This is not a bar. It's an institution…read more 22 years old this year, the Blues Bar is a much-loved, treasured part of Harrogate's social scene. There's live music every night of the week and during the day, a relaxed chilled out atmosphere to enjoy some grub and a cuppa or even sample some of the fine lagers on offer via both tap and bottle. Some of the very best local bands feature on the latest listings, while the likes of Jools Holland and Van Morrison have graced the place in its long history in music. Who else do you need to give the place a seal of approval? Me, you say? Well, it's got it.

I only popped in for an afternoon drink but I liked the place, good atmosphere ,good coffee, great…read moremusic and real ale to boot. The prices seemed very good for it's location. Wish I had the chance to spend an evening there to sample food and live music. It was Betty's or The Blues. The Blues won. I just wish we had something like it in Warrington.

My air guitar is out. It has been dusted down and we're ready to rock. Let me begin. All down to…read moreMontey's and rock baby, I said rock. This little beauty is run by the same people who own one in York. It's still an independent venue though and is a welcome change from some of the other places in the town. What really impresses me is the range of drinks. Whatever your tipple you can get it here. It's also quite a young clientele. Think I'm probably getting too old to be looking for young crowds but I'm clinging onto my youth a while longer yet. I like to have a beer in one hand and my guitar hand free just in case. Though you can get cocktails if you want. They also do wines and spirits. On Saturday nights it is all about the music. They'll serve you up some live bands and music. You know it makes sense! It does what it says on the tin. It's rock, it's a café and it's called Montey's. Simples.

You used to be called Monty's. I'm not sure if you still are…read more You let me drink here when I was fifteen (over a decade ago...), and I drank horrible cocktails with fruity crap in them and listened to the Doors. Thanks for not making me have to go to the Valley Gardens to drink cider out of a two litre bottle... 5 Stars!

Beautiful, well-preserved historic concert hall. Acoustics are better than ok, too…read more Went there for a concert by the visiting Manchester Hallé Orchestra in September 2014. The decor in this Victorian age concert hall is stylish indeed, from the peculiar circular corridor around the back to the stunning, plush auditorium. When you're entering it truly is like a step back in time. The venue offers classical as well as pop concerts and many other kinds of performances and shows (A town the size of Harrogate does not have its own professional orchestra - of course). The acoustics are not as colorful as at, say, the Manchester Bridgewater Hall or the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, but they are still very good, with a nice presence. Seats in the auditorium are comfortable, even cozy. Amenities include a bar, located along said circular corridor.

It would be so easy to give this beautiful venue a 5 star ***** review. It's breath-taking inside,…read morejust stunning. The recent restoration that was finished in 2008 has made it one of the most outstanding looking theatres in the north of England. It has one of the oddest features in the form of a circular corridor around the outside of the foyer area - this must have been truly spectacular with all the sides open in good weather. The ceiling of the auditorium is quite amazing. The whole place is a classic old-fashioned theatre. A few things let it down. Brownie points for the large number of ladies toilets which meant that when I was there recently my other half didn't spend the whole interval queuing to use them. On the other hand I actually did spend most of the interval queuing as, for reason, it was decided to make the number of toilets in the gents minimal. This meant a good 60 or 70 caught-short blokes standing around the stair area in confused fashion. It's almost like the place has taken revenge on men who have hardly had to queue to use the loo! In addition the place has a heavy handed approach to anyone trying to take photos. While this might make sense for many theatrical productions when a rock band play there - and quite a few do - it's just weird. People tend to take photos at music shows these days, but try it here and you'll get into trouble There is a team of stealthy black-suited ladies who's sole occupation it seems is to police the venue and creep up on anyone who dares to take out a camera. I sat almost at the back with no one behind me and as soon as I took a picture I hand grabbed my shoulder and a lady stage whispered into my ear: 'no photography'. We then watched in amusement as this team of ladies crept about, shoulders hunched, trying to find more culprits. They didn't bother with people in the middle of rows but anyone sitting in an aisle seat was considered fair game. We saw about 20 people get collared. It became silly. I sneakily took a few shots but I suspect I'd have been ejected if I'd been caught a second time. For such an old-style place to be so strict is a bit off putting. I'm all for stopping vast numbers of video cameras and the like but an occasional snap when bright flashing lights are all around is mad.

I used to be one of those annoying people who wore sunglasses in nightclubs. Yes, I confess so you…read morecan flog me now with a wet kipper and halibut. I maybe should have continued that rather embarrassing trend on heading into Moko. Holy multi coloured cow! This is one bright and colour splashed mother. It is like a rainbow explosion or the results of over eating Skittles. However it kind of works. The scheme gives it a vibrant and funky edge and after a while I stop checking what cigarettes I've been smoking or who has had access to my drinks. As for the music you'll find house and r n b on a Saturday. All mixed together by the in house DJs. Just a tip here to one said DJ, maybe DJ Lawrence James isn't the most catchy signature tag. Just a thought. If you want to come throughout the week though, they have ample nights of bedlam and musical highs. Tuesdays are Geek Chic night with the aptly named DJ Trev at the helm for some Indie themed inspiration. It's quite a departure from many places in Leeds city centre but it is one that has to be seen to be believed.

It's rare that us lucky enough to live near Leeds venture elsewhere in Yorkshire for a night out,…read moreisn't it? I know that's the case for me. Why go elsewhere - I've got music venues, brilliant bars, eclectic nightclubs and a plethora of great restaurants within a few miles of my home? One reason is, of course, friends. Harrogate is a different night out to Leeds, you'll notice that as soon as you step foot out of the train station. There's less of a scene. There's no defined indie/electro/dubstep or any niche nights of note on a weekend. Harrogate isn't specialist. Moko Lounge, mind, is open till six in the morning on a weekend. And that, for those of us who have the stamina to dance, literally, all night long; it truly is a very special place. It's strange walking out of a club and seeing people go to work though, really strange. Drinks aren't cheap but the barmen are all skilful, flaring left, right and centre and concocting thirst-quenching mouth-wateringly good cocktails. At a price. In the girls toilets, there's straighteners which made the night of the girls I was on the town with. Give me a toilet attendant who's got Chupa-Chups over straighteners any day, though.

Smack across from the Harrogate Conference Center and right on a busy corner is this terrific bar…read more(actually I'd call it more a pub, but whatever...) They carry a large selection of great beers on tap and you must try the local ones from Theakstons Brewery... I loved their Best Bitter and their Old Peculier (yep - that's the right spelling). Decent pub food (sorry... "bar" food). Excellent fish and chips (tons of french fries)... super hot chili (on top of a mound of fries) and also had a decent chicken burger - with a huge side of fries... The place gets packed right at the end of the work day with locals and visitors... diverse mixed crowd (both suits and construction workers). Some nice tables to sit outside if the weather allows it...

Christies has a good atmosphere and a nice play to go for a drink. There are two large screens…read morewhich they show sport on. While in Christies they had two different champions leagues games on so a lot of people were in there - so if you want a seat you'll need to get in there early. We never ate in there but the food smelt nice - the menu was quite reasonably priced and had a wide range of pub grub on there. Worth a visit.

excellent hospitality. cracking pint of john smiths. brandy not too shabby. to quote alan wicker…read morewish you were here 0

Oh my oh my. My budget is suffering now. However, it'll have to struggle a little bit more yet…read morebecause I've just discovered a quite simply stunning and deluxe bar, the Lure Luxe Bar. Now this is grand to the extreme. This mother is one stylish player with decadent furnishings and a sophisticated feel. What's more you get tables that light up, built in ice buckets and a real baby grand piano. To make me even giddier, they do fizz by the glass. Is this place for real? You don't even have to move because a delightful hostess will see to your every need (within reason). The drinks list is awesome too. If money is no object then go for a deluxe Champagne. Or try one of the zillion or so cocktails that will blow you away. If you want aged rums, no problem. Plus, you'll find some of the finest cognacs. James Bond wouldn't look out of place here. The food isn't bad either but I'm singing this little babies praises for some serious drinking action. Make sure the credit card isn't maxed out though; you'll need every penny you can muster. Extreme to every level but marvellous if costly.

On first examination it appears as a shining beacon of sophistication amid a sea of mediocrity…read moreespecially when viewed juxtapose to the classy Alex opposite it. (Detect the sarcasm ?) Well, pretty as it is, full of pretty people as it is, you cannot take away the fact that in order to get in you have to part the Red Sea of leprous smokers who spoil any possible al fresco moment with their toxic fumes. The beers are expensive and if you do not order a single spirit you get a double as standard which I think is wrong and can come as a shock in a large and non beer drinking round. Lots of possibilities from here. Next door for instance at the Banyan which is far better. Not a bad stopping off point but make sure it is not your round.

We were invited by a client to a drinks evening while in harrogate and this was the first Pitcher…read moreand Piano i had been in. The decor is really modern but comfortable and the staff were friendly. Really nice place to go and chill out to have a drink with friends or your partner. Prices pretty normal for a wine bar.