The Station Hotel, Harrogate

Converted from the Station Hotel, the remains of a railway bridge stand next to the pub, this is a multi area establishment with semi- modern décor, if a little oddly shaped inside and smaller than the outside suggests, a sort of reverse Tardis. The bar counter is towards the back on the left with a more traditionally decorated area beside it, with another sitting area further to the left. To the right is an open area with jazzy wallpaper, which looks more dining oriented with candle powered tables, the salt and pepper pots take the form of pool balls or taps. There are the usual pub trappings of horse brasses and old photos but the feel of the place is definitely not old village pub. I often deride the “plate” style of pub décor but the naked plate rack in this pub did actually call out for some sort of decoration, not nick nacks, Toby Jugs or plates but something odd and modern would be nice. There is a garden at the back with rustic furniture and the Gents has traditional old fashioned tall urinals and some “ponderisms” pinned to the wall. Three decently kept ales on the four handpulls, Tetley Cask, Black Sheep and a guest (Copper Dragon on this occasion) plus the usual suspects from Guinness, Carling, Becks and Stella. Open all day Saturday from noon.