Stumble Inn, Northallerton

Stuck in a modern alleyway claiming to be an arcade, this a cracking little micro with an excellent selection of more-unusual ales and ciders, priced according to ABV. The proper micro concept here, with regulars talking to each other over some decent beer without distraction. The opening hours are a bit annoying for day visitors (closed Mon & Tues; opens 16.30 Weds to Fri, 12.00 Sat and 16.00 Sun) but it is worth waiting for if you can.

Great micro, still probably the best drinking place in the town although there’s little competition, 5 pulls of localish beers plus four craft kegs and cans. Neat tiled floor, mostly wooden or Britannia tables and benches or stools, it has plain walls with maps as décor. There are informative blackboards on some remaining wall space, the front wall is all glass. Nicely busy but not rammed on a Saturday visit.

With time ticking on during our Sunday evening visit to Northallerton, we prioritised a visit to this micropub, situated up an alley from the High Street. Inside we found a simple interior with a friendly barman and even more friendly locals. It is one of those micropubs where everybody is happy to engage in conversation with outsiders as well as themselves. 3 real ales are dispensed. These were Rudgate Ruby Mild, Daleside Blonde & Crafty Monkey Telegraph. The real cider range was even more impressive - Hanging Wood Fallen Tree, Lilley's Mango Cider, Strawberry Cider, Elderflower Cider, Rhubarb Cider, Cherries & Berries, Chocolate Apple Cider, Firedancer, Merry Monkey, Gladiator & Wild Dog, Snail's Bank Tumbledown, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask, Gwatkin Squeal Pig Perry & Heck's Glastonbury Gold. Really welcoming place that was our favourite pub of 25 throughout our weekend in Yorkshire. If we are ever in Northallerton again, we will return.

A very nicely done shop conversion in a quiet backwater off the market street, with only a scruffy A-board to encourage custom. Consequently, the young bar keeper must have many quiet half hours like the one he spent in my company. Fortunately we were able to talk about cycling, snow in the Lake District and wild camping. And beer. There are five hand pumps with a good range of styles and breweries: the porter that I asked for was discovered to have "turned" overnight, and I decided to swerve the chocolate stout that stood next to it, going instead for Wensleydale Semer Water, which was in very good condition. This would be a comfortable pub to spend a little time in - there's plenty of good seating - and I hope the business keeps ticking over enough for it to survive, though 4:30 opening on weekdays limits the options as regards pub crawling.