The Devonshire Tap House, Harrogate

Reopened after quite a while unloved, this pub describes itself as a traditional pub and it's not wrong. After passing the “nicotine bouncers” at the front door there is a single U shaped room with the centre occupied by a magnificent almost semi-circular victorian bar counter with a stained glass canopy overhead. There are four handpumps at intervals, two of which have old looking John Smiths inscribed porcelain handles. Sadly the John Smiths Cask and Theakstons XB were not on so a slightly less than pedestrian keg choice of Fosters, 1664, Amstel, Murpheys and Strongbow was available. I'm sure the pub's regulars would not find this to be a problem. Towards the rear at one side is the darts board, and to the other is the pool table, the click of dominos was heard from tables at the front next to the TV. Traditional bench seating, tables and stools with old wainscotting and plain walls completing the unspoilt but slightly scruffy look of the place, and I don't mean “shabby chic”. It makes quite a stark contrast to the renovated Swan on the Stray almost next door.