The Golden Fleece Hotel, Thirsk

Just a quick stop for a cup of coffee,after cycling from Helmsley to catch a train. Too early for a beer, though I was tempted by the Theakston Old Peculier on the bar, alongside its stablemate, the Best Bitter. This is a very smart hotel bar in a handsome brick building on the market place, with a gorgeous golden sheep gleaming in the intermittent sunshine. I wouldn't mind calling in for a beer some time.

A narrow modern bar in this old market place hotel, also servicing a couple of lounges. Agreed it doesn't make much of the history of the place, but it was smart and clean, the service was good and the beer was fine, if a little cold (Black Sheep Best and their rugby special on handpump). I can't say I'd choose to drink here but I wouldn't refuse if someone offered me a pint.

Enjoys a prominent position in the Market Place and looks like it should have a nice traditional interior. Instead the hotel bar to the right-hand side as you enter is modern and fairly bland. The real ale is Black Sheep Best Bitter. Disappointing.

Typical hotel bar to the right rear with dining area to rear left. Three weak real ales on sale.