The Empress

You'll find The Empress tucked away on Church Square, that quiet corner of Harrogate where the chaos of the town centre feels miles away. It's the sort of place where regulars know the staff by name and you're never made to feel like an outsider—pull up a stool at the bar or claim one of the worn leather booths and settle in. The pub does honest, unpretentious food that doesn't try too hard, proper ales rotate through the taps, and there's enough character in the wood panelling and vintage touches to remind you this place has history. It's your local even if you've never been before.