Old Bell, Harrogate

The Old Bell is a large double shop conversion with the Farrah Room lounge to the right and bar to the left. At first I thought they’d spelt Mo’s name wrong, but later in the day I discovered that Farrah’s is a local toffee producer. The eight hand pumps were drawing TT Boltmaker, Rooster’s 30th Anniversary and London Thunder, Kirkstall’s Three Swords, Ilkley’s Mary Jane, Northern Monk’s A Little Faith and Eternal alongside Weston’s Rosie’s Pig Cider. The London Thunder was a decent porter. Premium and craft keg were also available, as was food with the burger coming in at a seemingly very reasonable £8. No television, but the likes of Meatloaf were playing in the background. We were the only customers early on a recent Friday afternoon, but I could see that there would be a good atmosphere when a little busier. I’d revisit if passing.

Part of an impressive terrace of four-storey buildings, the pub has been extended into a former shop next door to provide a bar and separate lounge. What came as a surprise, though, was how sparsely decorated the former part was. With seven of eight handpumps in use, we found six real ales from the likes of Roosters and Northern Monk (including A Little Faith, £2.29 with Camra discount, half) plus a cider.