So!, Harrogate

Official site of So! - sobarandeats.co.uk

Official site of So! - sobarandeats.co.uk

Fairly recently opened sister pub to the identically named pub in Knaresborough. It's a good looking building from the outside and is flag floored in parts inside. However the place is full of pine coloured high tables and chairs near the bar area with some fairly standard dining tables and chairs throughout the rest. Fout handpulls all apparently in use until I ordered a pint of Caledonian EPA which had gone off. This left the uninspiring choice of Deuchars IPA, John Smiths Cask and Theakstons Lightfoot. I had a pint of the Lightfoot which was OK, it's a pretty bland beer, so that was as good as I was expecting. The Knaresborough pub has some interesting guest beers on, so I don't know if some sort of tie is in place here or it's just laziness to have such bland national beers on. Almost all the tables were reserved except a couple near the bar and it would appear that the main attraction here is the food, which looked good. It's a bit of a walk out of town so I don't think we'll be bothering again. However if they started getting some decnt beer..........

A large stone built corner pub recently retentlessly modernised in Ikea style. A floor of stone flag and laminate, the pastel walls have art work and various small mirrors, seating at high tables and stools plus inevitably tables and chairs given the importance of food here. There are some low couches in a corner behind the bar. The beer choice is a particularly unispiring one of John Smiths cask and Deuchars IPA, an occasion guest is offered as well I am told, there is a fourth handpull on the counter. Run by the same people as the So Bar & Eats in Knaresborough and imaginatively renamed from The New Inn.

Stone built corner pub on the road leading to Harlow Carr Gardens formerly a Tetley's house, it still serves Tetleys cask although the signage and best bitter is provided by Theakston's. The remaining handpumps had John Smiths Cask and Courage (Wells & Youngs) Directors. Two T-bars serve a standard range of kegs. Traditionally furnished with brown furniture it is largely open plan although there is an alcove to the back with a screen and sporting memorabilia. Wood panelling, horse brasses and assorted brassware, plates and pewter mugs, a bit of exposed stone work, along with the usual old photos complete the décor. A local's pub it supports a golf society and a poker club, it has it's own amusing newsletter and a weekly quiz. Opening hours are weekneds and evenings.