Travellers Rest, Harrogate

Official site of Travellers Rest - www.thetravellersrestharrogate.co.uk

Official site of Travellers Rest - www.thetravellersrestharrogate.co.uk

Although just on the edge of Harrogate, rather than actually in the village of Follifoot, this venerable, friendly pub has the feel and setting of a country pub. It is reached up a country lane from the main A661road to Wetherby just before the A658 roundabout, there are brown signposts to guide you. Looking out from the front of the pub the open countryside of the Crimple Valley stretches away, at the back in the distance, you can see the Great Yorkshire Showground and the adjacent supermarket. Outside it is a much extended but old building, inside are exposed stone walls and black beams, in an odd, interesting layout with different rooms and small cosy spaces. At one end is the small Public Bar with old benches, an open fire, cast iron tables and an old studded bar counter with two handpumps. In the corner is a special but tiny alcove dedicated to domino playing. Next door is an L shaped room arranged for dining and with another little space called “The Nook”, this room also has a counter equipped with two handpumps. This leads into the lounge proper, again more dining orientated and beyond is a conservatory with more dining space. The lounge has smoother plasterwork and a higher ceiling. It also has another counter with four handpumps and the usual collection of keg taps. The choice of beer is slightly anodyne, Theakstons Best, John Smiths Cask, Bombardier and Cumberland Ale but very well kept.