The Old Bell

The Bell Tavern originated from the early 17th century alehouses, serving visitors resorting to Harrogate’s famous Old Sulphur Well, which lies beneath the dome of the Royal Pump Room museum opposite the premises. Sometimes known as the ‘Blue Bell’, probably because of the colour of its sign, the inn was also a stage in the York to Harrogate coaching run.

The Bell closed in November 1815 and the property was occupied privately until 1846 when the site was cleared for the construction of Royal Parade.

The 1841 Harrogate Improvement Act prohibited excavation within 600yds of the Old Sulphur Well and, as a result, the old tavern cellars were incorporated into the new building. The first tenant of 6 Royal Parade was Joseph Fletcher, a saddler who was succeeded by his two sons. A third son was manager of the Royal Pump Room.

The business remained in the Fletcher family until 1891 when it was acquired by George Fowler, a former apprentice and Fletcher’s foreman, Vickers. After 1924, when Vickers retired, George Fowler continued the saddlers & leather business and was succeeded by his son Stuart, who retired in 1956.

Since then, the premises have been used as a shop, a café and a restaurant until April 1999 when, after restoration, the ‘Old Bell’ opened and the original function of the site was re-established.

In November 2001 the ground floor of No.7 Royal Parade was incorporated into the tavern. Originally the world famous Farrah’s Harrogate Toffee shop, this room has been restored to its former glory. The centre piece is the original Farrah shop display unit, which now hosts a “museum” collection of Farrah memorabilia.

In 1786, it was said of the tenants of the original Bell that they, “provided a stock of the best wines and other liquors, and furnished the house in a manner commodious for the reception of the genteelest families…..”

Although there had been a gap of 184 years between the closing of the original tavern and the opening of the ‘Old Bell’, our standards are equally high and we aim to offer that same level of hospitality to our contemporary visitors to this grand old spa town.