Husk, Harrogate

Pub SignMan left this review about Husk

Located a short distance from Harrogate station, this is a small, shop converted micro pub pitched more at the craft beer drinker than the real ale aficionado. You enter into a simple room with modern floorboards throughout, dark painted walls and a glass-screened staircase to the left of the entrance. Rickety, mismatched chairs serve half a dozen tables, with low stools and a padded bench in support. The small, tile fronted servery occupies the rear left corner and has a simple bar back and helpful beer boards to one side. Beer fridges stand next to the bar and there are loads of bottles and cans on shelves in the basement room down the aforementioned staircase, which all gives the place a bit of a bottle shop vibe – perhaps a good idea given their proximity to the station. The basement also offers a single table with stools and a table football game, but it’s too detached from the rest of the pub to be a pleasant spot to spend an evening in. The walls are decorated with abstract modern art and there's an ever-growing pump clip collection spreading beneath the ceiling. Our late-night visit was accompanied by a decent indie soundtrack and I noticed a small pavement seating area offering a bit more overspill space.
Only Two by Two Tallus Crush was available on cask, as one other ale was being taken off just as we arrived. The main focus is on the craft stuff though, with no less that ten craft and continental keg options to choose from. I tried the Vault City Mini Mars Stout (£6.65 for two thirds) which I have to say was a pretty stunning brew. The barman was very nice but there were barely any other punters on a cold Sunday night, so it all felt a bit flat.
This is the sort of bar that every town could do with, offering a space that should work equally well for traditionalists and occasional pub goers and providing a handy bottle shop option for folk fresh off the train, wanting to take something home for the evening. It thankfully felt more like a bar than a shop to me, and I can imagine that with a few more punters in, I would’ve enjoyed my time here even more.

Date of visit - 10th November 2024

On 20^th February 2025 - rating: 7
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