Blind Jack’s

This is one of my favourite pubs in the world and was my local when I lived back in my home town of Knareaborough. Whilst it’s been 15 years since I lived there permanently I always make sure I pay Blind Jack’s a visit every time I’m over seeing friends and family.
It’s a small pub but very cosy and full of character. The landlords are extremely welcoming and all the staff are friendly and knowledgable, more than happy to offer their advice and samples of beer if you can’t decide what to go for.
You certainly won’t find any of your mainstream lagers or bitters here (thank goodness) but instead there is an ever-​changing array of craft and real ales from breweries such as Brew Dog and Magic Rock, as well as an increasing number of their own very excellent brews.
If you’re a real beer lover and looking for a great pub to sample some top ales over a chat with your mates (it’s strictly no music) then make sure you pay Blind Jack’s a visit. Warning, it can get very busy!

With visiting my wife’s family in Knaresborough a few times a year — I’m absolutely spoilt with the amount of pubs on offer in this lovely market town just down the road from Harrogate. But the main one which I really can’t go without visiting is Blind Jacks
While Manchester isn’t exactly short on quality pubs and craft beer, Blind Jacks offers something special which is easy to explain. A lovely, quaint, ancient building with loads of tiny rooms making it the perfect place to hang out and relax — combined with a revolving selection of amazing craft beer on tap (as well as some great local breweries). Put it this way — just on this visit they had beers from Stone (Ruination), Oskar Blues, Ska (Modus Hoperandi) and Brewdog (Punk and Hoppy Xmas)
Paul and Debbie the landlords are always very friendly and up for a chat, as are the team of younger bar staff. You can always get a sample or recommendation, plus they brew their own beer out the back which all the staff seem to know about — their chalk board in the bar also has details of what they’re brewing next so the regulars can keep up to date with what’s next in the pipeline. Their milk stout and pumpkin head ones are firm favourites!
Like them on Facebook for the latest updates on beers on tap, special nights (like their BBQ night in Jan) and all news going on.
I may have just heard a rumour that they’re opening up a distillery too so even if you don’t live in Knaresborough it’s worth making the trip here just to check out a great selection of drinks in great surroundings — you won’t regret it!

By far and away my favourite pub… ever. The landlord and lady are lovely and welcoming and know their stuff. There’s always a great and ever changing selection of beers. I won’t claim to know much myself but I always opt for something dark. I’ve yet to be disappointed. I can always recommend the mixed platter of cheeses (normally a blue, a chedder and a Wensleydale) and pâté. The pâté is always delicious. The platter comes with four great hunks of freshly made bread and a little serving of chutney… it’s enough for four people as a light lunch or two to feel nice and full. I love the fact that it’s a proper traditional pub with no music blasting over the top of the conversation you might be trying to have.

If you want a serious real ale drinking house, this is it.
Limited opening hours but great range of well kept and priced drinks in an unusual building right on the market square.
Well worth a visit for real ale buffs, but gets crowded at peak times.

This is one of those great ‘old man’ pubs that you can relax and have a pint in without all the loud, obnoxious yobs that frequent Wetherspoons, et cetera. It’s dark and full of men old enough to be your granddad, but it’s quiet and the beer is good.