Hello boys and girls
when I first joined Twitter I quickly noticed that Twit-savvy folks were organising meetings, almost exclusively to drink, via Twitter. Being a man of letters (in so far as the postman delivers em and I read em), I was quick to understand that this was a popular phenomena. People were Twissing up left right and centre.
With my recent MeetIRL hobby coming along slowly, and fearing I may have missed out on the rapacious expansion of this practice, I was delighted to be invited to a Twissup with folks from the Internet. So it was I met in the Rutland Arms (where else?) with redpola, nimrod777, FeastAndGlory, and malv173 for a meal, a chat, and beer. Lots of beer.
Having got there a minute early and found everyone seated and slaking, I quickly got myself a pint of actual OnTheEdge brewery beer. For real! It even had a pumpclip and everyuthing, like what actual beer not for sale in a school does. . It was called Sovereign Gold and it was fantastic. I had a good few pints just to make sure. Meanwhile irregular beer slaker F&G was on Ilkley Chief, and some poor soul had bought a metallic tasting thing that I think was returned.
Food was scoffed (although the menu items were being picked off one by one...) and then we went on to far stronger beers - F&G insisted she didn't want anything too strong so malv bought her a Magic Rock Human Cannonball (I think! It was strong that's for certain) and I know that others had the Chief, and me the Raw/Steel City Responsibly, which was on cracking form.
As we neared half ten the Twissup split (is this a twiss out?) and myself, nimrod and redpola went to the Sheffield Tap whilst the others probably had cocktails in the Great Gatsby, I never did find out...
The Tap was once again teasing me with the rumoured "big room" being in existence. I was told on a Friday that it didn't open Friday or Saturday, but then my boss was drinking in there the following Friday, this time, on a Thursday, it was steadfastly closed again. I'm starting to think its not actually there.
I started sensibly with halves of Sheffield Toolmakers Ripsaw, which was weak and watery, and a refreshing Scottish beer, whilst red and nimrod supped Bernard and Magic Rock Magic 8 ball. This became our combined tipple of choice for the final round, and it still seems to not live up to my expectations. I've never seen it on cask so its not a Keykeg thing, but it seems to lack the balance of that first brew and remains a slightly askew beer fighting to balance its strong flavours out. Still a nice int though despite all that.
Off next to find a pub open late, which isn';t that easy in fine old Sheffield. The Rutland, Henry's and other venues were shut but hats off to the Old House for serving til 01.00. I had a couple of pints of True North(Welbeck Abbey) First Porter in here , and I can confirm that I have precisely no idea what my companions were supping.
What I do know is that this was a great night out, notable because I knew all but malv173 prior to my joining Twitter. Definitely something I'd like to do again, and as long as, like we did, you pick cracking folks to go supping with, I can highly recommend the idea.
Cheers!
Wee Beefy (@WBeefy)
Showing posts with label Old House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Old House. Show all posts
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Monday, 7 May 2012
Wee Beefy's Wednesdays wander.
Ay up,
This didn't take place in two days time. Oh no, much more down to earth drinking experiences for me. This was something that is, as part of my week of imbibition, the second update on my revelry over the period of celebration just passed, starting with a few choice chalices on Wednesday.
I was to meet Chala after work for night one of her birthday celebrations. I found myself a little spare time and headed for a couple of halves prior to meeting up. I started at an old stalwart from my youth.
West End
The West End seems to be in a kaleidoscope of fuzzy and misfiled memories from my past - for a start, I always call it the Hallamshire, even though the two names don't sound the same, and the Hallamshire was in fact the boozer I migrated to a year after I gave up on the West End for being grim.
Visiting now it doesn't look radically different on the outside. But then things change. For reasons not immediately (or, really, ever) obvious to me, the interior is currently done out in a sort of faux medieval style. There is a dark wood bar with abbey style window shapes behind it, and fake castle or abbey wood ceilings, and other thematic nods to the era. Its odd, yes, but I reckon when I used to drink in here aged 17 and 18 it would have suited me quite well then and crucially gone unnoticed.
On the bar were three ales in direct opposition to current beer styles, Theakstons Lightfoot, Greedy King OSH, and Old Peculier, which, had it not been en route, I might have stayed to try. As it was I felt sensible and had a half of the Lightfoot. It was OK, cost £1.45 and was so inoffensive as to be strange, but one assumes the owners or managers have an idea what sells and if this is what does then so be it.
University Arms
I popped in for a quick half and found a plethora of tasty choices - such is life, when you have time for a session there is little to tempt, when you have ten minutes everything seems great. As it was I opted for a half of the Stroud Brewery Teasle, 4.3 % and £1.35 a half. This was a fantastic beer, my first Stroud offering, and one which I particularly enjoyed.
Sat in the beer garden it was nice to take advantage of a rare spell of vaguely clement weather to enjoy my beer, but as was the flavour of the evening, I was all too soon off elsewhere.
Old House
I met Chala in here for a pint or two. She had already chosen a cocktail and after a taster or two I opted for a pint of my "usual" Bradfield Farmers Stout. This was quite nice, but all too soon Chala was out of Birthday drinks so I fetched a cocktail or summat and a half of Pale Rider for a change, plus a half of the Bradfield Plum Bitter. The plum wasn't that bad, but I wouldn't have a session on it, and the Pale Rider made a pleasant change. I also bought a bottle of Saison Silly, since it appears that everyone on the Internet likes Saison. It was also enjoyable, though hardly a defining moment in my beer tastes.
Forum
Having booked our table for a meal elsewhere we had a bit of time to kill so went to the Forum for a change. Here the Brew Co/Forum Group/True North First Born was on (and drinkable) so I had a pint of that. The decor has changed slightly and the wine list isn't as good but at least the beer was orate....
Rutland Arms
After our meal I persuaded Chala that the best place to sample a good jukebox and for us both to drink something we liked was the 11 minute walk away Rutland Arms. We made it in 12, but I was still broadly correct. Here I had a pint of one of the excellent Mallinsons single hop beers Amarillo 11, a fantastic and hugely quaffable bitter ale with all the best flavours afforded by amarillo hops.
Chala meanwhile commandeered the jukebox and we met up with a couple who were doing the same, Neil and , erm, oops, in the passage of time she has become Mrs Neil. Sorry both!
Time passed enjoyably and we both had another beer, before Neil very kindly bought us a drink, seeing as it was Chala's birthday. She had another Leffe (perhaps a Leffe too many?) and me a half of the mild. You know, the mild. Which was on. From er, you know. Thingy.
All in all this was a fantastic night out with great company and due to a certain somebody being a trifle refreshed we were home just after 22.00 and I had time for some food to erase any ill effects. A great night out.
Wee Beefy
This didn't take place in two days time. Oh no, much more down to earth drinking experiences for me. This was something that is, as part of my week of imbibition, the second update on my revelry over the period of celebration just passed, starting with a few choice chalices on Wednesday.
I was to meet Chala after work for night one of her birthday celebrations. I found myself a little spare time and headed for a couple of halves prior to meeting up. I started at an old stalwart from my youth.
West End
The West End seems to be in a kaleidoscope of fuzzy and misfiled memories from my past - for a start, I always call it the Hallamshire, even though the two names don't sound the same, and the Hallamshire was in fact the boozer I migrated to a year after I gave up on the West End for being grim.
Visiting now it doesn't look radically different on the outside. But then things change. For reasons not immediately (or, really, ever) obvious to me, the interior is currently done out in a sort of faux medieval style. There is a dark wood bar with abbey style window shapes behind it, and fake castle or abbey wood ceilings, and other thematic nods to the era. Its odd, yes, but I reckon when I used to drink in here aged 17 and 18 it would have suited me quite well then and crucially gone unnoticed.
On the bar were three ales in direct opposition to current beer styles, Theakstons Lightfoot, Greedy King OSH, and Old Peculier, which, had it not been en route, I might have stayed to try. As it was I felt sensible and had a half of the Lightfoot. It was OK, cost £1.45 and was so inoffensive as to be strange, but one assumes the owners or managers have an idea what sells and if this is what does then so be it.
University Arms
I popped in for a quick half and found a plethora of tasty choices - such is life, when you have time for a session there is little to tempt, when you have ten minutes everything seems great. As it was I opted for a half of the Stroud Brewery Teasle, 4.3 % and £1.35 a half. This was a fantastic beer, my first Stroud offering, and one which I particularly enjoyed.
Sat in the beer garden it was nice to take advantage of a rare spell of vaguely clement weather to enjoy my beer, but as was the flavour of the evening, I was all too soon off elsewhere.
Old House
I met Chala in here for a pint or two. She had already chosen a cocktail and after a taster or two I opted for a pint of my "usual" Bradfield Farmers Stout. This was quite nice, but all too soon Chala was out of Birthday drinks so I fetched a cocktail or summat and a half of Pale Rider for a change, plus a half of the Bradfield Plum Bitter. The plum wasn't that bad, but I wouldn't have a session on it, and the Pale Rider made a pleasant change. I also bought a bottle of Saison Silly, since it appears that everyone on the Internet likes Saison. It was also enjoyable, though hardly a defining moment in my beer tastes.
Forum
Having booked our table for a meal elsewhere we had a bit of time to kill so went to the Forum for a change. Here the Brew Co/Forum Group/True North First Born was on (and drinkable) so I had a pint of that. The decor has changed slightly and the wine list isn't as good but at least the beer was orate....
Rutland Arms
After our meal I persuaded Chala that the best place to sample a good jukebox and for us both to drink something we liked was the 11 minute walk away Rutland Arms. We made it in 12, but I was still broadly correct. Here I had a pint of one of the excellent Mallinsons single hop beers Amarillo 11, a fantastic and hugely quaffable bitter ale with all the best flavours afforded by amarillo hops.
Chala meanwhile commandeered the jukebox and we met up with a couple who were doing the same, Neil and , erm, oops, in the passage of time she has become Mrs Neil. Sorry both!
Time passed enjoyably and we both had another beer, before Neil very kindly bought us a drink, seeing as it was Chala's birthday. She had another Leffe (perhaps a Leffe too many?) and me a half of the mild. You know, the mild. Which was on. From er, you know. Thingy.
All in all this was a fantastic night out with great company and due to a certain somebody being a trifle refreshed we were home just after 22.00 and I had time for some food to erase any ill effects. A great night out.
Wee Beefy
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Wee Beefy's pubs round-up (and some bottle news)
Ay up,
its going to be a slightly shorter post than normal (who am I kidding? Every time I start a post like that its still a minimum 5 paragraphs long....) as it pertains to some brief pub visits over the past week, which I have lumped together into cumbersome slabs of gen.
Friday
After my Kelham visit on Friday evening I embarked on a tour of a few more local hostelries with Mr Robbery. First stop was the FAT CAT where we had an essential and excellent pork pie, and a half each of the Thornbridge Pica Pica stout. Mores the shame that I seem to have missed this years run of the Bete Noire, my favourite Kelham beer.
This was followed by a walk round to the SHIP INN (see wonkily lined up door plaque pic right) for a fantastic pint each of the Abbeydale Dark Angel. There was a distinct Sheffield slant to the beers but there was still a dark offering, which is a mark of thoughtful beer choosing, given the dominance of pale hoppy beers in Sheffield's Breweries output. Also of note, myself and Mr Robbery both like dark beers, which is a convenient situation when there is such a good range on offer in Steel City pubs. I have now taken 3 people to visit the Ship, and have yet to hear a word of criticism.
Next was a jaunt on the tram up to the UNIVERSITY ARMS. It was busy but not rammed and we again chose the same beer (this may be open to question!). We both had pints of a Revolutions Brewery offering that could have been Beat Red or Devolution. To be fair, it could have been one of about 10 of their beers since my "innate" journalistic eye recorded the beer as "45". A quick look at their website proves the folly of this notation....
We also had time to pop in HARRISONS 1854 to sit in the beer garden with pints of Abbeydale Deception. It was getting late and I know we weren't in long. Mr R had designs on going to a number of places, but I was set on another dark brew....
Our final stop was in THE OLD HOUSE, for, you guessed it, Bradfield Farmers Stout (in unspecified quantities). This really was my last venue of the night. Reports of my having been "ready for bed" appear to have been greatly accurate, and it was therefore a night beer waggon for me at just gone 01.00.
Disgraceful...
Monday
Talking of disgraceful, its hard to be able to put a spin on going out for a goodly session on a Monday, especially if you have partaken of a "refreshing" weekend. However, this time I had the excellent excuse of taking Chala with me for an enjoyable riposte in a couple of venues. This involved ending up back in THE OLD HOUSE again for some Bradfield Farmers Stout, which was a bit tired, and some refreshing, pale, Spotland Gold from Phoenix Brewery. A few good wines were also sampled here, leading us to embark on a rash second venue...
So it was we ended up in DAda (daDA?) where the Pica Pica was once again available, and some excellent Magic Rock. Chala settled down on the comfy leather seat with an ominously large Pinotage and I had a pint of the excellent Magic Rock Curious. We Finished with a bottle of the Trappist Rochefort 6, principally as I had never seen it anywhere before (only their tiring 8 and their stupendous 11), and also because it was meant to be a shared finisher. Not that Chala exactly partook, but it was a nice find, even though regrettably its carbonation and lighter flavour made it less god than the similar strength Westmalle Dubbel.
And finally some over the off counter news...
The ARCHER ROAD BEER STOP is selling some Dunham Massey bottled beers. Among those offered are Cheshire IPA (review coming soon) Cherry Stout and a new beer, Obelisk. Personally I rate the Dunham bottled beers very highly, I would recommend you give them a try (but remember that they aren't hop forward, all their beers to date have been traditional and more malty affairs - hopheads can always peruse the offerings from the likes of Summer Wine Brewery though...).
See. That wasn't too long.....
Wee Beefy
its going to be a slightly shorter post than normal (who am I kidding? Every time I start a post like that its still a minimum 5 paragraphs long....) as it pertains to some brief pub visits over the past week, which I have lumped together into cumbersome slabs of gen.
Friday
After my Kelham visit on Friday evening I embarked on a tour of a few more local hostelries with Mr Robbery. First stop was the FAT CAT where we had an essential and excellent pork pie, and a half each of the Thornbridge Pica Pica stout. Mores the shame that I seem to have missed this years run of the Bete Noire, my favourite Kelham beer.
This was followed by a walk round to the SHIP INN (see wonkily lined up door plaque pic right) for a fantastic pint each of the Abbeydale Dark Angel. There was a distinct Sheffield slant to the beers but there was still a dark offering, which is a mark of thoughtful beer choosing, given the dominance of pale hoppy beers in Sheffield's Breweries output. Also of note, myself and Mr Robbery both like dark beers, which is a convenient situation when there is such a good range on offer in Steel City pubs. I have now taken 3 people to visit the Ship, and have yet to hear a word of criticism.
Next was a jaunt on the tram up to the UNIVERSITY ARMS. It was busy but not rammed and we again chose the same beer (this may be open to question!). We both had pints of a Revolutions Brewery offering that could have been Beat Red or Devolution. To be fair, it could have been one of about 10 of their beers since my "innate" journalistic eye recorded the beer as "45". A quick look at their website proves the folly of this notation....
We also had time to pop in HARRISONS 1854 to sit in the beer garden with pints of Abbeydale Deception. It was getting late and I know we weren't in long. Mr R had designs on going to a number of places, but I was set on another dark brew....
Our final stop was in THE OLD HOUSE, for, you guessed it, Bradfield Farmers Stout (in unspecified quantities). This really was my last venue of the night. Reports of my having been "ready for bed" appear to have been greatly accurate, and it was therefore a night beer waggon for me at just gone 01.00.
Disgraceful...
Monday
Talking of disgraceful, its hard to be able to put a spin on going out for a goodly session on a Monday, especially if you have partaken of a "refreshing" weekend. However, this time I had the excellent excuse of taking Chala with me for an enjoyable riposte in a couple of venues. This involved ending up back in THE OLD HOUSE again for some Bradfield Farmers Stout, which was a bit tired, and some refreshing, pale, Spotland Gold from Phoenix Brewery. A few good wines were also sampled here, leading us to embark on a rash second venue...
So it was we ended up in DAda (daDA?) where the Pica Pica was once again available, and some excellent Magic Rock. Chala settled down on the comfy leather seat with an ominously large Pinotage and I had a pint of the excellent Magic Rock Curious. We Finished with a bottle of the Trappist Rochefort 6, principally as I had never seen it anywhere before (only their tiring 8 and their stupendous 11), and also because it was meant to be a shared finisher. Not that Chala exactly partook, but it was a nice find, even though regrettably its carbonation and lighter flavour made it less god than the similar strength Westmalle Dubbel.
And finally some over the off counter news...
The ARCHER ROAD BEER STOP is selling some Dunham Massey bottled beers. Among those offered are Cheshire IPA (review coming soon) Cherry Stout and a new beer, Obelisk. Personally I rate the Dunham bottled beers very highly, I would recommend you give them a try (but remember that they aren't hop forward, all their beers to date have been traditional and more malty affairs - hopheads can always peruse the offerings from the likes of Summer Wine Brewery though...).
See. That wasn't too long.....
Wee Beefy
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Wee Beefy's weekend pub bites
Greetings once again,
as promised here are a few details of my weekend boozers and boozings....
As already (sort of) covered yesterday, one of my weekend destinations was the Old House. Having commented in some detail already all I can really add is a reminder of how good the Farmers Stout is - just think, its not just a late opening venue that serves any real ale, but a range of 5 always including a dark. We are truly spoilt....
Kelham Island Tavern
No photo am afraid as for whatever reason I don't seem to have any photo's of this boozer apart from 1 I used before. Since I strive not to use a pic twice am going to remember to get a snap next time, but leave this segment text only for now. In around 22.00 on Saturday there was a good selection of ales on offer as always. Mind you, I was surprised to see an Adnams offering (alas not tried) and a Greedy King? {Perhaps I imagined the latter)
Arriving after a modicum of earlier refreshment our first drinks were perhaps an unsuitable choice. Me and Mr Robbery had both decided to have a pint of quaffable low gravity Thwaites Nutty Black but caved in and had Derby Brewing Co Porter (there was also Old Moor and Gorlovka from Acorn, but we erroneously assumed tey'd be too strong). For whatever reason we both found the Derby beer hard work.
Mr R didn't help his cause by switching to a Nutty Black afterwards, and I caved in and had a pale beer. Mr Williams recommended Abbeydale Deception, which in fact fitted the bill perfectly, and demonstrated some unusual perfumed notes that I hadn't previously noted. Mr R then moved onto the Deception as well after that, and I the Pictish Brewers Gold which I haven't had for years. It didn't taste as I remembered, much drier and less rounded, but still enjoyable. In the end I finished on another Deception.
It's still notable that the Kelham has a fantastic range of beers even if there seemed to be a Derby and Acorn theme that night, and its a great place for a late-ish pint of a weekend. We ended up going form here to Bungalows and Bears. One downside, out of the pubs control, was the fact that some idiots had turned up intent on causing an argument. I didn't get to see how the disagreement unfolded but it was clear that someone or maybe more than one had seriously lost the plot. Considering that the parting shot of one of the hysterical group was that the beer was shit, I think its safe to say these were untypical as well as unwelcome visitors to the Kelham Tav....
Bungalows and still real Beers
We had headed for the Old House initially but the venue was completely rammed and we weren't allowed, in, so having ignored the B&B for months I suggested we popped in. Inside it was loud and busy but not unpleasantly so and we were able to get a seat at a table affording some interesting people watching on the street catwalk outside. The York Terrier was still available so have to consider this the regular beer. Also available was Moonshine, which I had a pint of. It was kept in good condition as well. Its a shame if they have decided not to pursue a guest beer policy such as when they had the Hopleaf beer on but it was still nice to get a proper pint.
Sunday sleepy pints - Sheffield Tap
The next day Fluffy, who I had been out to meet on Saturday, was off home. He had met up with SMS and John his Dad at the Rutland about 13.00 but was finding it hard going after a weekend of excess - join the club mate! I met him in a refreshingly empty Sheffield Tap around 2PM for a restorative tincture.
Although not clarified previously, it was at te Tap that I had the brilliant Brodies Citra. Not only that, but it formed part of probably the best beer range I have encounterd in a pub this year. I had a pint of the excellent Moorhouses Pendle Porter next, whilst John was on the Black Harry from Thornbridge and Fluff sampled many of the offerings as well.
My next pint was the Kirkstall Dissolution, which was a pleasant pale beer but not up to the standard of some of their recent excellent ales. I also had a half of the Thornbridge Galaxia which was a refreshing but less hoppy than expected pale ale, and then to finish, the truly fantastic Red Willow Brewery Faithless Black IPA at 7.2%.
It had all the astringent hoppiness and necessary bite of its style but was brilliantly rounded with warming and creamy malt flavours, making a strong velvety bitter dark beer that was in the peak of condition. It was also very easy to drink for such a strong beer, and even the stronger flavours didn't jar. Notwithstanding that there were also two Magic Rock beers and 3 other Thornbridge to choose from, I think this was essentially a beer lovers heaven. Full marks to the team at the Sheffield Tap for allowing me to escape from my hangover alive and providing me with two of the best beer experiences I have had in 2012.
Wee Beefy.
as promised here are a few details of my weekend boozers and boozings....
As already (sort of) covered yesterday, one of my weekend destinations was the Old House. Having commented in some detail already all I can really add is a reminder of how good the Farmers Stout is - just think, its not just a late opening venue that serves any real ale, but a range of 5 always including a dark. We are truly spoilt....
Kelham Island Tavern
No photo am afraid as for whatever reason I don't seem to have any photo's of this boozer apart from 1 I used before. Since I strive not to use a pic twice am going to remember to get a snap next time, but leave this segment text only for now. In around 22.00 on Saturday there was a good selection of ales on offer as always. Mind you, I was surprised to see an Adnams offering (alas not tried) and a Greedy King? {Perhaps I imagined the latter)
Arriving after a modicum of earlier refreshment our first drinks were perhaps an unsuitable choice. Me and Mr Robbery had both decided to have a pint of quaffable low gravity Thwaites Nutty Black but caved in and had Derby Brewing Co Porter (there was also Old Moor and Gorlovka from Acorn, but we erroneously assumed tey'd be too strong). For whatever reason we both found the Derby beer hard work.
Mr R didn't help his cause by switching to a Nutty Black afterwards, and I caved in and had a pale beer. Mr Williams recommended Abbeydale Deception, which in fact fitted the bill perfectly, and demonstrated some unusual perfumed notes that I hadn't previously noted. Mr R then moved onto the Deception as well after that, and I the Pictish Brewers Gold which I haven't had for years. It didn't taste as I remembered, much drier and less rounded, but still enjoyable. In the end I finished on another Deception.
It's still notable that the Kelham has a fantastic range of beers even if there seemed to be a Derby and Acorn theme that night, and its a great place for a late-ish pint of a weekend. We ended up going form here to Bungalows and Bears. One downside, out of the pubs control, was the fact that some idiots had turned up intent on causing an argument. I didn't get to see how the disagreement unfolded but it was clear that someone or maybe more than one had seriously lost the plot. Considering that the parting shot of one of the hysterical group was that the beer was shit, I think its safe to say these were untypical as well as unwelcome visitors to the Kelham Tav....
Bungalows and still real Beers
We had headed for the Old House initially but the venue was completely rammed and we weren't allowed, in, so having ignored the B&B for months I suggested we popped in. Inside it was loud and busy but not unpleasantly so and we were able to get a seat at a table affording some interesting people watching on the street catwalk outside. The York Terrier was still available so have to consider this the regular beer. Also available was Moonshine, which I had a pint of. It was kept in good condition as well. Its a shame if they have decided not to pursue a guest beer policy such as when they had the Hopleaf beer on but it was still nice to get a proper pint.
Sunday sleepy pints - Sheffield Tap
The next day Fluffy, who I had been out to meet on Saturday, was off home. He had met up with SMS and John his Dad at the Rutland about 13.00 but was finding it hard going after a weekend of excess - join the club mate! I met him in a refreshingly empty Sheffield Tap around 2PM for a restorative tincture.
Although not clarified previously, it was at te Tap that I had the brilliant Brodies Citra. Not only that, but it formed part of probably the best beer range I have encounterd in a pub this year. I had a pint of the excellent Moorhouses Pendle Porter next, whilst John was on the Black Harry from Thornbridge and Fluff sampled many of the offerings as well.
My next pint was the Kirkstall Dissolution, which was a pleasant pale beer but not up to the standard of some of their recent excellent ales. I also had a half of the Thornbridge Galaxia which was a refreshing but less hoppy than expected pale ale, and then to finish, the truly fantastic Red Willow Brewery Faithless Black IPA at 7.2%.
Wee Beefy.
Wee Beefy's midweek pub bites
Hello,
having fallen gratefully into the welcoming bosom of payday my drinking and socialising has received a timely boost. So here are a few details of some of the Sheffield pubs I've visited in the last week.
Shakespeares
I popped in here on Tuesday to buy a beer festival ticket for Thursday night at Magna. Naturally it would have been tremendously rude not to stop for a half at least. I tried a half of a beer that (yes, I have forgotten, duh) was almost certainly called chocolate malt stout, which tasted only vaguely of chocolate, and a lot more of malt. Not quite what I was expecting, or it seems, remembering.
Interestingly I also noted a first 2.8% real ale. I was fairly confident that I would like it but a quick sniff and a taste persuaded me otherwise. Straight furrow from Wincle, a brewery who's beers have been very nice whenever I have sampled them, was just not right. Not off, but tasting of malt and biscuits and some sort of unidentifiable sweetness, with little hoppiness. I am anxious to try some more sub 3% beers but didn't venture to purchase a whole half of this one alas.
Three Cranes
As promised the Welbeck offerings were making their debut on the bar at the venerable Cranes. It seems I missed the Blue Bee Tangled Up IPA but the Welbeck Abbey Brewery Cavendish and Dark Horse were on offer when I popped in on Wednesday.
I only had time for one so having tried neither before I opted for the Dark Horse. This was served in good condition and was a well rounded bitter dark ale, probably half way between a porter and a dry stout. At 4.8% it was slightly weaker than the Cavendish but it was a substantial starter to the evenings drinking. Blue Bee Rugbee Rugbee Rugbee may be coming soon as well.
Dada
After the unbridled joy of Pollards I am still awaiting the arrival of the much vaunted Magic Rock beers at the Da (Christ on a bike, I hope no-one calls it that). Despite claims as yet and likely to be forever unsubstantiated, by Jamie, that Cannonball was on its way, it now seems that Curious and another strong ale are the likely offerings from this excellent micro.
On my visit I had alas missed the McConnells, so had a choice of Brother Rabbit, Sequoia and Kipling. Despite its strength, from that range, Kipling was the obvious choice. Along with a good selection of Fleetwood Mac (Peter Green era, obviously) and other blues this was a good preparation for our meal out later.
Old House
I have somehow contrived to visit the Old House 3 times in less than a week. On my first visit I had a pint of the True North (I checked the pumpclip just to be sure) First Born, and a half of the Bradfield Farmers Stout. On the other two occasions, slightly later on in the evening, I had pints of the Bradfield Stout only. The stout was in good condition both times (but running out on one visit, although thankfully we were spared that trauma) and being late visits this afforded me chance to confirm that they open until 01.00 on a Thursday (so, maybe every "early" week night) and 02.00 on Saturday.
Mind you, I think they should take a look at their drinking up policy. I thought twenty minutes was your entitlement not a favour? I fully appreciate that staff want to get home but I would be surprised if there was more than about 12 minutes available on Saturday. A minor but annoying blemish.
Great Gatsby
Briefly, nothing much has changed in the overall set up here but notably there is no longer a Blue Bee beer on the bar. They now in fact have two handpumps, on my visit selling a Kelham Island beer (also spotted in the Old House) with a record label theme, and Thornbridge Sequoia. I tried the Kelham, it was a little tired but on the plus side, the change in ales offered does perhaps suggest that the range may alter more regularly.
That's all the pub news for now, as I have a separate weekend pub news update to come later in the week.
Wee Beefy
having fallen gratefully into the welcoming bosom of payday my drinking and socialising has received a timely boost. So here are a few details of some of the Sheffield pubs I've visited in the last week.
Shakespeares
I popped in here on Tuesday to buy a beer festival ticket for Thursday night at Magna. Naturally it would have been tremendously rude not to stop for a half at least. I tried a half of a beer that (yes, I have forgotten, duh) was almost certainly called chocolate malt stout, which tasted only vaguely of chocolate, and a lot more of malt. Not quite what I was expecting, or it seems, remembering.
Interestingly I also noted a first 2.8% real ale. I was fairly confident that I would like it but a quick sniff and a taste persuaded me otherwise. Straight furrow from Wincle, a brewery who's beers have been very nice whenever I have sampled them, was just not right. Not off, but tasting of malt and biscuits and some sort of unidentifiable sweetness, with little hoppiness. I am anxious to try some more sub 3% beers but didn't venture to purchase a whole half of this one alas.
Three Cranes
As promised the Welbeck offerings were making their debut on the bar at the venerable Cranes. It seems I missed the Blue Bee Tangled Up IPA but the Welbeck Abbey Brewery Cavendish and Dark Horse were on offer when I popped in on Wednesday.
I only had time for one so having tried neither before I opted for the Dark Horse. This was served in good condition and was a well rounded bitter dark ale, probably half way between a porter and a dry stout. At 4.8% it was slightly weaker than the Cavendish but it was a substantial starter to the evenings drinking. Blue Bee Rugbee Rugbee Rugbee may be coming soon as well.
Dada
After the unbridled joy of Pollards I am still awaiting the arrival of the much vaunted Magic Rock beers at the Da (Christ on a bike, I hope no-one calls it that). Despite claims as yet and likely to be forever unsubstantiated, by Jamie, that Cannonball was on its way, it now seems that Curious and another strong ale are the likely offerings from this excellent micro.
Old House
I have somehow contrived to visit the Old House 3 times in less than a week. On my first visit I had a pint of the True North (I checked the pumpclip just to be sure) First Born, and a half of the Bradfield Farmers Stout. On the other two occasions, slightly later on in the evening, I had pints of the Bradfield Stout only. The stout was in good condition both times (but running out on one visit, although thankfully we were spared that trauma) and being late visits this afforded me chance to confirm that they open until 01.00 on a Thursday (so, maybe every "early" week night) and 02.00 on Saturday.
Mind you, I think they should take a look at their drinking up policy. I thought twenty minutes was your entitlement not a favour? I fully appreciate that staff want to get home but I would be surprised if there was more than about 12 minutes available on Saturday. A minor but annoying blemish.
Great Gatsby
Briefly, nothing much has changed in the overall set up here but notably there is no longer a Blue Bee beer on the bar. They now in fact have two handpumps, on my visit selling a Kelham Island beer (also spotted in the Old House) with a record label theme, and Thornbridge Sequoia. I tried the Kelham, it was a little tired but on the plus side, the change in ales offered does perhaps suggest that the range may alter more regularly.
That's all the pub news for now, as I have a separate weekend pub news update to come later in the week.
Wee Beefy
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Railway Wadsley Bridge, Grenoside pubs, Harrisons 1854 Regent Terrace, Cavendish West Street, Henrys, Old House, and The Blake, on Blake Street.
Hello all,
I have quite a few things to cover as last time I sat down with intent and decided to write up some news there was a blogger problem and I couldn't get on, so there is a bit to catch up on.
Firstly, a correction. At some point in the last few posts I claimed that Soyo bar had reopened as Cuba Revolution. However, in my old age, I had confused somewhere modern I had never been, with somewhere modern I had, but had not wanted to have been to. So, before I am besieged (erm, I concede this is unlikely) by hoards of Dubcore listening, trouser or short indecision encountering, i-puter users of a tender age writing in to complain, Soyo (whatever that is) is no doubt the same, and the venue that has reopened was formerly called Bar Hoi or similar.
So, back to nice things.
Handsworth
A quick Handsworth update first, and on my last brief visit the Cross keys was selling Youngs Bitter as well as Cocker Hoop and Bombardier - the bitter was a pleasant change and in good nick. At the Old Crown, they have kept the White Rose Blonde on as well as their El Gecko ale, along with Concertina One Eyed Jack - both that and the Gecko were in good nick and although the White Rose seasonal or specials have a tendency to be a bit samey, its good to know that you can expect a nice pale hoppy beer to be on when you visit.
The Railway, Wadsley Bridge.
Just before the bridge heralds the change of Penistone Road North into Halifax Road, there is a pub, on the right hand side coming from Hillsborough, which was no doubt once a Whitbread pub, based on a few features of its appearance, and which had been closed for some time before reopening in November 2010.
The Railway is smaller and, if I might venture, more genuine in its appearance than the ever enlargening hostelries across the road. It has been rescued from an uncertain future and now once more aims to provide Wadsleyans (is this a religion?) with a decent pint.
Currently the opening hours are 16.00 until midnight Friday and Saturday and it is open from Midday Sunday. I understand that as trade picks up, which I think and hope it will, there may be scope for extending the opening hours. The pub will also open on request for groups, which I believe is what is happening soon ( or maybe yesterday ) on a Tuesday for Sheffield Camra.
The pub has been bought and is being nursed back to health and revitalised by Sheffield landlady extraordinaire Jean. I went in the pub for the first time ever on Saturday, and although I am certain I have never met Jean before it seems like we have been missing each other for about the last 12 years.
She ran the Crown and Glove in Stannington until a few months before I started visiting, she worked with Del at the New Barrack Tavern, before I worked fro him at the Hillsborough Hotel. She also worked at the Pheasant on Foxhill road at the time me and Chala nearly bought a house up the road, and she worked at the Pheasant at Lane Top prior to Chala's Aunt running it and at the East House prior to our friend Foxy taking the helm. Considering all these facts, and details of other pubs she worked at that I have failed to recall, its a surprise I have never had her pull me a pint before, but now I have.
Which leads me to the crucial subject of the beer and the pub. There are 4 real ales on hand pump and Warsteiner lager, and possibly Leffe. There is talk of a few interesting bottled beers and perhaps cider, but all in good time, for now the range is miles ahead of anything in the vicinity ( I think all the pubs nearby have been and three still are, real ale free ). From the choice of Thwaites Original, Nutty Black, Bradfield Bitter and Blonde, I had a few very enjoyable pints of the Nutty Black.
Whilst so doing, I noted that the pub still retains 4 separate drinking areas, with 1 separate room on the left, and a function/concert room being finished at the back which can be hired or used for bands. Talking of which, there are regularly bands on at the pub, I think at the moment only on the Saturday night, with a quiz on Sundays.
And, in an ingenious move, outside there is a board with information on it regarding opening hours and upcoming events. This was especially relevant as I wandered down about 14.00 on Saturday to note it was shut, but took my life in my hands crossing the road anyway to try and find out more info. Knowing I had a while to wait i walked into Hillsborough to catch the bus to Grenoside to have a very different pub experience in the Norfolk Arms.
Irrational Front
On the road heading out of Grenoside on the edge of the village, and opposite where the woods begin, the Norfolk is a former Wards pub which I am fairly sure has sold real ale for many many years. There is still a large concrete(?) or otherwise rigid sign on the wall advertising its Wards credentials, and despite the ominous To Let sign, its still open at the moment, but no longer selling food, as the sign makes clear by having painted over the word food.
I was pleased on entering to see two hanpumps selling Abbeydale Absolution and Bradfield Farmers Brown Cow, and a further 2 down the side with Bradfield blonde and Taylors Landlord on offer. I had the Blonde, which was £2.90 a pint, and settled down in the window seat on the left as the telly relayed the build up to the cup final. And then a funny thing happened.....
There was the landlord and a customer seated on the right and a man who had come in with some goods fetched for the landlord, all sat together on the right (ironic) watching the TV when, horror of horrors, a black person became the subject of a feature on the programme. Being a rational chap this passed me by and I couldn't have seen the impending hiatus, but after a sudden change in the tone of the banter, the newly arrived customer loudly proclaimed " of course he's arrogant, he's a fucking n*****. He's a coon".
I quickly checked the date to make sure I had not been transported back to the 1980's or even the 50's but no. it really was 2011 and a man had used a word I had only previously heard in reference rather than in real time, and once in a Lenny Henry sketch about someone daubing the word "cone" on his house. There was tacit agreement with this incredible departure from rational thinking, before the conversation returned to deliveries and football, one assumes, of a purely uniracial nature.
Now, I realise that as an informed person I should have remonstrated with these by gone bastions of backward thinking, but I don't mind admitting that I was still running the statement over and over in my mind, trying to get it to register what I had heard. And besides which, if you are misguided and feel safe enough to make absurd comments like that without batting an eyelid, what other lows might you stoop to in an argument? After all, I had started to maintain an admirable sun tan, I might not have escaped unharmed...
Instead I quickly downed my drink and left. You see, I only went out for a quiet pint or two, not to attend a clan rally or get embroiled in an argument with idiots. So if you think I should have done more then so be it, but I can already do more by not going in again, and you can all do something by following suit.
So, with the wannabe BNP ralliers stewing in their own bigotry behind me, I headed off up hill on a rather zig-zag route to the top side of Grenoside and over to the Cow and Calf. I got there at just before 15.00 but needn't have rushed, as am fairly sure they serve all day. Here was a marked difference from the last pub - not only was the beer only £1.59 a pint (well, it is Sam Smiths), but the atmosphere was convivial, people were having structured logical discussions (ignoring a conspiracy theory about Sven Goran Ericsson) and the pub was packed with families diners and drinkers enjoying their free time.
The Cow and Calf was one of the pubs I used to visit when I was younger - not alone, obviously, and I remember sitting out in the garden and their being a tuck shop for kids - surely I can't have dreamt this ? Irrespective of that, I have continued to visit now and again, and I have been back a few times in the last few years with Chala nd Christingpher and Mr P. Its nice to know I can rely on it being open, selling real ale and perhaps even serving food, especially if I am walking into Wharncliffe woods or down past the Birley Stone.
So, two contrasting Grenoside hostelries, and a brand new positive pub reopening story from Wadsley Bridge. Which leads me nicely onto two school night wanders around the city centre and Walkley.
Tuesday Tippling
Me and Mr P last week visited the Blake, partly because we fancied a change and because I was getting withdrawal symptoms having not been in for a month. Getting the half 5 number 31 eats into your drinking time, as there is more traffic at that time, but it was still probably no more than 15 minutes to the pub, which was quiet, but healthily attended with drinkers in each one if the rooms.
We started proceedings with a pint each of the Allgates California, a pleasing hoppy drink that didn't stand a chance in my glass after a thirst inducing groan of a day at work. Mr P opted for a half of the kelham Riders on the Storm next, along with some essential food (crisps) whilst I sampled a Pictish Alchemist Pale at 4.3%, which without wishing to denigrate the brewers achievements, was a typical Pictish beer - which is a good thing.
Our final brace was another half of the riders for Mr P and I had one of the most fantastic pints I've had in a long time, the Cherry Stout from the Nook Brewing Co, based at the Rose and Crown in Holmfirth. Not too sweet despite its fruity flavour and with a perfect balance of maltiness and smoky bitterness, this was miles ahead the best beer of the night, and a good source of fuel to get us up to the next pub.
The Princess Royal had been closed when me and Mr P had visited the Blake in the snow, so we went in on a pleasant evening to sample a beer in here, which was Mr P's first visit. There were 3 real ales on, including Tetley I think, but we both went for the Sheffield Brewing Co 3 Rivers, with the two pints costing £5.70. The beer was in better nick than last time, although am uncertain if it normally has the biscuity characteristics that these pints displayed. Nevertheless this was a nice drink and a refreshing reward after toiling up the hill from the Blake.
We headed into town and Mr P home as he'd reached his quota, whilst I went to Henry's to see what beer was on offer. I only stayed briefly but enjoyed my preferred window seat and the excellent half of Wharfebank Brewery Spinners, a 3.8% session beer costing a whole English Pound. I also briefly popped in the formerly droughty venue that is the Cavendish on West Street.
Despite being unapologetically aimed at students and younger drinkers who seek out offers on a range of variously dire and fearful drinks, the Cavendish, or "Cav" as it needlessly shortens its moniker to, has now gone mad and started selling real ale. There are two handpumps - I am sure there was one when they first opened - and on the night they were selling Everards Tiger. It was a tad warm and fairly tired, but this sighting was still an unexpected bonus, since no doubt on some future team night out we will wind up there and I will now, assuming it works out, finally have something to drink.
I ended the night in Harrisons 1854 on Regent Terrace, a stark and pleasing contrast to the noisy big screen hub-ub of the last venue, where Barkeep Dave was showing someone round, and the band practiced upstairs. Having arrived later than normal, I was able to see the musicians for myself when they came in for one after practice, and it was nice to see the bar full up and hear the warm buzz of conversation over the music, even though the choice was excellent as usual, until much later at least.
Beer wise, the cider box has gone to be replaced by cider on handpump, which means at present there are just two real ales on, being Deception and Moonshine from Abbeydale. I stuck to the Deception as is my normal Harrison plan now, and settled in (as far as that's possible for a big lad on a bar stool ) for a few drinks and some crisps at the bar, the only minor downside being a rash moment of what was hopefully ironic musical digression where Dave played Cherry Pie by Warrant. Unacceptable Dave, truly, but another great evening overall.
My final news concerns last night's trip to the above preceded by a visit to the Old House. Inside there appears to have been a slight makeover, and it seems mercifully a little lighter inside so now I can walk unhindered and in safety to and from the bar. There are 5 handpumps, which I think is relevant as I only recall 3, on this occasion selling Moonshine, the excellent Farmers Stout, and rather surprisingly, Flowers IPA, from whichever contract brewer has takken it on lately.
I had a pint of Moonshine and then a pint of the Stout, as well as fooling myself into thinking the Franziskaner was a dunkel not the standard wheat (not that I mind), so had a half of that as well. I also sampled some excellent Errazurriz pinot noir, with Chala sampling the Robert Mo(n?)davi Chardonnay, before we caved in and got two pricey and for me slightly too dry chip butties, and some more stout.
Afterwards we headed to Harrisons as I said, and found it a bit busier than usual, although I didn't detect the welcoming sounds of the band upstairs this time. Once again Deception was my tipple of choice as the Moonshine was getting a bit low, and we nibbled on some free nuts to stave off the hunger until we left about 22.00, allowing me the opportunity to wolf down a steak when I got in.
More news soon, especially since I have finally found the details of my January pub trip to Derbyshire, and hopefully will have something to tell of my catch up with Carlos on Friday.
Wee Beefy
I have quite a few things to cover as last time I sat down with intent and decided to write up some news there was a blogger problem and I couldn't get on, so there is a bit to catch up on.
Firstly, a correction. At some point in the last few posts I claimed that Soyo bar had reopened as Cuba Revolution. However, in my old age, I had confused somewhere modern I had never been, with somewhere modern I had, but had not wanted to have been to. So, before I am besieged (erm, I concede this is unlikely) by hoards of Dubcore listening, trouser or short indecision encountering, i-puter users of a tender age writing in to complain, Soyo (whatever that is) is no doubt the same, and the venue that has reopened was formerly called Bar Hoi or similar.
So, back to nice things.
Handsworth
A quick Handsworth update first, and on my last brief visit the Cross keys was selling Youngs Bitter as well as Cocker Hoop and Bombardier - the bitter was a pleasant change and in good nick. At the Old Crown, they have kept the White Rose Blonde on as well as their El Gecko ale, along with Concertina One Eyed Jack - both that and the Gecko were in good nick and although the White Rose seasonal or specials have a tendency to be a bit samey, its good to know that you can expect a nice pale hoppy beer to be on when you visit.
The Railway, Wadsley Bridge.
Just before the bridge heralds the change of Penistone Road North into Halifax Road, there is a pub, on the right hand side coming from Hillsborough, which was no doubt once a Whitbread pub, based on a few features of its appearance, and which had been closed for some time before reopening in November 2010.
The Railway is smaller and, if I might venture, more genuine in its appearance than the ever enlargening hostelries across the road. It has been rescued from an uncertain future and now once more aims to provide Wadsleyans (is this a religion?) with a decent pint.
Currently the opening hours are 16.00 until midnight Friday and Saturday and it is open from Midday Sunday. I understand that as trade picks up, which I think and hope it will, there may be scope for extending the opening hours. The pub will also open on request for groups, which I believe is what is happening soon ( or maybe yesterday ) on a Tuesday for Sheffield Camra.
The pub has been bought and is being nursed back to health and revitalised by Sheffield landlady extraordinaire Jean. I went in the pub for the first time ever on Saturday, and although I am certain I have never met Jean before it seems like we have been missing each other for about the last 12 years.
She ran the Crown and Glove in Stannington until a few months before I started visiting, she worked with Del at the New Barrack Tavern, before I worked fro him at the Hillsborough Hotel. She also worked at the Pheasant on Foxhill road at the time me and Chala nearly bought a house up the road, and she worked at the Pheasant at Lane Top prior to Chala's Aunt running it and at the East House prior to our friend Foxy taking the helm. Considering all these facts, and details of other pubs she worked at that I have failed to recall, its a surprise I have never had her pull me a pint before, but now I have.
Which leads me to the crucial subject of the beer and the pub. There are 4 real ales on hand pump and Warsteiner lager, and possibly Leffe. There is talk of a few interesting bottled beers and perhaps cider, but all in good time, for now the range is miles ahead of anything in the vicinity ( I think all the pubs nearby have been and three still are, real ale free ). From the choice of Thwaites Original, Nutty Black, Bradfield Bitter and Blonde, I had a few very enjoyable pints of the Nutty Black.
Whilst so doing, I noted that the pub still retains 4 separate drinking areas, with 1 separate room on the left, and a function/concert room being finished at the back which can be hired or used for bands. Talking of which, there are regularly bands on at the pub, I think at the moment only on the Saturday night, with a quiz on Sundays.
And, in an ingenious move, outside there is a board with information on it regarding opening hours and upcoming events. This was especially relevant as I wandered down about 14.00 on Saturday to note it was shut, but took my life in my hands crossing the road anyway to try and find out more info. Knowing I had a while to wait i walked into Hillsborough to catch the bus to Grenoside to have a very different pub experience in the Norfolk Arms.
Irrational Front
On the road heading out of Grenoside on the edge of the village, and opposite where the woods begin, the Norfolk is a former Wards pub which I am fairly sure has sold real ale for many many years. There is still a large concrete(?) or otherwise rigid sign on the wall advertising its Wards credentials, and despite the ominous To Let sign, its still open at the moment, but no longer selling food, as the sign makes clear by having painted over the word food.
I was pleased on entering to see two hanpumps selling Abbeydale Absolution and Bradfield Farmers Brown Cow, and a further 2 down the side with Bradfield blonde and Taylors Landlord on offer. I had the Blonde, which was £2.90 a pint, and settled down in the window seat on the left as the telly relayed the build up to the cup final. And then a funny thing happened.....
There was the landlord and a customer seated on the right and a man who had come in with some goods fetched for the landlord, all sat together on the right (ironic) watching the TV when, horror of horrors, a black person became the subject of a feature on the programme. Being a rational chap this passed me by and I couldn't have seen the impending hiatus, but after a sudden change in the tone of the banter, the newly arrived customer loudly proclaimed " of course he's arrogant, he's a fucking n*****. He's a coon".
I quickly checked the date to make sure I had not been transported back to the 1980's or even the 50's but no. it really was 2011 and a man had used a word I had only previously heard in reference rather than in real time, and once in a Lenny Henry sketch about someone daubing the word "cone" on his house. There was tacit agreement with this incredible departure from rational thinking, before the conversation returned to deliveries and football, one assumes, of a purely uniracial nature.
Now, I realise that as an informed person I should have remonstrated with these by gone bastions of backward thinking, but I don't mind admitting that I was still running the statement over and over in my mind, trying to get it to register what I had heard. And besides which, if you are misguided and feel safe enough to make absurd comments like that without batting an eyelid, what other lows might you stoop to in an argument? After all, I had started to maintain an admirable sun tan, I might not have escaped unharmed...
Instead I quickly downed my drink and left. You see, I only went out for a quiet pint or two, not to attend a clan rally or get embroiled in an argument with idiots. So if you think I should have done more then so be it, but I can already do more by not going in again, and you can all do something by following suit.
So, with the wannabe BNP ralliers stewing in their own bigotry behind me, I headed off up hill on a rather zig-zag route to the top side of Grenoside and over to the Cow and Calf. I got there at just before 15.00 but needn't have rushed, as am fairly sure they serve all day. Here was a marked difference from the last pub - not only was the beer only £1.59 a pint (well, it is Sam Smiths), but the atmosphere was convivial, people were having structured logical discussions (ignoring a conspiracy theory about Sven Goran Ericsson) and the pub was packed with families diners and drinkers enjoying their free time.
The Cow and Calf was one of the pubs I used to visit when I was younger - not alone, obviously, and I remember sitting out in the garden and their being a tuck shop for kids - surely I can't have dreamt this ? Irrespective of that, I have continued to visit now and again, and I have been back a few times in the last few years with Chala nd Christingpher and Mr P. Its nice to know I can rely on it being open, selling real ale and perhaps even serving food, especially if I am walking into Wharncliffe woods or down past the Birley Stone.
So, two contrasting Grenoside hostelries, and a brand new positive pub reopening story from Wadsley Bridge. Which leads me nicely onto two school night wanders around the city centre and Walkley.
Tuesday Tippling
Me and Mr P last week visited the Blake, partly because we fancied a change and because I was getting withdrawal symptoms having not been in for a month. Getting the half 5 number 31 eats into your drinking time, as there is more traffic at that time, but it was still probably no more than 15 minutes to the pub, which was quiet, but healthily attended with drinkers in each one if the rooms.
We started proceedings with a pint each of the Allgates California, a pleasing hoppy drink that didn't stand a chance in my glass after a thirst inducing groan of a day at work. Mr P opted for a half of the kelham Riders on the Storm next, along with some essential food (crisps) whilst I sampled a Pictish Alchemist Pale at 4.3%, which without wishing to denigrate the brewers achievements, was a typical Pictish beer - which is a good thing.
Our final brace was another half of the riders for Mr P and I had one of the most fantastic pints I've had in a long time, the Cherry Stout from the Nook Brewing Co, based at the Rose and Crown in Holmfirth. Not too sweet despite its fruity flavour and with a perfect balance of maltiness and smoky bitterness, this was miles ahead the best beer of the night, and a good source of fuel to get us up to the next pub.
The Princess Royal had been closed when me and Mr P had visited the Blake in the snow, so we went in on a pleasant evening to sample a beer in here, which was Mr P's first visit. There were 3 real ales on, including Tetley I think, but we both went for the Sheffield Brewing Co 3 Rivers, with the two pints costing £5.70. The beer was in better nick than last time, although am uncertain if it normally has the biscuity characteristics that these pints displayed. Nevertheless this was a nice drink and a refreshing reward after toiling up the hill from the Blake.
We headed into town and Mr P home as he'd reached his quota, whilst I went to Henry's to see what beer was on offer. I only stayed briefly but enjoyed my preferred window seat and the excellent half of Wharfebank Brewery Spinners, a 3.8% session beer costing a whole English Pound. I also briefly popped in the formerly droughty venue that is the Cavendish on West Street.
Despite being unapologetically aimed at students and younger drinkers who seek out offers on a range of variously dire and fearful drinks, the Cavendish, or "Cav" as it needlessly shortens its moniker to, has now gone mad and started selling real ale. There are two handpumps - I am sure there was one when they first opened - and on the night they were selling Everards Tiger. It was a tad warm and fairly tired, but this sighting was still an unexpected bonus, since no doubt on some future team night out we will wind up there and I will now, assuming it works out, finally have something to drink.
I ended the night in Harrisons 1854 on Regent Terrace, a stark and pleasing contrast to the noisy big screen hub-ub of the last venue, where Barkeep Dave was showing someone round, and the band practiced upstairs. Having arrived later than normal, I was able to see the musicians for myself when they came in for one after practice, and it was nice to see the bar full up and hear the warm buzz of conversation over the music, even though the choice was excellent as usual, until much later at least.
Beer wise, the cider box has gone to be replaced by cider on handpump, which means at present there are just two real ales on, being Deception and Moonshine from Abbeydale. I stuck to the Deception as is my normal Harrison plan now, and settled in (as far as that's possible for a big lad on a bar stool ) for a few drinks and some crisps at the bar, the only minor downside being a rash moment of what was hopefully ironic musical digression where Dave played Cherry Pie by Warrant. Unacceptable Dave, truly, but another great evening overall.
My final news concerns last night's trip to the above preceded by a visit to the Old House. Inside there appears to have been a slight makeover, and it seems mercifully a little lighter inside so now I can walk unhindered and in safety to and from the bar. There are 5 handpumps, which I think is relevant as I only recall 3, on this occasion selling Moonshine, the excellent Farmers Stout, and rather surprisingly, Flowers IPA, from whichever contract brewer has takken it on lately.
I had a pint of Moonshine and then a pint of the Stout, as well as fooling myself into thinking the Franziskaner was a dunkel not the standard wheat (not that I mind), so had a half of that as well. I also sampled some excellent Errazurriz pinot noir, with Chala sampling the Robert Mo(n?)davi Chardonnay, before we caved in and got two pricey and for me slightly too dry chip butties, and some more stout.
Afterwards we headed to Harrisons as I said, and found it a bit busier than usual, although I didn't detect the welcoming sounds of the band upstairs this time. Once again Deception was my tipple of choice as the Moonshine was getting a bit low, and we nibbled on some free nuts to stave off the hunger until we left about 22.00, allowing me the opportunity to wolf down a steak when I got in.
More news soon, especially since I have finally found the details of my January pub trip to Derbyshire, and hopefully will have something to tell of my catch up with Carlos on Friday.
Wee Beefy
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