The Kestrel, Knaresborough

A pretty-typical Vintage Inns eating place in an old farmhouse which has been fitted out in, errr, someone's idea of old farmhouse style - all beams and bric-a-brac. Having said that, it is nice enough and the welcome was friendly, even though not eating. The entrance arrangements are a bit peculiar, the interior has a nicely jumbled layout and there is a patio at the back. There is also a lovely but wasted view over the valley beyond, which is mainly enjoyed by the cars in the car park. Ales on were TT Landlord, Leeds Pale and Doom and condition seemed good. OK if eating or looking for a pitstop.

Located on the main Harrogate to Wetherby road (A661) where it's crossed by the Bradford road (A658) on its way into Wharfedale. Mainly given over to food service, the inside is a mix of ancient and modern with new flagstone flooring, worn old beams and lots of new wood all over in this rather woody scheme. Low beamed ceilings with “Duck or Kestrel” on a particularly low one, making the central area dark and cosy. The walls are plain in the modern taste with some interesting victorian cartoons, caricatures and prints. There are many tables and chairs in two separate dining areas with a central bar area that is more casual drinker friendly. This part has armchairs, tables and stools and some vertical drinking space. Staffing is restaurant syle with young waitresses in long aprons and white shirts with ties giving them a coquetish look. Three handpumps serving Black Sheep Bitter and a guest, with the usual suspects on separate keg fonts, Peroni and Staropremen being a little more unusual. The smooth is from John Smiths and the cider from Strongbow. The pub is Cask Marque approved so the beer was a reasonable pint. A lunchtime visit for me so the customers were mainly middle aged and middle class dinners from nearby Harrogate enjoying good value at under a tenner for almost all mains. To reinforce the dining over drinking style of the place the cutlery is held in pewter pots on the tables. Owned by Vintage Inns it has an attached “Innkeepers Lodge”.

Official pages of the Kestrel Inn, contains menu and real ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk

Official pages of the Kestrel Inn, contains menu and real ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk