The Cross Keys
📍 17 Cheapside, Knaresborough HG5 8AX, UK
About The Cross Keys
The Cross Keys is a highly-rated pub nestled in the charming market town of Knaresborough, proudly operated by Ossett Brewery. With an impressive Google rating of 4.4/5 stars, it stands as a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike. Situated on Cheapside, the pub is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and outstanding array of beverages, establishing itself as a notable establishment in the town.
Patrons consistently praise the superb selection of well-kept real ales, which includes a range of Ossett Brewery favourites and regularly rotating guest beers, alongside a choice of real ciders. The pub offers a lively calendar of events, featuring monthly live music and a popular weekly quiz night every Thursday, which adds to its vibrant community feel. The dedicated team are frequently noted for their friendly and efficient service, ensuring a pleasant and memorable experience for all who visit.
Visiting Information
The Cross Keys opens daily, typically from 3:00 PM on weekdays and from 12:00 PM on weekends, closing at 11:00 PM Sunday-Thursday and midnight on Friday-Saturday. The pub provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, though it does not have wheelchair-accessible parking. For convenience, it accepts a variety of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC payments.
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📍 17 Cheapside, Knaresborough HG5 8AX, UK
from 374 reviews
Google Reviews
Reviews from Google Maps.
Showing 5 of 374 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.
After the trauma of "The Face Plank Arms," Casta and Jorvic brought us to this Ossett Brewery pub. Superb beer choice but I went for my favourite Butterly bitter. A lovely pub with a front paved patio and excellent taste in music. 5 Ossett, 1 guest and 2 real ciders. A CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2025 entry.
Great staff are par for the course in Ossett Houses - you’ll also always get a well kept pint of one of their house ales - 5 on offer today. It’s always a good sign when you find the pub filling up with regulars in the afternoon. Monthly live music and Quiz night every Thursday should keep you entertained. Located just round the corner from the castle.
BEWARE: Popped in yesterday. Ordered a half pint of Hell Rat Lager. Charged £2.50. Handed over a £10 note (I had a witness.) was given £2.50 back. I said "should it not be £7.50 change?" A furious stare and a very quick "you handed me a £5 note!" Again, I had a witness. I reply that I had handed over £10. "It was £5!" I just decided to leave it as clearly I have been taken advantage of after telling the barman that I was only in Knarebsorough for the day. Keep in mind that I have not ever had situation before and there was a witness to back me up, who found the ordeal incredibly suspicious..the pub was well lit (he could see that it was clearly a £10 note) and he instantly replied with a suspiciously hostile tone. I have also worked as a barman for the last 3 years and never encountered anyone question my change and I would never reply in such a hostile manner if a customer wanted to question a transaction. Keep in mind that I was his first customer of the day so he could instantly be able to prove the true amount by checking his till for earning information and the cash he's earned above his float for the day (this can be done within 30 seconds, especially on a quiet Tuesday afternoon.)
Very nice and traditional old Ossett pub . Good selection of ales and spacious with offset rooms. Outside seating and live music. Friendly staff and local friendly, tourists welcome with dogs
Terrific traditional alternative to many craft bars. Full of friendly local people , bar staff who knew the beers and is a favourite of ours