The Skipton, Bilton, Harrogate

The Co-op has confirmed it’s hoping to open a store in the former Skipton pub site after submitting a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council.

Big L shaped open plan room with fairly garish upholstery and carpet, there is a slightly art deco feel to the décor, especially in the woodwork of the front section. The bar counter and panelling are possibly surviving items from the pub's previous existence as the Dragon. This make-over resulted in the K of Skipton being put on backwards. It is located on the edge of the previously separate village of Bilton although now a northern suburb of Harrogate with a decent regular bus service to the centre. On the main road to Skipton it has a car park to the side and a large beer garden at the rear. Beer choice is a wide range of kegs from the John Smiths stable plus the cask version of John Smiths which was in good condition. Furnishings are fairly traditional, with britannia tables and the garish upholstered benches, the usual screens and machines are also available. Being an outlying pub it serves the housing estates in the locality although it's a friendly enough place.