Given the number of outstanding boozers in our part of the country, the title of Yorkshire and the Humber’s best pub is a huge honour – and that’s exactly what was bestowed upon Harrogate’s The Fat Badger earlier this year at the National Pub and Bar Awards.
Situated at the bottom of Cold Bath Road and on the edge of the town centre, the Fat Badger has carved out a reputation as one of Harrogate’s most popular venues since it opened back in 2010, culminating in this summer’s prestigious gong. Well worth a visit, then.
We dropped by on a cold, late November weekday afternoon to see what their food menu had to offer. When you walk through the door, you’re met with an upmarket, classy, traditional vibe, with welcoming and friendly staff that quickly put you at ease.
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The menu ticks plenty of boxes, with a range of mains, pizzas, steaks and sandwiches, but we went for two dishes from the ‘pub classics’ section of the menu, the Fat Badger burger and the Shepherd’s pie.
(Image: Joe Mewis)
The burger was a quality, thick patty, that was well seasoned, superbly cooked and had a generous layer of Swiss cheese oozing over the top of it. A brioche bun and a tasty chipotle relish capped it off nicely.
Better still was the Shepherd’s pie. With the temperature outside that day struggling to get over zero, this was a perfect winter dish to order and it did not disappoint. It was topped with a Wensleydale and caper crust, which sat perfectly on the creamy mashed potatoes, while the meat was rich and filling. The portion size was excellent, with this filling, hearty serving just what you want on a winter’s day.
(Image: Joe Mewis)
Like the burger, this was simply made, but all the better for it, with the quality of the ingredients and the preparation doing the talking.
As a lunch venue, The Fat Badger offered a relaxing, homely feel, but it’s also the kind of place where you can make an evening of things, working your way through the vast array of ales on display as you sink further into the deep armchairs or leather-seated booths.
Friendly, classy, an excellent drink selection and classic food done well, you can see what the attraction is here and just why the award judges were impressed.
(Image: Joe Mewis)
The Bill
1 Fat Badger burger – £15.95
1 x Shepherd’s pie – £15.95
1 x 250ml glass of Merlot – £8.95
1 x San Pellegrino – £3.20
Total: £44.05
The Fat Badger, Cold Bath Road, Harrogate, HG2 0NF
Full menu online at https://www.thefatbadgerharrogate.com/
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