Independent Harrogate business that saved Old Bell Tavern triumph at Yorkshire awards
A much-loved family-run brewery in Harrogate has won the region's best beer at the 2025 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.
Harrogate Brewing Co, which stepped in to save Harrogate’s historic Old Bell Tavern bar, took the top prize for its Harrogate Best Bitter at this year’s event, which celebrates Yorkshire’s thriving food and drink industry.
Run by Joe and Julie Joyce with their daughter Martha, wowed judges with the quality and depth of its Harrogate Best Bitter, which was praised as “complex and intriguing with a nose that beckons you on,” offering “a multi-layered mouthful packed full of flavour, followed by a long, satisfying and gently bitter finish.”
Judging took place over the summer, led by Head Judge and artisan food champion Nigel Barden.
The expert panel included chefs, industry specialists, writers and supermarket buyers, who tasted every entry before selecting the finalists announced in September.
Since the Yorkshire born-and-bred co-owners Joe Joyce and his wife Julie took over the independent brewery located off Hookstone Chase in early 2020, after being established in 2013 by founder Anton Stark, Harrogate Brewing Co and its popular taproom have been a huge hit.
The small but impactful brewery took over The Old Bell Tavern in Harrogate earlier this year, renaming it Harrogate Brewing Co, where they serve a wide range of their beers alongside a new food menu designed by chef James North.
Last year saw HBCo win a series of national and regional awards from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA).