Mother Shipton Inn, Knaresborough

Riverside pub/restaurant at the bottom of the Nidd gorge at the Calcutt end of Low Bridge near the famous Mother Shipton's cave. A multi room layout, to the left is a formal dining room, to the right a bar with a panelled bistro style eating area to one end, to the side is a room at a lower level with views of the river and access to the riverside garden. The main bar is open plan with a large ancient fireplace, although disfigured with flashing fairy lights, and there is a L shaped bar counter. Furnished with rustic tables and settles the bar is decorated with some very nice prints of the Nidd gorge and an old Yorkshire map, there are meat hooks studding the ceiling and a poor box is still affixed to the fireplace. A portrait, possibly of Old Mother Shipton herself, hangs next to the bar although the lady depicted is probably not ugly enough for the legendary seer. Blackboards list the wines and food specials, which included Pigeon, Trout, Goose and Rabbit dishes. There are two handpumps on each face of the bar counter, dispensing Theakstons Best bitter and Deuchars at a little above local price levels, wine is served in 175 or 250ml glasses and there is a small keg beer range.