The Winter Gardens - JD Wetherspoon
Cocktail Bar | Harrogate | England | United Kingdom
Historic cocktail bar in Harrogate
The cocktail bar "The Winter Gardens - JD Wetherspoon" in Harrogate, England, is an impressive pub housed in a historic building and part of the well-known JD Wetherspoon chain. The building was originally part of the Royal Baths, a Victorian bathing complex opened in 1897 to provide relaxation and walks for visitors regardless of the weather. The Winter Gardens themselves were designed as a covered leisure area where guests could relax amidst palm trees - albeit plastic ones today - and enjoy music from a piano in the 1920s. In the 1930s, the city orchestra played here every morning, with free entry for the bath's patients. After part of the baths closed in the late 1960s, the building was taken over by Wetherspoon in the early new millennium and converted into a pub, with many of the original architectural features preserved.
Wetherspoon pub with Victorian architecture
The interior of the Winter Gardens is a sight to behold. Visitors enter the pub through a lounge with stone side arcades and then proceed through a magnificent, split-level stone staircase - touted by many as the most beautiful among the Wetherspoon pubs - into the spacious bar area with high ceilings. The Victorian design is evident in details such as the glass roof, imperial marble, and decorative stone columns reminiscent of the opulent era of the original use. The bar also features a separate function room and a courtyard outdoor area that provides additional space in good weather. The restoration by Wetherspoon has been careful to maintain the historical splendor, making the pub one of the visually most impressive in the chain.
Enjoy cocktails and real ales
The drink offerings are diverse and reflect the typical Wetherspoon style, with a focus on real ales and cocktails. The bar offers a selection of classics such as Mojito or Espresso Martini, prepared with fresh ingredients, as well as seasonal specials for variety. They take pride in the wide range of real ales served through three sets of hand pumps, including local varieties like the Winter Gardens Blonde Ale from Daleside Brewery. Craft beers such as the Italian Poretti, a full-bodied premium lager, and an extensive wine list complement the offerings. For guests not in the mood for alcohol, there is freshly ground Lavazza coffee with free refills, as well as various tea options. The bar is also a popular spot for sports fans, regularly broadcasting events like the Six Nations Rugby Championship on large screens.
Pub with diverse food menu
Culinary-wise, the Winter Gardens offers a solid selection of pub classics served throughout the day. Breakfast, available until noon, includes the traditional Full English Breakfast with sausages, bacon, and beans, often praised for its generosity. Main courses include favorites like Fish and Chips, where the fish is served in a crispy batter, or homemade pizzas popular as a snack or meal. For lighter options, there are choices like nachos or sandwiches, while desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding round off the British taste. The food is straightforward but tasty, and orders can be placed at the bar or through the Wetherspoon app, making the service efficient.
Family-friendly pub in Harrogate
The atmosphere at the Winter Gardens varies depending on the time of day. During the day, it is relaxed and family-friendly, ideal for breakfast or a quiet lunch, while in the evening it becomes livelier with a larger number of visitors and occasional sports broadcasts. The staff is regularly praised for their friendliness and speed, although it can get busy at peak times. The bar attracts a mixed crowd - from tourists admiring the architecture, to locals appreciating the affordable prices, to groups using the function room for celebrations. The barrier-free accessibility via a separate entrance ensures that the pub is accessible to all.
