22/07/23 – Pontefract

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A local Saturday afternoon visit to Pontefract, a town well known for its castle, confectionery industry, coal mining, and horse racing. Not forgetting the famous liquorice sweets “Pontefract Cakes”. Two visits here today, the first being a Bottle Shop and Tasting Room inside Pontefract’s Indoor Market, followed by a visit to the towns Micropub (although the town is packed full of pubs and small bars).

House of Ales

The first visit of the day is inside Pontefract Indoor Market, “House of Ales”, a Bottle Shop and Tasting Room, which has recently moved over to a new unit for more space and to allow customers to drink in the shop. A fantastic selection of bottles and cans from around the UK and further afield, with lots of new release cans and choices from lots of great breweries. Alongside this an extensive choice of European Lagers, and PerfectDraft Kegs.

Was fantastic chatting to owner Karl in the House of Ales, and being relatively new with the “drink in” option, I really hope this does well. It is open at the same time as the indoor market (Mon-Sat 0930-1630). The two drinks on offer today were “Abbeydale – Dry Hopped Redemption”, a tasty 4.1% Pale Ale, alongside “Lilleys – Mango Cider”. (You can also choose any can or bottle to drink in).

The Old Grocers

The second call of the day is to “The Old Grocers”, a Micropub which opened in June 2019 and was converted from a Hair and Beauty Salon. The building was formerly a Grocery Shop called “Slaters” in the past. A warm welcoming Micropub run by Dave and Amanda. Set over 2 floors and often hosting music events which are very popular.

As always a fantastic selection of ales and ciders available here. 5 Cask Ales, 5 Keg Beers and a couple of ciders. An extensive range of spirits is also served. I started with “Lost in the Thick of It”, from local South Kirkby based Chin Chin brewery, followed by “Mosaic” from Wakefield based Fernandes Brewery. Both really well kept beers.

Aswell as seating on two floors inside, a small beer garden to the rear of the pub is also available. Great for those warm summer days.