The Winter Gardens

Well above average, uncommonly pretty JDW pub in Harrgate.
I had drinks there while waiting for a concert at the nearby Royal Hall. The Winter Gardens takes its name from the large building of which it is a part. It is much prettier than most JDW pubs, with a lovely flight of stairs down towards the pub proper (see photo). Still, like almost all JDW waterholes, it offers a decent selection of real ales (as well as a ton of other drinks) at very competitive prices.
Seating is comfortable, the bar area is very stylish indeed, the staff friendly if not particularly knowledgeable about beer (when is it EVER at a Spoon?). A nice place for birthdays too I guess. Of course, the menu is JDW 1−0−1. Certainly a good place to while away a lazy afternoon. Outside seating, too.
Recommended.

Ok this W has a great interior and the beer is ok. But definitely not the best W in the country it actually feels like a guge barn or posh dining room.

Wow, definately the BEST Wetherspoons in the country. Have you seen the interior/​inside of the building? Unbeliveable, I love it, you just have be very careful walking down the stairs as you go through the entrance as they are very thin and the staircase is a bit steep!
Me and a close mate visited the pub recently, the pub was busy, the staff were nice & very friendly and we got value for money on our food and drink, there were several screens to keep up-​to-​date on the current news events worldwide.
I’ll definately visit the pub again, if I’m in the area!

It’s a Wetherspoons so you know what to expect. Lots of short life ale at knockdown prices, doubled up spirits for pound extra, gangs of teens and alcoholics. Same everywhere. What sets this place apart is the sheer size and architectural beauty of the place. A sweeping split stone staircase comes in from the front and a vast open area accessed via a reasonable beer garden is the rear. A mainstay in the Harrogate scene. I recommend you start your evening here before hiking up the hill to the overdraft inducing bars of John street.