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The day commenced in Huddersfield, the birthplace of British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, where a statue commemorating him stands prominently at the Railway Station. This town is also renowned for its pivotal role in the establishment of Rugby League in 1895 and its significant textile industry. Today, I participated in the “Huddopoly” event, which highlights independent venues across Huddersfield, and I explored a few additional locations. On my return journey, I made a stop in Brighouse, celebrated for the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, one of the most distinguished brass bands in the United Kingdom. During my visit, I explored four venues, enjoying a diverse array of pubs, taprooms, café bars, and micropubs throughout the day.
Huddersfield is on the Transpennine Rail Ale Trail and Penistone Line Ale Trail
King’s Head
Huddersfield Railway Station features two pubs, collectively referred to as the “Real Ale Bookends,” both offering an impressive selection of real ales. My first stop was the “King’s Head”, which boasts an attractive façade, complemented by the station’s status as a listed Grade I building that has received a railway heritage award. Upon entering, one is greeted by a spacious interior characterised by high ceilings, tiled flooring, and ample seating, creating an inviting atmosphere. This morning, I received a warm welcome.
This establishment offers an impressive array of beers, featuring 11 cask options and 7 keg selections. The assortment highlights a variety of local breweries, as well as some from more distant locations. I chose to sample “Citra-Holic,” a pale ale from Tigertops Brewery, located in Wakefield. It is a flavourful and hoppy brew that delivers a delightful taste experience.
The Head of Steam
The second establishment on the Railway Station is the “The Head of Steam”. This spacious pub comprises four distinct rooms; upon entry, patrons will find keg beers to the left and cask beers to the right, with additional rooms located at the rear, adjacent to the platform. Each room boasts its own unique ambience, featuring impressive high ceilings and an array of beer memorabilia adorning the walls. This morning, I was greeted with a warm welcome from the staff behind the bar.
The variety of cask and keg beers available is outstanding, featuring 14 cask options and 26 keg selections, along with well-stocked refrigerators containing an array of cans and bottles. I opted for “A Little Faith,” a tropical pale ale from Northern Monk Brewery based in Leeds. This delightful brew is juicy, hazy, and perfect for a session.
Magic Rock Tap
A brief stroll from the town centre leads me to Magic Rock Tap by Magic Rock Brewing. It has been several years since my last visit. Upon arrival, one is greeted by an impressive outdoor area featuring ample seating options, both sheltered and exposed, accompanied by the enticing aromas emanating from the food vendor present today. Upon entering, I pass by wooden barrels of maturing beer, with the bar situated against the back wall, constructed from exposed brick. Today, I received a warm welcome from the staff behind the bar. It is particularly enjoyable to observe the fermentation vessels while seated, with windows clearly labelled to indicate their contents.
An impressive assortment of 3 cask and 10 keg beers is available, alongside a diverse range of canned selections, which includes several “Small Batch Brews”. One particularly noteworthy beer is called “Botanicalist,” characterized as a Gin & Tonic IPA. This unique brew combines eight distinct botanicals with a West Coast IPA, resulting in a refreshing, citrusy, and zesty flavour profile that is remarkably easy to enjoy.
The Sportsman Beerhouse
Returning towards the town leads me to “The Sportsman Beerhouse”, an exquisite bar from the 1930s that underwent renovations in the 1950s by Hammonds, as evidenced by the ‘H’ displayed on the windows. The establishment features a splendid curved bar in the main area, complemented by a few smaller rooms. Additionally, there is a charming and private beer garden located at the back. The hospitality from the staff behind the bar is exceptionally warm.
Upon examining the bar, one is presented with an extensive selection of 8 cask and 8 keg beers. In addition, there is a comprehensive menu featuring bottled Belgian, German, and various international beers and ciders. Choices abound in this establishment. I chose to sample a beer from a relatively new brewery, “Colbar Brew Co,” located in Bootle, Merseyside, which was established in 2024. The beer I selected was “Chorus,” a classic pale ale enhanced with the German Polaris hop, imparting a distinctive spicy character to the brew.
Williams Beer & Gin House
Directly across from the train station stands “Williams Beer & Gin House”, a bar characterized by its modern design. The establishment features contemporary lighting and, despite its seemingly small façade, extends further back than one might expect. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a beautifully curved wooden bar situated to the left, which adds to the venue’s appeal. The staff offered a warm welcome.
Today, the bar featured a selection of four cask ales, complemented by various keg options. I opted for “Random – Citra Motueka,” a creation from the Wishbone Brewery located in Keighley. This particular beer is part of a new series where the brewery alternates the hops and the clarity of the beer. On this occasion, it was clear. It proved to be a light, refreshing pale ale that was quite enjoyable.
Arcade Beers
A brief stroll led me to “Arcade Beers”. My initial visit occurred several years ago when it was merely a single unit functioning primarily as a bottle shop. Since then, they have expanded by incorporating the adjacent unit, resulting in a spacious bar area complemented by additional seating. It was a pleasure conversing with you, Alistair, during my time there.
The venue features an extensive array of 18 keg beers available on tap, complemented by a diverse assortment of bottled and canned options, many of which are rare and not commonly found. I opted for a Fruit Lambic from the Belgian brewery Brasserie Cantillon. The “Vigneronne” presented a delightful combination of lambics infused with Viognier grapes. It was a truly pleasurable beverage, offering a refreshing departure from my usual preferences.
Parish
My subsequent call was to “Parish”. The last time I visited, it was situated at its former location on Kirkgate; however, it has since relocated to The Old Courthouse. This Grade II listed structure, which dates back to the 19th Century, underwent several transformations during the 1990s, becoming a split-level pub known as The Old Courthouse, then evolving into a “brewhaus” venue in 2015, and later a nightclub. The interior is stunning, featuring wooden floors, high ceilings, and tasteful decorations. The front boasts a spacious outdoor seating area. The establishment offers a warm welcome.
The establishment provides a great variety of keg beers, enhanced by a notable selection of canned beverages. Among the keg offerings is a product from Zapato Brewery, located near Marsden. This is a highly drinkable, fruity, and hazy pale ale called “Onwards,” which is brewed with Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado hops.
The Grove
I proceeded to the outskirts of town to explore “The Grove”, a charming sandstone pub from the 19th century. While its exterior may appear unassuming, the interior reveals a haven for beer enthusiasts. The establishment features various rooms adorned with a combination of tiled and wooden flooring. The walls are decorated with mounted animal heads, artwork, and an array of intriguing artefacts. At the back, there lies a concealed treasure in the form of a beer garden, ideal for enjoying the pleasant weather. The pub offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
I encountered an extensive array of cask and keg beers at the centrally situated bar, which caters to two connected rooms. The selection features 8 cask beers and more than 22 keg options, providing ample variety. I opted for “Northern Soul,” a delightful golden pale ale from the local Briggs Signature Ales, characterized by its full body and refreshing taste.
Plumbers Arms
The subsequent visit was to Plumbers Arms, an excellent representation of a Grade II Listed structure originating from the late 18th to early 19th Century. Several years prior, it underwent a comprehensive refurbishment, resulting in its current appealing appearance, with an inviting and comfortable interior. Externally, a spacious beer garden extends across the street, attracting considerable patronage, with a further beer garden at the rear. Upon entering, I was greeted with warmth from behind the bar.
I was delighted to discover a great selection of three cask ales offered at the bar. I chose to indulge in one of my favourites from the local Ossett Brewery, “White Rat,” which is a delightful, flavourful, and hoppy pale ale.
The County Beerhouse
My next call was to “The County Beerhouse”, previously known as “County,” which was acquired by the Beerhouses group and reopened its doors in March 2022 following a comprehensive refurbishment. The interior boasts a modern aesthetic complemented by various decorative elements. Notable historical features, such as the Magnet windows and the John Smiths lamp, remain visible from the exterior. In addition to the main area, there is a smaller room located towards the back, as well as a charming hidden beer garden situated along the side. Customers are greeted with a warm welcome from the staff behind the bar.
The establishment presents an extensive array of cask and keg beers, primarily highlighting brews from Yorkshire, while also featuring a limited selection from other areas. There are six cask beers available, and I opted for the “Pale Ale Series 1 – Citra/Simcoe” produced by Howling Hops, a brewery located in London. This pale ale is characterized by its hoppy and refreshing profile, delivering a rich flavour experience.
The Rat & Ratchet
A stroll to the outskirts of town, followed by a brief descent down Chapel Hill, leads me to The Rat & Ratchet, previously known as “The Grey Horse.” The Rat Microbrewery originated in the basement of this establishment in December 1994 and underwent enhancements in 2000. In 2004, it was acquired by Ossett Brewery, and brewing activities resumed on-site in 2011. The interior exudes a remarkable traditional ambience, featuring a beautifully crafted stone bar with a wooden countertop and wooden flooring throughout. Access to a beer garden is available via a staircase at the back of the pub. The establishment offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by prompt service.
An excellent variety of cask and keg beers is offered, with numerous options crafted by the on-site microbrewery. Today, there are nine cask beers available at the bar, and I chose to enjoy “Posh Rat” from the Rat Brewery located on the premises. This golden hoppy pale ale is exceptionally easy to drink and perfect for a session, making it a remarkable choice.
The Star Inn
My final visit in Huddersfield took me on a somewhat extended walk beyond the town centre to “The Star Inn”. This well-regarded establishment is frequently highlighted in various guides dedicated to pubs and real ale venues in Huddersfield. It boasts a charming traditional ambiance, characterized by beamed ceilings and an inviting atmosphere upon entry. At the back, there is a lovely, secluded beer garden accessible through a side door. The hospitality from the staff behind the bar is exceptional.
The exceptional service was enhanced by an outstanding assortment of nine cask ales sourced from various breweries, including both local and more distant options. I opted for “Not What I Planned,” crafted by Empire Brewing, located in Slaithwaite. This delightful beer features Nectaron hops and boasts a striking straw hue.
MAMIL Café Bar
I made a stop in Brighouse on my way home to explore four different locations. The first was “MAMIL Café Bar”, a charming establishment themed around cycling, adorned with bicycles on the walls and various related memorabilia. It features an outdoor seating area at the front and a few stools at the back, providing a view of Freeman’s Cut. Additionally, there is a bike workshop on-site, along with a selection of bike spare parts for sale. Upon my arrival, I received a warm and friendly welcome.
I was delighted to discover a commendable selection of keg beers alongside two cask options. I opted for “Pride & Joy,” an American Pale Ale from Vocation Brewery, located in Hebden Bridge. This beer is exceptional—flavourful, enjoyable, and remarkably smooth to consume. It is truly a delightful choice.
The Market Tavern
A brief stroll around the corner leads me to “The Market Tavern”, situated directly across from Blakeley’s Fish Shop and adjacent to the outdoor market. Upon entering, one is greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, featuring a bar area, a more intimate lounge at the back, and a quaint outdoor beer garden. The establishment has previously received several CAMRA awards. I was warmly welcomed by Andrew “Snap” and the staff behind the bar upon my arrival.
Upon my arrival, I discovered a remarkable selection of six cask ales, each differing in style and potency. Additionally, there were a few keg options available, including Lager and Cider, to enhance the cask ale offerings. I chose to sample “Wallace and Comet” from Nightjar Brew Co., located in Mytholmroyd. This exceptional beer, crafted with a blend of Comet, Simcoe, and Citra hops, is notably smooth and flavourful.
The Crafty Fox
A brief stroll leads me to Commercial Street, where I find “The Crafty Fox”. This well-regarded family-operated bar features a spacious downstairs area and outdoor seating at the front, as well as an additional room on the upper level. The establishment is adorned with charming wooden panelling on the walls and floors, contributing to its inviting atmosphere. Although the bar is quite bustling, the service is remarkably efficient.
This evening, I was presented with a varied assortment of six cask ales and eight keg beers, showcasing a range of styles and strengths. I opted for “Berried Treasure,” crafted by Silent Brew Co., located in Buxton. This beer features a delightful blend of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, offering a tart and sour experience.
The Commercial/Railway
The final establishment of the day is situated adjacent to Brighouse Railway Station and is known as The Commercial/Railway. This traditional pub features a variety of distinct rooms, one of which is dedicated to a musical theme. Additionally, there is an outdoor beer garden that includes a sheltered area for inclement weather. It is a highly frequented pub, offering a warm reception and prompt service.
The establishment features an extensive array of four cask ales, complemented by a variety of keg beers. I opted for “Heart & Soul,” a product of Vocation Brewery located in Hebden Bridge. This beer is characterized by its full-bodied, fruity profile, with tropical and hoppy notes. It serves as an excellent choice to conclude the day.
Micropub Adventures 
What a challenge ! excellent coverage as always.
cheers
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