Monty's Jazz Bar (Harrogate)

What: Bar
For: Cocktails
With: Friends
Site: Here

Well, first of all, it's not a jazz bar. At least it isn't any more, maybe it used to be once. These days they play rock, and it's variations, from classic rock, to punk, to metal, to emo, and everything in between. Occasionally they have live bands, though I've never gone there to see one.

They do play the music very loud as well. I'm not sure if they're open during the day, or at what time they turn the music up, but whenever I've been there it's loud. Which is a shame, because otherwise it's a really cool little place. Having to shout to my friends is the only thing that stops me from going there more often.

The atmosphere is good, the bar is usually busy, and it's rare to see someone not having fun. There's plenty of tables and so on, a stage, and a football table - which is a lovely addition to any bar, I'm all up for pool and quiz machines, but you don't get to play table football so often, and it's nice to have it. Also, there's a dance floor of sorts, though I've only seen it properly used twice, usually it's got more tables on it.

Of course, you don't go to Monty's to play table football. You probably don't go for the music, because even hardcore rock fans will find some sub-genre within rock that they can't abide, and you can guarantee that they'll play that sub-genre at some point. Oh, and the TV screens always seem to be showing Scuzz, the music videos don't match the music playing, which can be hilarious in itself, but really, no one actually wants to watch Scuzz.

So the reason you go? The cocktails. The list is one of the most extensive I've seen, it's certainly the best in Harrogate (the only other place I know of specialising in cocktails is Moko, and going to Moko always seems to be a great effort). They're even cheap and interesting enough to entice "real men" to try them.

Even more special, is the fact that before 9pm cocktails are buy one get one free. The best way to take advantage of this is like so:

1. Choose a friend with good taste.
2. Say that you'll give them your second cocktail, if they give you theirs.
3. Order a cocktail each.
4. Get a free cocktail, identical to the one you ordered.
5. Swap your free one with your friend.
6. Enjoy.

So, in spite of the loud (and occasionally dreadful) music, Monty's is a lot of fun. It's really unusual that you don't have a giggle there. The cocktails alone keep it interesting enough that if you're out in Harrogate, it would be a shame not to stop there for a drink at some point.