You don’t have to leave Harrogate to visit one of Britain’s best pubs – Historic Hales Bar named among the UK’s finest pubs by The Telegraph

Looking for somewhere special for your next pint?

One of Harrogate’s best-kept treasures has just received national recognition after being named among The Telegraph’s 650 Best Pubs in the UK.

Hales Bar, tucked away on Crescent Road, is not only Harrogate’s oldest pub but is now officially one of Britain’s top places to enjoy a drink, thanks to its rich history, unique character and traditional atmosphere.

🍺 Why everyone is talking about Hales Bar

The prestigious guide is compiled by award-winning beer and travel writer Will Hawkes and a panel of pub experts who personally visit every venue before deciding which deserve a place.

Every pub is judged on:

• Historic character
• Friendly atmosphere
• Outstanding beer
• Memorable experience
• A genuine sense of place

Step inside one of Harrogate’s oldest buildings

Walking through the doors of Hales Bar is like stepping back more than 200 years.

Visitors can still enjoy:

• Original Victorian bar fittings
• Rare gas lighting
• Traditional cask ales
• Cosy horseshoe-shaped seating
• One of Harrogate’s famous sulphur springs flowing beneath the cellar

It’s these remarkable details that helped secure its place among Britain’s very best pubs.

What The Telegraph said

Will Hawkes described Hales Bar as a genuinely quirky venue” with “gas lighting and Victorian bar fittings” offering “a real sense of the past.”

He also highlighted its distinctive Old Legover ale and the pub’s welcoming, traditional atmosphere.

Why it’s worth visiting

Whether you’re a lifelong Harrogate resident or exploring the town for the first time, Hales Bar offers something few modern pubs can match.

It’s a place where history, heritage and Yorkshire hospitality come together over a perfectly kept pint.

Another North Yorkshire favourite makes the list

Joining Hales Bar in the national guide is The Cross Keys in nearby Knaresborough, showing once again why North Yorkshire is one of England’s finest destinations for traditional pubs.

Planning a visit?

If you’ve never experienced Hales Bar before, this national recognition is the perfect excuse to discover one of Harrogate’s most fascinating hidden gems.

From its centuries-old interior to its award-worthy atmosphere, it’s easy to see why experts believe this historic pub deserves a place among the very best in Britain.