and cast iron tables. The woodwork is stained in old pine and the décor limited to a few arty photos. Inevitably there was musak, machines and a big screen showing sport. There is a large dining room to the rear in a conservatory and a beer garden. The mixed bunch of locals were friendly and the staff enthusiastic, which with decent beer makes this a pretty good pub.