The Kestrel Pub in Harrogate

Knaresborough HG5 8LY

About This Pub

You know, I had a lovely time at The Kestrel the other day, and it's one of those pubs that really captures the essence of a traditional country spot without any fuss. The food is spot on – think hearty favourites like burgers and fishcakes that leave you satisfied, and they've got a great selection of drinks to pair with it, from cask ales to British gins. The staff are just brilliant, always greeting you with a smile and remembering your face if you pop back, which makes it feel personal and welcoming. Plus, with the beautiful gardens and cosy log fires, it's perfect for whiling away an afternoon, especially if you're out for a walk with the dog. On the flip side, do mind those low beams; they're charming but could catch you out if you're not careful, and it does get a bit hectic when the crowds roll in, particularly near that busy roundabout. Overall, it's a solid choice for anyone looking for good value and a relaxed vibe, and I'd definitely recommend it for a catch-up with mates – just plan ahead for busier times to make the most of it.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The food is absolutely brilliant, with a fantastic variety of hearty classics and seasonal dishes that always hit the spot.
The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
It's got such a cosy atmosphere with crackling log fires and beautiful gardens, ideal for relaxing with a pint or a meal.
Dog-friendly vibes make it perfect for a post-walk stop, especially with all the lovely countryside around.
Free parking and stunning views over the fields add to the charm, plus the rooms are comfy if you're staying overnight.

Cons

Those low beams can be a bit of a nuisance – you'll want to watch your head when you're wandering about inside.
It can get quite busy, especially being right on the main road, so you might have to wait for a table at peak times.
With standard opening hours up to 11 PM, it's not the spot for a late-night session if you're after something that stays open longer.

Contact Information

Knaresborough HG5 8LY

+441423797979

Pub

Opens at 07:00

Opening Hours

Monday	07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday (Today)	07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 23:00
Thursday	07:00 - 23:00
Friday	07:00 - 23:00
Saturday	08:00 - 23:00
Sunday	08:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Our waitress Gemma remembered us and welcomed us back for our second lunchtime visit. The menu provides an excellent variety and we were delighted with our chosen dishes. I particularly enjoyed my mocktail - Berry Cooler.

Anne Sentance

We stayed in room 10. A lovely room with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Very clean and well furnished. Breakfast was superb, good quality sausages and bacon. Cooked perfectly with all a full English should have. All staff we met were very friendly and helpful.

Jayne Anderson

An awesome charming pub, the Kestrel Inn offers customers a warm welcome with an abundance of character features, like huge wooden beams and real log fires 🔥. Plenty of comfy chairs and rustic tables, there's a spot for everyone to chill and enjoy the charms of the Kestrel Inn. Our room (no.6) was spacious, decorated with a warm, inviting style. Firm but comfy bed, with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Brilliant shower 🚿 with very hot water. We stayed for 2 nights, Louise the manageress, was brilliant, approachable and cheerful. The food was hot and very appealing. Definitely a place to visit if you're in the Harrogate area.

Ian Allen

Great location on the very busy A661 near the A658 roundabout into Harrogate is The Kestrel a very lovely country pub. With its LOW beams - so just watch your head when you walk in. Plenty of FREE parking overlooking farmers fields and lovely surrounding views. A freehouse pub with popular lagars and beers, plenty of wines and spirits too. Seating inside and out to enjoy the long summer nights or watch it through the windows. In colder months i believe the log fires are lit. Everyone was so nice, the booking was quick and went through to a main booking office. You can book tables by just pressing the keypad on your phone. The room was big, airy and clean, shower was hot with towels, soap dispenser by the sink and in the shower, and plenty of plugs. An iron and ironing board, the TV at 1st glace looks out of place on the side wall but if your careful it will pull out and pivot so you can watch it from the bed. Hot drink facillities, tea, coffee & biscuits. If you just want a nice meal then theres plenty to choose from steaks, burgers, pizzas in the resteraunt and i had the full english for breakfast with coffee and orange juice.

Alan Staton

Wonderful lunch. Great service, welcoming and attentive. Lovely spacing of tables. The chips were fantastic and our son raved about his signature burger. The fishcakes and gammon were delicious too. Will definitely go back.

Nancy Radford