Pete Egerton

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

New Order

Regret

Listen Live

Knaresborough pub crowned 'Best Beer Pub' at awards ceremony

Monday, 29 September 2025 08:50

Blind Jack's staff after their win.

Blind Jack's on the Knaresborough Market Place won Best Beer Pub at the 2025 Great British Pub Awards.

The ceremony was held on 24th September at Leeds First Direct Arena.

Hosted by celebrity English comedian, Seann Walsh, the night gave the chance to award 17 pubs on their great achievements.

Amongst the winner was Knaresborough's Blind Jack's, a small independent pub owned by Christian and Alice Ogley since 2017.

The couple shared their reaction to their win on Facebook:

Embed not found

The traditional ale house, set in a Grade II listed building on Knaresborough’s Market Place, has long been a favourite for both locals and visitors.

With its wood-panelled rooms, roaring fireplaces, and walls steeped in history.

Named after the legendary local figure John “Blind Jack” Metcalf, an 18th-century road builder and adventurer who lost his sight to smallpox, the pub has always embraced its heritage.

Today, it’s equally celebrated for looking forward, championing independent breweries and a diverse range of cask and craft beers.

After their winner the couple said:

"This award means everything to us.

"It's the ultimate recognition of everything we have poured into every pint.

"This is just the beginning, it all starts here"

The Great British Pub Awards are held every year to celebrate pubs across the UK that excel in specific categories and an 'Overall Great British Pub' award is handed out.

This year, the overall winner was Crown Wharf in Staffordshire.

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has praised Blind Jack’s for decades, with the pub featuring in the Good Beer Guide for over 30 consecutive years.

To see more from Blind Jack's, click the link to their website here.

More from Local News

Yorkshire's biggest ever pug meet to be held at Harewood House

Yorkshire's biggest-ever gathering of pugs is set to take place at Harewood House next month.
Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly

Residents are being reminded not to place batteries or unwanted electrical items containing batteries in their household waste or recycling bins to help to prevent fires.
Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue

Knaresborough's first dedicated town centre padel venue will officially open on Friday with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor taking to the court.
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub

A new award recognising Yorkshire's best pub has been introduced as part of the 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.