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As 2023 draws to a close, I thought I would sum up the year with featuring my Top 10 Blogs that have been read by you this year. A huge huge thankyou to everyone who I have met, pubs and breweries I have visited and everyone who has read or shared my blogs. Also to various CAMRA branches who have used my blogs in magazines, around 25 published this year.
Firstly before getting onto the Top 10, im just going to add in that I have been featured on Feedspots Top 30 UK Pub Blogs of 2033, being ranked 8th which is amazing. Check out the link HERE. Their description being “Micropub Adventures is a blog that delves into the unique world of micropubs, small, independent establishments known for their character, community spirit, and quality beverages. Join the journey of exploring these hidden gems, their origins, and the stories behind their success. Discover the latest micropub openings, beer tastings, and experiences that celebrate the charm of these intimate pub spaces”
The Top 10 of 2023
1. Penistone Line Ale Trail
An attempt at an Ale Trail on the Penistone Rail Line which runs between Barnsley and Huddersfield. The first part of the line opened in 1850 between Huddersfield and Penistone, with the other part following later. It is designated as a “Community Rail Line” and covers a 27 Mile Route (from Sheffield to Huddersfield). Also featured in both Sheffield and Chesterfield CAMRA Magazines.
2. Hope Valley Ale Trail
A day out along the Hope Valley, starting at Edale and working back to Sheffield calling off at Hope, Bamford (Closed on the day), Hathersage and Grindleford. Some amazing scenery and excellent traditional pubs during the day.
3. Rotherham
A day out to Rotherham, a town named after the River Rother which is one of the two rivers to run through the town (The River Don being the second). The town has become well known for its Steel making industry. Today I visited several micropubs dotted around the outskirts of the town, alongside Chantry Brewery’s Taproom, and finishing with 2 pubs in the town centre. Also featured in Rotherham CAMRA Magazine.
4. Sheffield
A trip over to Sheffield today. May take a few visits to cover everything here but starting today in Hillsborough and working back towards the centre. Some great micropubs and craft bars alongside a few brewery taps. Featured in Chesterfield CAMRA Magazine.
5. Gateshead and Newcastle
An afternoon visiting several Micropubs and other bars in Gateshead, before dropping down to the River Tyne to By the River Brew Co, and finishing at The Heaton Tap. Featured in Durham CAMRA Magazine.
6. Ilkeston, Heanor, Ripley and Langley Mill
Another day out with a Northern £10 Newspaper offer ticket. Started at Ilkeston visiting The Burnt Pig, Gladstonian, Craft One and Stanton Cask, before heading up to the Marlpool Ale House from Mar;pool Brewery, up to Heanor for Crafty Tap, Angry Bee, Redemption Ale House and Hop Wright Inn. The bus up again to The Tip Inn at Loscoe and Tom Said and Ripley’s Little Alehouse in Ripley. Final call of the day was to the reopening of The Bunny Hop in Langley Mill.
7. Clitheroe, Darwen, Blackburn and Burnley
Starting in Clitheroe at Bowland Brewery tap along with a number of other pubs in Clitheroe, followed by Darwen for The Hopstar Brewery Tap and 12 Steps Brewery Pub, and finishing off with Micropubs in Blackburn and Burnley.
8. Preston
A day out to Preston. A city packed full of great pubs and small bars so lots of choice. Preston itself is known for a couple of quirky features including being home to the tallest spire of any parish church in England to having the longest continuous row of red telephone boxes.
9. Langley Mill, Eastwood, Giltbrook and Kimberley
Following on from being at the Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival for a few hours in the morning, I headed out to Langley Mill and worked my way back into Nottingham via Eastwood, Giltbrook and Kimberley, calling at 9 Micropubs en route. All very welcoming and unique in their own way. Featured in Nottingham CAMRA Magazine.
10. Swindon
A few days away before RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) at RAF Fairford on Saturday. The first day is spent around Swindon, a town made famous with the coming of the Great Western Railway in 1843, transforming the town from a small market town to one of the largest railway engineering complexes at its peak. Some great bars here including brewery taps, brewery pubs aswell as some great craft and cask bars. The bottom 2 breweries were visited on Saturday (but have included to keep it all together)
Micropub Adventures 