Hales Bar, Harrogate

Hales Bar is certainly a historic pub, although it took a while for my eyes to adjust from the bright sunshine outside to the dimness in the not so gas-lit lounge bar. Three of the six hand pumps were in use drawing TT Boltmaker and Landlord alongside Robinson’s Dizzy Blonde. Whilst waiting to be served I was made aware of the original cigar lighter and whisky water tap on the bar counter, just two of some very interesting features of the pub. Not so interesting was the background music and Wimbledon Tennis muted on the television. The left hand bar was closed during my recent Friday afternoon visit and I didn’t seek out the vault, maybe next time if I find myself passing by.

Characterful old pub, full of heritage features and traditional furniture in the Saloon Bar and separate Vaults. With three of six handpumps in use, we found TT Boltmaker, Daleside Old Legover (£3.50, half with a packet of peanuts) and Robinson's Dizzy Blonde.

I was happy to find it still has a splendidly ancient interior worth experiencing, once you have become accustomed to the Stygian gloom, and following the warnings of previous reviews I was also pleased to discover that three ales were on offer, of which at least two were in good condition, so hopefully they have got their act together on the beer front. They were Kirkstall Pale, TT Boltmaker and Daleside Old Legover.

Fewer stuffed birds than hitherto and the flaming cigar lighters on the counter whilst blazing away are shielded by glass tubes lest some child, or man-child injure themselves on an obvious hot thing. I thought electric lights were the beginning of the end here and I may have been correct. The beer continues to not impress in spite of only having three on.