A pub that has survived almost unchanged from my youth in Darlington is The Brittania. It used to be part of the Camerons estate but appears to be a free house. It had no Strongarm on tap when I was there a couple of days ago but there was sufficient choice of real ales to compensate.
I'm still fond of the Tan Hill Inn near where North Yorkshire, County Durham and Westmoreland met and, weather permitting, will be cycling there on News Year's Day.
Then there's the Falcon Inn at Arncliffe, North Yorkshire with one of the bluntest speaking landlords that I've ever met. The beer is poured from a barrel into a jug before being decanted into a glass. It's worth a visit to step back in time by five or so decades - the decor and outside privvy have not kept up with the times but add to the charm of the place. Don't arrive too close to closing time or you'll get short shrift.
Last but not least is the Holly Hill in Richmond, North Yorkshire. A decent quiet pub away from the centre of Richmond.