The Bridge Inn, Harrogate

Official site of The Bridge Inn - www.thebridgeinnpateley.com

Official site of The Bridge Inn - www.thebridgeinnpateley.com

I spent several pleasant evenings here a few years ago. This was the pub where I first became acquainted with the delicious Black Sheep Riggwelter. The food was unpretentious, but delicious. I can confirm Old Boots' belief that this is connected to the nearby mill. The pub was once located in that building and was called the Watermill. The building was too large, so it was converted into accommodation and the pub relocated into this building and renamed the Bridge because, well, its near a bridge! I remember this fondly as a very nice pub.

Double fronted old stone building much extended to one side, it lies about a mile distant from Pateley Bridge up the road heading west to the dale head. It may at one time have been connected with the neighbouring Foster Beck mill which was driven by a huge waterwheel which still exists. Inside are numerous rooms and spaces, first you enter a bar with the counter, an open fire with buffalo horns mounted above it, just off this is an alcove housing games machines. To the left is another stting room with tables and chairs and a big screen, to its side is a carvery area. Carrying straight on is a carpeted room set out for dining. All the rooms have plain white walls with old pictures and prints of the dale and further afield. There is a dart board but it is swung upwards and secured by chains when not in use as it blocks access between two rooms. Four handpumps with a range of Timothy Taylors beers in good condition including the Dark Mild and Golden Best as well as Landlord, the fourth pump is occupied by Black Sheep Bitter. Black Sheep provide the signage for the pub as well. The patio is popular in summer with tourists and locals as good pub grub is available in addition to decent beer.