The Knox, Bilton, Harrogate

Official site of The Knox - www.theknoxharrogate.co.uk

Official site of The Knox - www.theknoxharrogate.co.uk

A rambling group of stonebuilt buildings set back from what used to be a country lane but is now in an area of housing. The main bar looks like a barn conversion suggesting this was once an isolated farm before the Harrogate suburb of Bilton encroached on the old place. Internally there are two bars, one labelled as a games room and containing a dartboard etc and a selection of signed football shirts, it is quite a small cosy room compared to the main bar. This is decorated in a modern interpretation of traditional style with old pine woodwork and furniture. Odd mix of pictures, a motorcycle print, as well as the usual sort of birds, landscapes etc. The room is divided up by floor level and balustrades into separate open plan areas, the one in the centre has brick pillars, a low table and leather sofas and stools. Other furnishing is largely tables and chairs, on my lunchtime visit these were taken up by middle aged diners although there were a few younger drinkers as well. Everything in the pub is emaculate as you may expect from a landlord with a military background. There are six handpulls in the main bar and a further five in the games room, dispensing a choice of John Smiths Cask, Theakstons Best Bitter and Daleside Bitter. In the keg line up are both the extra cold and the smooth versions of Smiths plus Fosters and 1664 with the cider from Strongbow and naturally Guinness.