PUB and BEER TRAILS.....

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Knaresborough is a small market down (pop.14,000) found by road and rail between Harrogate and York. The town is mainly situated above the banks of the River Nidd with steep roads, lanes and stairs leading down to the waterside where boats can be hired and many cafes visited. There is the remains of Knaresborough Castle overlooking the river and accross to one of the oldest tourist attraction in Britain - Mother Shipton's Cave. Two road bridges cross the river and between them, also crossing the river, is a viaduct carrying the train service.
Old Mother Shipton is famous for her prophesises one of which says that when the top bridge falls down three times the world will end. It has fallen twice which is why the pub at the bridge is called The World's End
While wandering the streets in search of refreshment keep a look out for paintings in the trompe-l'oeil style which are painted on some bricked up windows and alley walls (examples)

PUB FACTS

John Smith's cask is the favoured real ale.

Most pubs in market place do food.

Three Samuel Smith's pubs keep alive the lounge and public bar design.

Most pubs have beer gardens, but this often just means some tables in a back area which have plant pots.

PUB QUIZ
What is the fastest bird on earth?
ANSWER

Drink and Music

Blackberry Smoke - Yesterday's Wine

A TEN pub journey.
Start at The Mitre right beside the railway station then walk up the hill on the other side of the tracks via a subway under the tracks beside the level crossing. At the top of this hill look right to visit The Castle Vaults. Leave here and back-track, then pass the road you came up, and continue along to turn right into the Market Square. The next six pubs are all close together.
On the right hand side of the Square, just before the cross is Blind Jack's. After here move to the other side of the cross to find The Royal Oak opposite it. Leaving The Royal Oak turn left and as you leave the Sqare you have The Market Tavern on the corner. Further along this road (Castlegate) as it turns left into Castle Yard is The Cross Keys.
Out of The Cross Keys turn righ and go along Cheapside until you reach a main road. Turn right down Gracious St and you should see The George & Dragon across the road. Further down hill, on the same side is The Wellington. Now cross over (no pavement) and go to the bottom of the hill, a slight walk, where a bridge will cross the River Nidd. Just before the bridge across the road is The Half Moon and on the other side of the bridge and across the road is The Dropping Well Inn.
It is now time to return to The Mitre either back up the hill and through the town or a pleasant walk along the river and under the railway viaduct. Walk along Waterside, opposite The Half Moon towards the Railway viaduct - it takes a few minutes to actually be a riverside walk. There are two flights of stairs that take you up to Knaresborough Castle and The Cross Keys/ Castle Vaults area or you can walk past the viaduct and find a sloping road coming from your right. Take this back up to The Mitre and the station.

The Mitre has a split level bar and a dining area offof this. there is outdoor seating opposite the station and a larger area around to the side. It is of the Market Tavern chain. . There is a downstairs function room. It also offers accomdation and good food.
Good Pub Guide 2013; Good Beer Guide (CAMRA) 2013

Have a pint here

real ale : White Rose (rooster); Wainwright (Thwaites);
MPA (Ockells); Black Sheep; Barnsley Gold and Aramis
(both Barnsley)
lager :Leffe; Erdinger; Liefmanns; Warnsteiner
cider :Aspall Crystal Stout (Marstons)

Click picture to enlarge....

Castle Vaults is very much a loacal's pub. It makes good use of being on a Y junction creating nice spaces. Bar has lots of stools main seating to right and some small padded chairs to left. Dogs welcomed.
Have a half here

real ale : John Smiths cask; Theakstons Best Bitter
bitter : John Smith
lager : Fosters, Becks,
cider : Guinness

Blind Jack's looks and feels old. It has two small rooms on the lower floor and room upstairs. Bar has been refloored which means you tower over staff and counter seems low. Bare walls and wooden floor and furniture. It is home to Knaresborough's own micro brewery. It opens at 4pm midweek.
Good Pub Guide 2013; Good Beer Guide (CAMRA) 2013

Have pint or two here
real ale : Landlord and Mild (Timothy Taylor) Kirkstall pale Ale;
Blonde (by Hop Studio) ;Amish mash; Chocolate Mint Milk Stout (Knaresborough)
bitter :Ruthless; Carnival; Dead Pony Club; Punk IPA
lager :Freedom pilsner; Timmermanns Peach and Strawberry;
Leffe; Franzishander

The Royal Oak has a lounge/dining room to the left and public bar with alcove to the left. Both are served from same bar. There is extensive outdoor seating around floor pots and summer house. Across car park is the hotels rooms. Music on Thursday. food.
Have a pint here

real ale :Theakstons XB and Lightfoot; John Smiths cask; Landlord,
bitter :John Smith
lager :Fosters; Stella
cider : Stow Press Guinness

Market Tavern is an attractive one roomed pub stretching from tables at front to boths at side opposite bar to pool at back. It advertises casks ales and has three pumps, but did not have any becuase they went off and "we are a lager pub" then one appeared another day! Food. Music at weekends. B & B.
Have one here
real ale :John Smith Cask
bitter :John Smith
lager : Fosters; Heineken; Carling
cider : Strongbow Guiness

The Cross Keys (Ossett Brewery) is a two roomed pub. Bar and large L shaped room to right and cosier room to left. Dogs allowed. Usually serves food. Rooms.

Good Beer Guide (CAMRA) 2013
Have a pint here

real ale :Yorkshire Blonde, Silver King, Citra and Big Red (all Ossett);
Rum Porter (Boggart); London Pride
bitter :John Smiths
lager :Stella, Becks, Veltins, Timmermanns strawberry
cider : Hogans Guinness

ANSWER
Mark Twain

Beer......making you see double and making you think you are single