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A trip out today around the outskirts of Bradford with a number of Micropubs visited during the day.
Mainly by bus today, starting from Leeds City Bus Station on the 60 run by Keighley Bus Company heading out towards the Greengates area.
The Cracker Barrel
Opened in April 2017, this small family run micropub is very cosy and homely inside. Refurbished just before Lockdown (and a small outside area added during Lockdown). Very nicely done out inside and a friendly welcome.
4 cask ales on here which include one from Meanwood Brewery, Pennine Brewery, Stancill Brewery and Tetley’s Bitter.
Started off with the “Meanwood Brewery – Court of Horrors”, a very nice tasting Session IPA with a lot of flavour, then onto “Tetley’s Bitter”, which I’ve not seen on cask for a while. Nipped outside to check out the new outdoor area as well.
The New Line
A short walk around the corner to “The New Line”, small building with a bar downstairs with some seating and more seating upstairs. Opened in June 2018 this was a conversion from a residential property dating from the 1800s. 3 cask ales on here – Saltaire Blonde, Wainwrights and Timothy Taylor Landlord.
Havent seen a Saltaire beer where ive visited for a while so went with the Saltaire Blonde. Good as always!
Back on the bus now to the Eccleshill area this time. A quick 8 minute journey from Greengates
The Greedy Pig
Opened in July 2018 (formerly William Hudson & Son Butchers Shop), this micropub still relates to its past with steel tables, original wall tiles covered in pump clips and of course the name itself.
3 cask ales on here from Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery. Decided on Ruskin’s, a delicious English Bitter. Good as always from this brewery, just dont always see a lot of them around Yorkshire.
The Fountain
Quick call into here while waiting for my bus. Wainwrights on Hand Pull.
Bus towards Idle now, again a quick 8 minute journey.
The Idle Draper
A very modern spin on a Micropub which opened in November 2016 and only opens Friday through to Sunday.
Two cask ale handpulls but one available, this being Saltaire – Lupulo
Idle Beerhouse
Formerly an Ale & Cider house, this bar now serves Keg beers only along with food, along with a rear heated terrace.
Good selection on, decided to go with Timothy Taylors – Hopical Storm (Keg)
Short 15 minute walk uphill now from Idle to Thackley, just about missing the quick rain shower.
The Black Rat
First port of call in Thackley was “The Black Rat”. Originally opened in March 2016 (and new ownership from August 2021), it was converted from a flower shop.
A warm welcome again here, with pork pies available for customers. Range of 4 cask ales on from Salamander, Saltaire and Bradfield Breweries. I started with the Salamander – Popyxock Porter” before moving onto “Bradfield – Farmers Blonde”. Also stocks a range of Lilleys and other Bag in Box Ciders.
The Great Northern
The pub itself is named after the old railway company from the now abandoned nearby line – The Thackley Line.
A wide range of keg beers, along with 4 cask ales on (3 from Concept Brewery and a Timothy Taylors beer)
The Ainsbury
Another great micropub, converted from a corner shop and under new ownership since November 2021. Very warm welcome again on entering this micropub both from Landlady and customers.
Three hand pulled cask ales on here – this time from Moorhouses, Rudgate and Salamander. Went with “Moorhouses – Broomstick Bitter”, very delicious. Also uses a hand pull for Lilleys cider aswell as others available via bag in box.
Dave’s Pies and Ale
After heading back towards Leeds on the bus, id noticed a small bar on the way out this morning a few doors up from The Cardigan Arms, called Dave’s Pies and Ale. Only a recent addition as opened in November 2021.
Range of 3 cask ales along with Guinness and a Pilsner made by Stancil Brewery. Range of 6 Pork Pies served with or without mushy peas and come with Brown and Mint Sauce. (Includes a vegetarian option).
All in all a good day out around the outskirts of Bradford. No delays bar a few minutes with bus s and lots of good bars, friendly customers/owners and delicious beers!
Micropub Adventures 
Great read. I especially like the saltaire blonde & the farmers blonde. Thinking of getting a train over from Blackpool. Along with a couple of bus rides I reckon I could do it with a bit of research.
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Interesting article, but would help if more info on the bus routes was included.
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I just looked up next buses between pubs when I got to each one as there are lots of different routes you can use (all First Services)
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Cheers.
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Enjoy reading your blogs on micropubs – some really good articles – decided to visit Bradford yesterday and visited the Cracker Barrel who was celebrating its 6th birthday.Then had a 15 minute uphill walk along Albion Road to Idle – visiting the Idle Draper with a friendly welcome from the landlord.
Walked a further 10/15 minutes into Thackley and visited the Black Rat which was really good,small but a friendly welcome, then went to the Ainsbury which was also excellent.
A good day and hope to visit some other micropubs in the near future.
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