Market Tavern

Recently visited Knaresborough for a two night stay with my husband. Had a belting time in the boozer. Bar staff super friendly and very welcoming. Felt right at home felt just like our local pub back home in York. Thank you for your hospitality. Hope to see you soon.

Generally very dingy and not very clean. Although superficially the room seemed reasonable, there were several areas of dirt to be found in various places such as under the sink. The bedding did not seem very fresh and although I can't say for definite, I don't think it had been changed. Breakfast was adequate with extra toast and coffee provided. Although we did have a dog under the table for most of the time, it was a very well behaved dog but indicative of poor hygiene to me. We went mid week so the bar itself was nice and quiet and the landlord very friendly. He was the only staff member we saw all trip, he cooked breakfast as well.

We were really well looked after by the landlord & landlady. Room was basic, clean and comfortable. Breakfast was ace, served with a rich smile and some great locals advice for spending a cracking couple of hours in Knaresborough. Nice rooms, decent pub, lovely personal service & a friendly dog all add up to a smashing overnight stop. We’ll be back.

These days, when you find a pub actually open on a Monday, let alone a Monday afternoon, you feel like dancing round the maypole. There's a cluster of promising pubs and bars near the Market Tavern, but they were closed; so kudos to the MT for making the effort. Inside was a merry bunch of drinkers, hosted by world-class barmaid Wendy, who greeted me like a welcome guest and even (unique and useful touch) gave me a heads up on where the gents were. (This saved me my usual shenanigans of walking into random alcoves and broom cupboards in the attempt to find them, while pretending to be inspecting the architecture.) As soon as Wendy was out of earshot, the locals told me she was the best barmaid in Yorkshire; and I doubt they're far wrong. They only did one cask ale, Mad Goose Purity, but it was very nice; and chatting away with the friendly locals, I got through four pints of that bad boy before I knew it. The Bristolian landlord himself seemed a decent guy too. At one point, a child knocked a drink over, and Wendy swept round the bar to cheerfully clean up and even refill the amount of drink the child had lost. As a stranger, to wander in and be made at home as I was, felt heartwarming. I'll remember this pub with the greatest affection.

In Knaresborough on market day last week. On impulse went into this pub for lunch...not something I do a lot on my own (I am 83). Made to feel welcome and partook of an excellent lunch which was good value for the cost. Lovely atmosphere..Highly recommend.