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Exploring Skipton and Barnoldswick’s Beer Culture
Skipton and Barnoldswick are steeped in history, with Skipton Castle standing as a key landmark and a lively market scene that dates back to the Domesday Book. You can check out local spots like The Boathouse Bar, Hickey’s & Friends, and Wax and Taps, each with its own vibe and selection of beers. Barnoldswick, with its industrial roots, features places like The Barlick Tap and Chewies that focus on local brews. The Beer Engine and The Narrow Boat, along with other pubs in Skipton, really capture the community spirit while offering a variety of ales. All in all, exploring these towns showcases their rich history and vibrant beer culture.
Skipton
Starting off the day in Skipton. It boasts a fascinating history that stretches back to prehistoric times. The town made its first appearance in the Domesday Book in 1085 and is famous for Skipton Castle, which was constructed around 1090 by Robert de Romille. It played a key role as a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War until it fell in 1645. The completion of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in 1816 really helped local trade thrive during the Industrial Revolution. Nowadays, Skipton is celebrated for its lively market scene and well-preserved medieval buildings, drawing in visitors who want to explore its beautiful landscapes and historical landmarks.
The Boathouse Bar
My first stop today is in Skipton, before I catch a bus to Barnoldswick. The Boathouse Bar is in a lovely spot, right by Skipton Marina, where the main Leeds and Liverpool Canal meets the Springs Branch. It opened its doors in March 2016, thanks to Ian Clarke, who runs Pennine Cruisers with his wife Pamela and daughter Zoe.
The beautiful surroundings make it a great place to unwind. Inside, the décor has a nautical vibe, with navigation lamps casting a warm glow. When the weather’s nice, you can sit outside and take in the canal views. As you walk in, you’ll notice a cosy yet modern atmosphere that mixes comfort with style. There are fun touches too, like a canoe hanging from the ceiling, canal-themed art on the walls, and a little mile marker showing how far it is to the restrooms, all adding to the charm.
This morning, Sarah and Debs gave an awesome warm welcome and had a fantastic selection of cask and keg beers from various breweries. I kicked things off with “Pommie’s Revenge” from Goose Eye Brewery in Keighley. It’s a super tasty and flavourful traditional English Bitter that’s hard to resist. Then I moved on to “Yorkshire’s Best Bitter” from Rooster’s Brewing Co. in Harrogate. Another fantastic English Bitter!
Barnoldswick
Out to Barnoldswick. Barnoldswick, or Barlick as the locals call it, has a history that goes way back to the Anglo-Saxon era, even making an appearance in the Domesday Book as Bernulfesuuic. A Cistercian monastery popped up in 1147 but was ditched after just six years because the locals weren’t having it. The town stayed pretty small until the Leeds and Liverpool Canal came along, which really kicked off its transformation into a major cotton hub. During the industrial boom, some well-known companies like Esse stoves and Silentnight Beds set up shop there. Barnoldswick’s past is also notable for its ties to Rolls-Royce, which has connections to the town’s cotton weaving roots.
Hickey’s & Friends
After hopping on a bus to Barnoldswick, my first stop was Hickey’s & Friends. This spot is located where the old Majestic Picture House used to be, which first opened its doors as a cinema back in 1914. The building has a cool mock Tudor style, featuring timber framing and decorative touches that really capture the vibe of the early 20th century.
Once the cinema closed down, the Majestic Picture House went through a bunch of changes. Over the years, it transformed into various commercial spaces. It even became Majestic Discounts, a retail shop that was around for a while before turning into Kyle Longbottom Fitness Management, a gym.
Inside, the atmosphere is super cosy and inviting, decked out in beautiful navy and gold, which really gives the place a unique charm. The food menu is incredible, featuring a variety of platters, pizzas, jackets, paninis, and much more, all made with fresh local ingredients. I had a great time chatting with Mark and Niamh while I was there, and I’m really glad to see that they’re thriving just four months after opening.
There are four cask ales on tap at the bar, featuring two from the local Three Peaks Brewery, including a special brew made just for this spot. You can also find a variety of keg beers to choose from. I tried out a couple of beers from the local Three Peaks Brewery. First up was the “Whernside Pale Ale,” which is super easy to drink and has a nice light flavour. Then I moved on to “Hickey’s Gold,” their house brew that’s a crisp and refreshing golden ale.
Wax and Taps
A quick walk brings me to my next visit. Wax and Taps is a cool record bar in Barnoldswick that mixes vinyl records with craft beer. It’s become a hit with both music lovers and locals, offering a chill spot to enjoy great tunes and a beer. This place is part of a growing trend where music and social drinking come together.
Inside, the layout is pretty neat, with one side showcasing a collection of vinyl records, while the other side features a cosy seating area with wooden tables and benches that really set the vibe. The wooden bar in the corner catches your eye as soon as you walk in. Some great street food to match.
Molly at the bar gave an awesome warm welcome today! When it comes to beer, there are three cask ales from local breweries to pick from, plus a variety of keg beers as well. I decided to grab a beer from Bingley Brewery, a place I’ve been to before. “KeVIN” is a refreshing and super drinkable pale ale, loaded with flavour.
The Barlick Tap
My next stop is The Barlick Tap, which is just off the town square. This spot was the first Micropub in town when it opened its doors in 2015. It’s a great place for the community, where both locals and visitors can come together, hang out, and enjoy some drinks. The building was the first place of business for “The Barlick Co-Operative Society”, which started in 1854 with no more than 20 members and by 1915 had risen to 1850.
As you step inside, you’ll find a really cosy and welcoming vibe. The space beautifully blends traditional pub charm with some modern flair. There’s a nice variety of seating, including some wooden church pews that give it that classic feel. Plus, the walls are decorated with posters and ornaments that add a unique touch and really draw your attention.
Declan gave a warm welcome today, showcasing an awesome lineup of 4 cask ales sourced from breweries in Yorkshire and Lancashire, plus a variety of keg beers. On top of that, there’s a fridge loaded with a great selection of cans and bottles. I kicked things off with “Sleigh Bob” from Farm Yard Brew Co. in Lancashire. It’s a festive twist on their yummy Hay Bob, and it never fails to impress—so tasty and hard to resist! Next up was “Blonde” from Ilkley Brewery. It’s a super smooth and addictive golden ale that’s just perfect for sipping.
Chewies
My final stop in Barnoldswick was at Chewies. This place just opened up a little over a month ago (after a period of closure) and seems to be thriving. The interior has a sleek, modern vibe with nice wooden tables and chairs, plus some cool exposed brick.
I received a really friendly welcome from the bartender when I arrived today, and it was awesome to catch up with followers Paul and Jo while we chatted. On the bar, there were two cask ales, both from Saltaire Brewery. I went with “Fusion” from Saltaire Brewery, and it was a great pick! This hazy pale ale is super tasty and packed with amazing flavours.
BB18 Brewery and Tap
On my way back to Skipton, I decided to jump off the bus in Earby. I checked out BB18 Brewery and Tap, which used to be a shop but has transformed into a cosy hangout for beer enthusiasts. It was launched in late 2020 by Steven and Linda Picks, who previously ran Picks Brewery in Accrington. They set up this brewery after relocating a 5-barrel brewing system from the Whitstable Brewery in Kent.
The inside is amazing; I love places where you can actually sit right in the brewery. As soon as you walk in, you can see all the brewing equipment, along with a well-decorated seating area that has a mix of high and low tables. There’s also a small outdoor beer garden at the back.
Steve gave me a warm welcome today and showed off a fantastic selection of 6 handpumps, with all the beers brewed on-site and a variety of styles to choose from. I stopped by with a couple of friends to try out some of their beers. I picked the “Blonde,” “IPA,” and “Bitter” from the six options they had. All three were fantastic, bursting with amazing flavours that really showed the care put into brewing them.
Early Doors
Back in Skipton, my first stop was Early Doors. This awesome micropub opened its doors in February 2016. The name is inspired by a sitcom from Manchester that the original owner loved. “Early Doors” takes place in a fictional pub called The Grapes, situated in Heaton Norris, Stockport, part of Greater Manchester. The show follows the everyday lives of the pub’s regulars and staff, touching on themes like love, loneliness, and the funny side of daily life. As of July 2024, it has new owners.
The vibe here is super chill—no frills, no music, and no food, just great beer and good chats. The space is a long, narrow room with the bar on the left. It’s all about creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere that highlights enjoying quality drinks and socializing. The décor is simple and comfy, sticking to the classic micropub style without any unnecessary extravagance.
Mason gave a super friendly welcome at the bar tonight, and it was awesome to chat with him. There were three cask ales on tap, and a fourth one was just about to be added. I went with “Hoffman Gold” from Settle Brewery. It’s a delicious golden ale that has a hint of blackcurrant flavour. Super tasty!
Yorkshireman
A quick stroll takes me to Yorkshireman . My last visit was back in 2023 when it was still Styles Bar, and before that, it was Ref & Whistle. Since then, it’s changed ownership and undergone a top-notch renovation, reopening in September 2024 as The Yorkshireman.
The change to The Yorkshireman is all about highlighting local produce and creating a community vibe. The pub wants to be a welcoming spot where people can chat without the usual distractions of big chain pubs, like blaring music or gaming machines. It focuses on traditional pub charm with a snug atmosphere, featuring wooden tables and bench seating. Plus, the upstairs area has some awesome exposed beams and a nice space for local groups to gather.
You’ll get another awesome, friendly welcome here! The bar has a choice of 4 cask ales (one just ran out) in various styles to pick from. I checked out a beer from Dark Horse Brewery, located in Skipton. Their “Hetton Pale Ale” is a smooth and creamy golden ale that snagged the title of “Yorkshire’s Perfect Pint” on a TV show.
The Beer Engine
A quick walk takes me to The Beer Engine, a cosy micropub that opened up in May 2014. It was started by Janet Langton and her husband, who wanted to create a friendly spot for both beer lovers and casual sippers. It’s conveniently located near the canal and other favourite hangouts. The place has a modern vibe with wood slat panelling and stylish oak furniture, making it a welcoming spot for everyone. One cool feature is the bar area where you can see the casks displayed right behind the counter, giving you a peek at what’s on offer. They even use a pulley system to lift the casks into position, which is pretty neat.
The Beer Engine has become a hit among beer fans and has snagged a bunch of awards, including the CAMRA Yorkshire Pub of the Year for both 2023 and 2024. It’s also been recognized as the Branch Pub of the Season and Branch Pub of the Year.
It’s super busy in here tonight, but I still got a fantastic warm welcome! It’s awesome to see how popular this place is. They’ve got an amazing variety of beers, both cask and keg, plus a nice selection of cans and bottles to pick from. I went with a collab brew from Thornbridge Brewery and Rivington Brewing Co. It’s called “Regional Haze,” and it’s this gorgeous, fruity, hazy pale ale that’s bursting with flavour and super delicious.
The Narrow Boat
The Narrow Boat is up next, found on Victoria Street. This pub has been around since 1999 and has quite the backstory. Created by Market Town Taverns, it was meant to be a classic pub that highlights real ales and great food. When it first opened, The Narrow Boat brought some fresh ideas to the pub scene, like a no smoking policy and no live music, which were pretty rare back then. This made it a chill spot for those who liked a quieter vibe while sipping their drinks.
In the summer of 2023, Kirkstall Brewery took over and gave it a makeover in the fall, reopening in early December. While the bar has shifted a bit, the overall layout is still pretty similar. The pub spans two rooms, featuring an upstairs gallery, a function room, and a covered outdoor area for drinking and smoking. As you walk in, you’ll notice a warm atmosphere with wooden beams and rustic décor. The seating is well thought out, catering to both small hangouts and bigger get-togethers, with comfy booths and tables that encourage socializing while still keeping things private.
There’s an awesome variety of cask beers at the bar from Kirkstall-owned breweries like North and Leeds. Plus, they’ve got their own house brew, the “Narrow Boat Pale Ale”. I had to try their house ale, which is a super smooth and delicious pale ale.
The Mess Room
The next spot to check out is The Mess Room – Skipton. This awesome bar and live music venue opened its doors in April 2019, thanks to the creative couple Julia and Steven McNamara. They had a cool idea to turn a little garden shop and courtyard into a cosy hangout that brings people together through music, drinks, and good vibes. Fun fact: it used to be a fire station!
The vibe here is all about warmth and comfort, making it a chill place to kick back. The décor blends rustic charm with modern touches, and the seating is super comfy, perfect for chatting with friends. The soft lighting adds to the cosy atmosphere, and there’s a lovely outdoor area where you can sip your drink and watch life unfold around you.
The Royal Shepherd Inn
I decided to grab some tasty food at The Royal Shepherd Inn. This pub, right by the canal, is one of the oldest in the area, with roots going back to the 17th century. The name comes from King George III, who was lovingly called “Farmer George” for his work in agriculture and setting up model farms at Windsor. This ties in nicely with Skipton’s own farming background, especially its sheep farming scene.
What makes The Royal Shepherd stand out is that it’s the only pub in England with that name. Its historical vibe is even more interesting because it used to have a “charter” on display that showed off its royal links, but sadly, it disappeared when the pub was closed for a few months in 2011. There are also some spooky stories floating around about The Royal Shepherd. People say it’s haunted by the ghost of John Southworth, who was killed there in 1782, along with other ghostly figures like Molly Barker and her dog, Tag.
The food selection was absolutely delicious, featuring a big menu that had something for everyone, plus some specials. As for the beer, there was an awesome lineup of three cask beers to pick from tonight. I had a couple of beers with my meal here, both from Skipton’s Dark Horse Brewery. First up is the “Craven Bitter,” which is a solid, traditional English Bitter that’s super easy to drink and nicely balanced. Next, “Blonde Beauty,” a delicious and flavourful blonde ale that’s perfect for a session.
Swadford Tap
My final call of the day was to Swadford Tap, a new micropub that just opened in November 2023, taking over the spot where Swadford Lounge used to be. They’ve made some cool updates, like moving the bar from the front to the back to give folks more room up front. The inside is decked out with pictures of different pop artists, which really adds to the lively vibe. It looks super nice.
I got a friendly welcome from the bar staff and had my pick of three cask ales, plus a bunch of keg beer options to choose from. I had a beer from Salamander Brewing Company, which is based in Bradford. Their “Morning Glory” is a super light and refreshing pale ale that’s bursting with flavour.
Micropub Adventures 