The Talbot Hotel, Malton

Looking a bit like an old but standard pub on the outside at one end, a Georgian coaching inn at the other, however it’s actually a rather posh hotel inside, casual drinking is allowed. An old stone building, the bar is down some stone steps into an area of panelled wall, old brick fireplace and stone arches, above the roof has been glazed to admit more light and has some ancient looking beams. Furnished in a mix of soft leather armchairs and sofas at rather rustic tables, there is a serried rank of bar stools too. The counter is to the rear right, longish and quite elegant, atop we find two lumpy T-Bars with a range of Heineken’s finest plus not only Guinness but also Murphy’s stout. Two hand pumps are centre stage with a mediocre Taylor’s Landlord and Black Sheep Best Bitter. It is decorated with stuffed birds. The service is “hotel” in the extreme, fellow punters were two older middle class women, one discussing her Merc’ the other cuddling one of the four hand bag dogs they shared a sofa with, also in a corner, sans dog, a younger middle class lady, who was waiting for her hubby to park the Beamer.

Official site of The Talbot Hotel - talbotmalton.co.uk

Official site of The Talbot Hotel - talbotmalton.co.uk

Upmarket hotel bar with split-level seating area. Smart furniture and decor. Quiet jazz background music. Table service. Timothy Taylor Landlord (£1.95 half) available from one of two handpumps. Pleasant enough, but not a place to linger unless dining or staying overnight.