Hello,
posts have been a bit thin on the ground recently due to my being "busy" AKA not exactly at home. Or particularly sober. The upshot of which is that all sorts of things have happened, which I hope to recap below.
On Thursday I went to the Closed Shop. As mentioned last time out, the pub has reopened after its refurbishment, and as predicted, does indeed have a slightly increased beer range, and as hoped, continues to be rather fab. There are a few last minor issues to overcome, like planning permission for alterations to the beer garden, but overall its much cosier and beerier and looks good.
There are minor concerns based on my two visits thus far, and in the interest of balance (I'm rubbish at hiding bias am afraid) I'll list them here.
Firstly its chuffing warm (and this isn't entirely down to the weather), and also, the standard international spacial tolerance allowance for gaps between tables and fixed seating has been blatantly flouted in an attempt to seat more folks. Not that this is a great problem, not least because the above regulation is something I made up, but it is marginally problematic for big lad. I can, if I like, scare small children and the weak hearted by placing my hernia on the table. Or I can sit elsewhere. I'd rather do neither.......
Still, its ironic to consider that the more time I spend sat in said environment the more it in some way contributes further to spacial issues, since there has been quite a lot of very good beer on. Arriving first (no matter what anyone tried to claim) on Thursday I had a pint of Abbeydale Dr Morton's Angler Management, followed by a Nethergate lager, and several pints of Blue Bee Tangled Up IPA, which true to form, was rather nice. I also think I had a Titanic Plum Porter. In summary, people were very generous and lots of drinks were bought, and I had the pleasure of good company all night. It was ace.
Sunday saw me invited to the Closed Shop for the soft launch of the food service, which starts on Tuesday. The idea (for dumplings like me who don't understand what a soft launch is) was to put on a range of dishes and see how popular they were, what time and place people prefer eating in, and generally how this whole "food" malarkey pans out. Personally I found it all very tasty, and as many others commented, offering free food to everyone on a Sunday is bound to get the punters in. Mr Stephens has not yet but surely would, ask me to point out that food actually has to be purchased under normal trading arrangements. I still would.
The beer range was once again rather good, but I only tried two ales - the Nook Brewhouse Oat Stout was great but once I'd gravitated to Titanic 9 below zero, a fruity 5.9% pale ale, it was that all the way. I'm fairly sure Chala enjoyed her Staropramen, although I couldn't tempt her to a cask beer. It was also good catching up with tree expert Robin, Vickie (this is probably wrong, sorry probably not Vickie) Mister Christopher, and his flat mate Allan.
Leaving Commonside we headed down the road in-between huge downpours to the Dam House. A beautiful walk through Crookes Valley park in hot sunshine ended with 20 minutes sat admiring the view and supping ale. Chala had a half of Wentworth Oyster Stout, and me a pint of Banks and Taylors S.O.D (Shefford Old Dark). I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but two dark beers from a range of two is CHUFFING BRAVE in Sheffield! Luckily I love dark beers....
Our final stop was in the Bath Hotel, where weird new opening hours have been imposed. It used to open at 18.30 maybe 19.00 so we didn't want to arrive early only to find it shut - but had we dallied any longer we'd have not made it in - it seems to shut at 19.30! Unperturbed (well, unaware), I had a pint or few of excellent Mallinsons Topaz and some Chiron whilst Chala had some beer. We weren't really doing research, not that you can tell.
A last mention goes to Shakespeares where I headed after work on Friday. A short session played out in which I was joined by Mister Christopher, and Patrick, from the world of hair. I had a few pints of the excellent new Steel City beer from the cellar, and a half of a Wilson Potter beer (which was excellent) with the word go in it (probably), along with a half of the Arbor Monsoon Saison. Cracking beers and good conversation prevailed as always.
So rounds up some recent slaking and pub related news. Hear's looking forward to a thirsty August ahead.
Cheers
Wee Beefy.
Showing posts with label Closed Shop refurbishment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Closed Shop refurbishment. Show all posts
Monday, 29 July 2013
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Re-closed Closed Shop reopening.....
Yes, I know.
I did this silly alliterative gag last time, and its a bit cheap and sad to do it again. So, um...well, sometimes its best to just stick to what you know.
Anyhoo this is just a quick post to convey precisely all of the above information in the title in a slightly longer and less user friendly format. So you may wish to read on....
The Closed Shop on Commonside only reopened in February but had already built up a good reputation (some hairy man even blathered on about it in a magazine or something) and now, after 3 weeks being closed, the pub is to reopen following a refurbishment, on Thursday 25th July at 18.00.
I'm sure Mr Stephens will be thick skinned enough to see the "hilarious" irony of him not being able to close the pub for refurbishment as intended, back when winter was still upon us, and instead having to close at the very beginning of a three week heatwave. I mean, you gotta laugh... (optional). Still, with any luck there will be more shiny hot weather to come so the beer garden will once again be available to enjoy, along with the no doubt equally shiny new interior, topped off with an expanded range of real ales.*
Other promised changes include the new kitchen which will see them able to serve food - a source close to the business confirmed that previously, the kitchen not existing had rendered the preparation of food in it an impossible task, but that the installation of a kitchen had been considered the most logical step to overcoming the problem of their not having one. Despite my insider knowledge, I'm not certain of exactly when the food menu will be available - but I can bet a substantial amount of money on there being plenty of good quality beer on when the official reopening gets underway.
There is also to be an exhibition of artwork at the pub from Thursday through until 1st October - for ease of reference, here is a link to a website from the Internet regarding the same.
Hopefully some of you can join the glitterati of the Sheffield real ale and pub scene, along with myself, tomorrow night, for a much deserved welcome back to the redoubtable Shop.
Wee Beefy
*subject to my having remembered this right. AKA research.....
I did this silly alliterative gag last time, and its a bit cheap and sad to do it again. So, um...well, sometimes its best to just stick to what you know.
Anyhoo this is just a quick post to convey precisely all of the above information in the title in a slightly longer and less user friendly format. So you may wish to read on....
The Closed Shop on Commonside only reopened in February but had already built up a good reputation (some hairy man even blathered on about it in a magazine or something) and now, after 3 weeks being closed, the pub is to reopen following a refurbishment, on Thursday 25th July at 18.00.
I'm sure Mr Stephens will be thick skinned enough to see the "hilarious" irony of him not being able to close the pub for refurbishment as intended, back when winter was still upon us, and instead having to close at the very beginning of a three week heatwave. I mean, you gotta laugh... (optional). Still, with any luck there will be more shiny hot weather to come so the beer garden will once again be available to enjoy, along with the no doubt equally shiny new interior, topped off with an expanded range of real ales.*
Other promised changes include the new kitchen which will see them able to serve food - a source close to the business confirmed that previously, the kitchen not existing had rendered the preparation of food in it an impossible task, but that the installation of a kitchen had been considered the most logical step to overcoming the problem of their not having one. Despite my insider knowledge, I'm not certain of exactly when the food menu will be available - but I can bet a substantial amount of money on there being plenty of good quality beer on when the official reopening gets underway.
There is also to be an exhibition of artwork at the pub from Thursday through until 1st October - for ease of reference, here is a link to a website from the Internet regarding the same.
Hopefully some of you can join the glitterati of the Sheffield real ale and pub scene, along with myself, tomorrow night, for a much deserved welcome back to the redoubtable Shop.
Wee Beefy
*subject to my having remembered this right. AKA research.....
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
No rest for the thirsted
Hello,
just a few lines about stuff that hasn't happened yet.
The completion of the long awaited refurbishment of the Closed Shop - hasn't happened yet. It has, however, begun in earnest, which is near Commonside, and expects to continue for a bit, during all of which hiatus the pub will remain closed. According to Mr Stephens, the plan is to reopen on the 25th July, which is a Thursday. You can get updates on progress on their Twitter and Friendache accounts, I understand.
Next up in the future is the Monkeyfest (7) at Armitage Bridge, um, "club" near Huddersfield. Alas I haven't made it to this popular beer festival destination before and can't get this year but I'm assured by regular attendees that its rather good. Since I clearly have no idea where it is or when (it's this coming weekend for certain but that's all I know) here is a link to a blogpost about it.
Meanwhile, the Sunfest 2013 at the Rising Sun Nether Green, also hasn't happened yet - but it will, starting on Thursday 11th July and running until Sunday 14th. The nice folks at the pub have even published a beer list on their website, plus meaningless details like "when they open" and "food". You can find this informative link here .
Another event that you won't need to travel back in time to attend (unless its very late on the 21st July or thereafter) is the Tramlines. You may remember the Tramlines from last year when there was oodles of free music and pubs you couldn't get served in. This year will be exactly the same but not as free. Here is another link. It confirms the dates as Friday 19th to Sunday the 21st July as well.
Finally, by far the most spectacular event will be the beer festival at the Star Inn, Folly hall, Huddersfield starting on Wednesday 17th July. I mentioned it on here last year and then promptly didn't attend - not only that, but a paucity of visits to the textile and agro-chemical capital of West Yorkshire means I actually have never made it to the Star. This year all that will change and I'll jolly well be there. Not that this should detract from your willingness to attend. Possibly.
I have included a link to the website if you wish to sample the flavour of life in the pub in September 2009 but for more up to date info see Facefriend or Twitter. Alternatively, Ale Ambler and Will at the "A Swift One" blog nearly always seem to get hold of the list and post details on their blog (see earlier link).
So, another anhydrous month should be avoided, another year off my life should be achieved, but am sure all of the above events are likely to be worth a visit, even if the price you pay is considerably lower than expediting your demise...
Cheers
Wee Beefy
just a few lines about stuff that hasn't happened yet.
The completion of the long awaited refurbishment of the Closed Shop - hasn't happened yet. It has, however, begun in earnest, which is near Commonside, and expects to continue for a bit, during all of which hiatus the pub will remain closed. According to Mr Stephens, the plan is to reopen on the 25th July, which is a Thursday. You can get updates on progress on their Twitter and Friendache accounts, I understand.
Next up in the future is the Monkeyfest (7) at Armitage Bridge, um, "club" near Huddersfield. Alas I haven't made it to this popular beer festival destination before and can't get this year but I'm assured by regular attendees that its rather good. Since I clearly have no idea where it is or when (it's this coming weekend for certain but that's all I know) here is a link to a blogpost about it.
Meanwhile, the Sunfest 2013 at the Rising Sun Nether Green, also hasn't happened yet - but it will, starting on Thursday 11th July and running until Sunday 14th. The nice folks at the pub have even published a beer list on their website, plus meaningless details like "when they open" and "food". You can find this informative link here .
Another event that you won't need to travel back in time to attend (unless its very late on the 21st July or thereafter) is the Tramlines. You may remember the Tramlines from last year when there was oodles of free music and pubs you couldn't get served in. This year will be exactly the same but not as free. Here is another link. It confirms the dates as Friday 19th to Sunday the 21st July as well.
Finally, by far the most spectacular event will be the beer festival at the Star Inn, Folly hall, Huddersfield starting on Wednesday 17th July. I mentioned it on here last year and then promptly didn't attend - not only that, but a paucity of visits to the textile and agro-chemical capital of West Yorkshire means I actually have never made it to the Star. This year all that will change and I'll jolly well be there. Not that this should detract from your willingness to attend. Possibly.
I have included a link to the website if you wish to sample the flavour of life in the pub in September 2009 but for more up to date info see Facefriend or Twitter. Alternatively, Ale Ambler and Will at the "A Swift One" blog nearly always seem to get hold of the list and post details on their blog (see earlier link).
So, another anhydrous month should be avoided, another year off my life should be achieved, but am sure all of the above events are likely to be worth a visit, even if the price you pay is considerably lower than expediting your demise...
Cheers
Wee Beefy
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