The Little Tanner, Northallerton

We got some very good chips (with scraps) from the White Horse Cafe, and after we'd eaten them on a nearby bench came in here to wash them down with a beer. The wall of shelves holding a variety of beer bottles was a puzzle on entering - it gave the initial impression of an off licence, but then it was immediately apparent that they were all empty. When we approached the bar I was startled to find my hand being licked by a young boxer, but when I expressed this I got a look from the manager which was a mixture of incomprehension and contempt. There are two sorts of people in the world: dog lovers and the rest of us. The craft keg beers and cask ales are all served from taps in the wall beside the bar, and are listed on a blackboard. Our beers were, to be honest, too cold. In a more comfortable pub we'd have stayed a while to let them get to room temperature, but we were in a hurry to escape the dog's over friendly attentions, so we just drank up and moved on. If I lived locally I'm sure I'd be back, but I have to say we didn't much enjoy our one-off visit.

A single, narrow L shaped room up a narrow alley beside a chippy. Pretty much a micro pub in style the three cask ales are served by the new fangled boil in the bag system. There's also 3 ciders and 2 interesting European kegs (Pilsner Urquell and Dortmunder Vier). Usual hard seating and basic tables, but also a leather sofa. Basic decor as well but one wall is made up of shelving with a lot of beer bottles apparently empty and not for sale. The bar also sells soft drinks, wine and a few spirits. As it's a brewery tap the beer is in excellent condition and that's a big plus in Northallerton where some pubs are pretty dire.