Smiling Mule, Eccleshill

Some 200-years old, this traditional low-beamed local, in a residential area just off Harrogate Road (A658) and near the Industrial Museum, re-opened in June 2025 following an extensive refurbishment. It was originally called the Gardeners but eventually adopted its nickname. It comprises two main rooms either side of a centrally located bar with a conservatory to the rear. The comfortably furnished lounge, known as the "Best Room", includes discrete seating areas. The tap room is simply furnished and contains a TV screen for showing sports and a screened darts area. A pool table is housed in the conservatory. A large beer garden and children's play area is located to the rear. There are three hand-pulls for cask ales on the bar to one room and two hand-pulls to the other. When visited in September 2025, there was only a single regular real ale available. The pub is home to pool, darts and dominoes teams and hosts league matches. Karaoke takes place on Saturday evenings. A games event takes place on Sundays from 3pm and includes bingo, an 'Open the Box' competition, a 'Find the Joker' competition, killer darts and pool. Closing times during the week may vary depending upon the demand.