Pub Of The Week: The Cock and Bottle, Skipton

Those who know about these kind of things believe the name originates in the ready availability of liquor in draught or bottle form, the “cock” being the name for the tap in the very front of the barrel.

One of the survivors is the delightful pub in Skipton, not so far from the canal, with which much of its vivid history is entwined. Apparently the navigators who built the waterway used to frequent the Cock and Bottle in their droves, and even (‘tis rumoured) used the upstairs rooms for purposes other than merely having a sup or three.

Today, the walls are lined with a fair amount of local memorabilia (ask to have a look at the Press Gang Prevention drinking tankards) and when the temperatures eventually do rise, there’s also a beer garden.

It’s a place much-loved by the regulars, and tourists and visitors seem to lap up the ambience – plastered and brick walls, ancient fireplaces, flagged floor – even in a town like Skipton, where there are so many pubs with character, the Cock and and Bottle stands out. Lots of good and beautifully kept local ales - Black Sheep is a favourite, and Theakston’s plays a large part as well, as does Saltaire. Parking, of course, is the problem, but the bus station and the railway are near at hand. It’s a great example of a proper little village pub – in the heart of a thriving town.

Phil Penfold

The Cock and Bottle, 30 Swadford Street, Skipton BD23 1RD. 01756 794734, www.cockandbottle.co.uk

THE VERDICT

Welcome*****

Drinks selection****

Atmosphere*****

Food****

Prices*****