The Town Hall, Richmond

Still just one hand pump on the bar here - a recent refurbishment, or at least a coat or two of paint, but no change on the beer front - with Caledonian Flying Scotsman available. I've had this beer in a few different pubs up and down the country, and this was the best I've had. Whether this was good cellarmanship or just good luck I have no way of knowing. The pub is well described by Roger, and I would also agree that I couldn't see myself staying for more than one drink, however good.

Situated in the historic Market Square and being the closest pub to the Castle, the Town Hall Hotel is naturally popular with tourists in peak season. The sizeable interior is quite rambling with a number of sections including a separate pool table area that doesn’t intrude into the general drinking areas. The solid thick stone walls and beamed ceilings suggest that the pub is quite old but it has does have a modern feel albeit still retaining a pubby character. There was a TV and Big screen aimed at sport audiences and adverts for karaoke and discos which suggests a younger and more boisterous evening crowd. There are also some benches out the front on the cobbles with views of the church and the Market Cross and from where you can watch the frustrated motorists trying to bag a parking spot. Not much on the beer front with just the one ale, Theakston’s Best, as little more than a token gesture but it was cheap and was decent enough quality. Basic but good value pub grub (I had a pretty decent giant Yorkshire Pud after my hike to Easby Abbey and back). In a nutshell, it is a cheap and cheerful, unpretentious place during the day and for a quick pint and a snack there are far worse places in the vicinity but it would be hard to eke out an evening session here unless you don’t mind mundane beers and noisy music.