The Old Royal Oak, Knaresborough

A good traditional pub on the marketplace with low ceilings, a few beams and rather too many (Halloween) decorations but warm and friendly. There is a two bar layout, one lively, the other more staid. Cask ales on were TT Landlord and Butcombe Original. I am a bit wary of odd beers from far away but went for it and happily the Butcombe was in excellent condition. Generally a good pub (and how can you dislike somewhere advertising a disco with DJ Cockwomble?!).

I thought this was quite smart for a market square pub, which can often be a little rough and smell of cigarette smoke on customers' clothes, if not actually drifting in from the doorway. None of that here, I'm pleased to report, and I found things to like in the furnishings and decor, with the bar counter and the floor tiles being particularly attractive. The beer was a choice of Boltmaker or Landlord; I went for the former, which was perhaps not quite on form - could have done with sitting in the cellar a couple of days longer. Could have done with being a bit cheaper too - £2.35 for a half is not a price I am used to paying in Yorkshire. (A pint of Landlord was £2.40 in the Craft Union pub just around the corner!)