The Curious Cow, Harrogate

Now had a complete makeover and change of emphasis to go with its new name. Rather than the family dining venue with a nod to casual drinkers it’s moved a bit upmarket and become more restaurant in style and service. Families are still welcome but casual drinkers much less so, there’s even a Maitre D’ style podium at the entrance from whence you will be conducted to your table by uniformed staff. Three pulls on the counter with a standard Marstons range of Pedigree, Wainwright and Hobgoblin, average condition. Internally it’s a rebuild with almost wall to wall tables and chairs, the odd bit of banquette seating remains in the conservatory, all hard surfaces so it’s noisy and echoey. Food is in the steak and jolly nice pizza area.

Facebook page of The Curious Cow - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Curious Cow - thecuriouscowofharrogate.com

Official site of The Curious Cow - thecuriouscowofharrogate.com

Facebook page of The Curious Cow - www.facebook.com

A new build large dining pub on the site of an old Tetley's pub, The Traveller's Rest. An L shaped stone building with tables and chairs through-out, there is a family oriented area at one end with a Zippy and Bungle picture. It also has some portraits in Victorian style of people with animal heads, users of the Fat Badger in Harrogate will be familiar with this. Two tables near the bar counter are set aside purely for drinkers, a nice touch or a touch patronising? The four real ales come from the Marston's stable, and are doubled up across the eight pulls. Decorated in a period-less style with all sorts of odd mirrors, pictures, books and sculptures on bookshelves. There are big windows giving views into the kitchen and a pleasant covered outside seating area equipped with play equipment. The pub is easily accessible to wheelchair users. The staff were very professional and pleasant, and the beer ok but more than a touch cold. Obviously a diners pub but conveniently located on the A59 for a quick drink.