Little 3 - Hambleton

It would be hard to think of a better all round pub in the centre of Thirsk than the Little 3. It is a very smart and tidy pub in the traditional style; with its music evenings it provides a bit of entertainment; and on non-music nights it is a perfect local pub. The service from the two young ladies was friendly and professional and we always enjoy our visits here.

Went to the Little 3 in Thirsk for a night out to see a band play. It was a lovely evening the pub is hospitable and the outside beer garden area is fine. But there was a weird problem. I ordered a Bacardi and coke my date said she could taste no Bacardi. She was right. I ordered a second one, this time without ice. Same thing. No taste of Bacardi, no smell of Bacardi, nothing. I was quite sober as I was driving. And my date always feels the effect of one, let alone two, Bacardis but was feeling nothing at all. I checked with a third person, a guy who was also sober as he too was driving. He also could not detect any Bacardi at all. Now, it may be that all three of us were mistaken I should perhaps have ordered a neat Bacardi on its own to check what I was actually buying. Could it be that the Bacardi as sold is being watered down? I don't know and don't want to be unfair to this pub. But three adults, none of whom were drunk, were unable to detect any Bacardi at all in two successive Bacardi cokes. Make of that what you will.

Hubby and I popped in for a drink and some Sunday lunch and we were well impressed!!!! Pub serves Sunday lunch until 5pm, and the bar man was cheerful and attentive. I had the lamb, my hubby the beef and it was the best ever….. lots of well cooked meat, vegetables, cauliflower cheese and the best ever yorkie puds we will definitely be back

Although the Little 3 might seem like a bit of a modern name, the pub is a splendid example of an old traditional pub with huge wooden beam and nooks and crannies aplenty; and according to signage it was originally called Ye Olde Three Tuns. The service during our visit was top class and the beers were also very good. This is certainly one of the best pubs in town and I can say from a previous visit that the music nights are also very good.

We went there a couple of times during our stay in Thirsk. Friendly staff, great outside area, best beer in Thirsk by a long way. No wonder people in nearby towns were recommending it!