Hales Bar

Hales Bar We are Harrogate's oldest public house complete with working gas lighting & fittings from the Victorian era. We may even have a ghost story or two...
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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 ar

ea. 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! Food Service times
KITCHEN IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

05/04/2026

Easter egg hunt today at 5pm, find a matching pair of cardboard eggs to get your free crème egg

Yep why not 😜
02/03/2026

Yep why not 😜

Been working hard to develop a new menu for the pub…

I reckon I’ve nailed it! 👌

27/02/2026
🎲 BOARD GAME NIGHT AT HALES BAR 👻Starting this Monday from 5pm, we’re bringing out the board games at Hales Bar, Harroga...
26/02/2026

🎲 BOARD GAME NIGHT AT HALES BAR 👻

Starting this Monday from 5pm, we’re bringing out the board games at Hales Bar, Harrogate!

Grab your mates, grab a drink, and pick from classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, UNO and loads more. Whether you’re competitive or just in it for the laughs, Mondays just got a serious upgrade.

🆓 Free to use all games
💷 No deposit needed
🍺 Great beers, spirits & cosy vibes
👻 Possibly the most haunted bar in Harrogate…

As one of Harrogate’s oldest pubs, Hales Bar is packed with history, character, and a few resident ghosts (don’t worry, they’re friendly… mostly). There’s no better place to settle in for a relaxed, slightly spooky Monday night.

Tag your game night crew below 👇
See you from 5pm!

Happy 23rd Anniversary to this legend. A powerhouse, a shoulder to cry on for those who have needed it, a friend, and a ...
27/01/2026

Happy 23rd Anniversary to this legend.

A powerhouse, a shoulder to cry on for those who have needed it, a friend, and a true party animal.

Amanda, we are so proud of you for the wonderful work you’ve put in to this place. Thank you for the wildest memories and laughter we’ve shared ❤️

Last 12 tickets, pulled pork & gammon sandwiches with stuffing from 8pm also, DJ Dave & the usual fun madness
29/12/2025

Last 12 tickets, pulled pork & gammon sandwiches with stuffing from 8pm also, DJ Dave & the usual fun madness

That time again, this year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the fabulous Rocky Horror Show for our NY Eve theme, tickets available from the bar at £15, can't wait to see your amazing costumes for this one

That time again, this year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the fabulous Rocky Horror Show for our NY Eve theme, tic...
16/10/2025

That time again, this year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the fabulous Rocky Horror Show for our NY Eve theme, tickets available from the bar at £15, can't wait to see your amazing costumes for this one

01/08/2025

🚨 WHY ARE PUBS CLOSING?
Because we’re all working ourselves into the ground… for 12p a pint. No, seriously. Read on 👇

Our little pub is BUSY. Regulars are amazing — they spend what they can. We give it everything. Blood, sweat, and love. ❤️

But after 10 years and 60-hour weeks, we’re shattered. Literally.

People think “Busy = Rolling in it.”
Not quite. Here’s the truth:

🍺 Profit per pint in 2009: 84p
🍺 Profit per pint now: 12p

⚡️Energy bills (pre-COVID): £600/month
⚡️Energy bills now: £2,800/month
I'm not even gonna mention my rent going up 151%. Oh, I did!!

🚪Cost just to open the doors: up 35%

So we raise prices (sorry), cut back on staff (hello mop), and take on more ourselves.

And then there’s the real pub killer: VAT.

🛒 Supermarkets now sell 75% of UK booze
🏠 Most drinking now happens at home
🍺 Pubs pay 20% VAT
🧼 Supermarkets pay 2% VAT

We’re being taxed out of existence. Meanwhile, big energy firms rake in record profits, and Sunak’s wife casually avoided £15 million in tax.

Most pubs don’t close because of laziness. They close because of bills and VAT.

It’s not just us. It’s EVERY indie business.
No amount of “hard work” is fixing this.

👎 The system is broken
⚠️ 2 pubs close every week
💔 When the last pub shuts, a bit of Britain dies

Only the government can fix it. And it’s EASY:

👉 CUT THE VAT FOR PUBS

Want to help?
💥 Share this
📩 Send it to your MP
🍻 Keep supporting your local — if you still have one

SAVE THE PUBS.
Before its last orders forever.

21/06/2025

Beer garden ready for drinks & chilling in the sunshine

19/05/2025

Hales Bar, Harrogate you did it again 5 out of 5 for beer quality

Address

1-3 Crescent Road
Harrogate
HG12RS

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