Certainly the most historic & oldest pub in Harrogate, our establishment has a history going back to the earliest days of the town’s emergence as a leading spa resort.
Originating as one of the first inns for spa visitors after sulphur wells were first established in the mid-18th century, sulphur springs still flow beneath the cellar & the distinctive odours occasionally percolate up to the bar area.
The premises were rebuilt circa 1827 & known as The Promenade Inn. At this time it was said to be a most successful coaching inn. It was enlarged in 1856 & known as Hodgson’s until 1882 when William Hales became the landlord.
Our main lounge bar preserves itself well, with mirrors & other interesting features & fittings from the Victorian era, including traditional gas lighting & cigar lighters.
The smaller Georgian style Vaults room previously traded as a wines & spirits merchant. Newly refurbished in 2013, uncovering original wooden beams, a stone display alcove & real log fire re-instated from the old coaching inn of yesteryear.
The inn would have been known to Tobias Smollett who in May 1766 visited Harrogate in which he set part of his novel Humphrey Clinker. Used by Sir John Barbirolli as his favourite when the Halle Orchestra visited to play in the town, it was also used for interior scenes in the film Chariots of Fire & DCI Banks in 2012. Reputed to be haunted, although we’ve yet to be spooked.
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Amazing place with a great atmosphere and friendly and welcoming staff. It's as a pub should be. They also have old gas lighting on the bar and ceiling. If you're in Harrogate you really should visit.
What an amazing place. Great staff. Suzie was so lovely and told us all about the history. All the staff were really helpful and professional. Service was very proficient. Will definitely return and recommend. Thank you
Cody quirky pub, gas lights on the bar. Recommend this place.
Excellent service. A band was on in the main bar. Good band, obviously crowded in main bar, so I went into the side lounge. Staff were excellent and came to see me even though I was the only one there. I couldn't see what beers they had on, so the staff member came back with a selection of tasters, fantastic!
Apparently the most historic & oldest pub in Harrogate, this has a history going back many years as Harrogate became a spa resort. The main lounge bar is well preserved with mirrors & other interesting features & fittings from the Victorian era, including traditional gas lighting & cigar lighters on the bar. The main bar is very atmospheric with a good range of real ales, together with more popular beverages. Didn't get to sample the food but would like to go back to do so. Well worth a visit.
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Opening Times
Mon | 12:00 – 23:00 | |
Tue | 12:00 – 23:00 | |
Wed | 12:00 – 23:30 | |
Thur | 12:00 – 00:30 | |
Fri | 12:00 – 01:00 | |
Sat | 11:30 – 01:00 | |
Sun | 12:00 – 23:00 |
Sorry, we don't have any menus listed at the moment.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1
Located in the Montpellier quarter, close to the Pump Room Museum and Valley Gardens, the pub's name refers to the fact that until 1815 an earlier Inn, The Bell existed on the site.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1
We are open Thursday to Sunday