The Black Bull in Paradise, Ripon

Converted from an old store or similar outhouse, part bar, part shop located on the edge of the Theakstons Brewery and really reached only on foot from the Market Place up a series of narrow alleys by following the signs for the Visitor Centre. A stone built building with stone floors and a wood finished upper storey where the balustrade mimics barrel staves. From the front door you enter the souvenir shop, behind that is the bar with traditional furniture and a splendid carved bar counter. Six handpumps dispense the full range of Theakstons beers, all, as you may expect, in excellent condition. The staff are great but the opening hours are a little limited. Smaller and more intimate than the Black Sheep Visitors Centre, but still a visitors centre rather than a pub as the emphemera and portraits of various members of the Theakston family, the late head cooper and the Old Peculier himself show. Nonetheless it is a good place to start or finish your brewery tour or just drop in for a pint or two.