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Exploring Retford, Langwith and Worksop’s Best Pubs
I take a tour of various pubs and bars in Retford and Worksop, showcasing their unique atmospheres and offerings. The Mallard, located at Worksop Station, combines historical significance with a modern vibe and a focus on community through a no-phones policy. Idle Valley Tap features a spacious interior and a diverse selection of craft beers. Beer Under the Clock is a dog-friendly venue that fosters a relaxed environment, while Retford Craft House plans to offer an extensive range of beverages upon its future opening. The Brew Shed and The Yard provide inviting spaces for social interaction, culminating in the historical charm of The Station Hotel.
Retford, in Nottinghamshire, is a historic market town with Saxon origins, officially chartered in 1246. It became a key stop on the Great North Road and developed through agriculture and trade. Worksop, also in Nottinghamshire, expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, becoming known as the “Gateway to the Dukeries” due to its proximity to four historic estates. It thrived through coal mining and canal transport. Langwith-Whaley Thorns, straddling the Derbyshire border, emerged in the late 19th century as a planned mining village to support the local colliery workforce. Today, all three reflect a blend of heritage and post-industrial transformation.
The Mallard
My first call of the day is to The Mallard, a wonderful independent spot at Worksop Station that boasts a cosy and unique vibe. It’s conveniently located on Platform One, making it a great stop for both travellers and locals. Originally, it served as a refreshment room for passengers when the station opened on July 7, 1849, thanks to the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway, which was key in linking Sheffield to Lincoln via Retford. The station’s original design was by architect James Drabble, and it has seen several updates over the years.
Inside, the place is warm and welcoming, blending traditional architecture with modern comforts, creating a perfect atmosphere for customers to enjoy. They have a no-phones policy, which really helps foster conversation and a sense of community amongst customers.
At the bar, you’ll find a fantastic selection of four cask ales with various styles and strengths, plus a range of keg options, ciders, fruit wines, and more. Today was their St George’s Beer Festival featuring a variety of 20 beers from around the UK and also serves from the cellar bar downstairs. The next one is Thursday 24th to Monday 28th July. A fantastic warm welcome as always from Wayne and the team today and was great to catch up with Rob.
Tried a number of beers on their festival, such a great variety from a large number of breweries.
Idle Valley Tap
Idle Valley Tap in Retford, which used to be the Anchor Inn, is a historic Grade II listed building from the early 1800s. Situated on Carolgate, it boasts a stylish rendered exterior, sash windows, and a classic Welsh slate roof that showcases its architectural heritage. After a full makeover, the pub reopened in November 2015, leaving behind its old name. It also had a short stint as the tap for the Idle Valley Brewery, which started brewing in 2014 before it closed.
At the Idle Valley Tap in Retford, there’s a roomy single space with a pool table and dartboard away from the bar. The walls are filled with eye-catching art, giving it a lively vibe. You can kick back in comfy seats, and there’s also a big outdoor beer garden along with a smoking area that’s got some cool pump clips on display.
At the bar a super selection of 8 cask beers, alongside a range of keg beers to choose from. A great mix of styles. Here I went with “DDH NEIPA”, a collaboration between Ossett Brewery and Siren Craft Brew. A fantastic hoppy, hazy and tasty beer.
Beer Under the Clock
Beer Under The Clock in Retford started out as BeerHeadZ, a micropub that opened its doors in 2014. In April 2021, the management took over the lease and gave it a new name. Located in Town Hall Yard next to the historic Town Hall, this pub has become a beloved spot in Retford. It has been recognized by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), winning the North Nottinghamshire Pub of the Year award in both 2022 and 2023. Recognized as an Asset of Community Value, Beer Under The Clock remains a treasured place in the town.
Inside has a warm and inviting vibe. The pub boasts comfy seating and soft lighting, making it a chill place for everyone. The stylish décor enhances the appeal, and it’s dog-friendly too, so both locals and visitors can enjoy it. Plus, they sometimes have live music, which adds to the fun atmosphere.
It was great to meet Josh, Andy and Rob in here and was fantastic chatting. On the bar a great line up of 5 cask ales, alongside a number of ciders and a great bottle and can selection. I opted to go with “Boston Pale Ale” from Boston Brewery. A light, refreshing and easy drinking pale ale.
Retford Craft House
Retford Craft House is a new micro pub set to open in late spring or early summer 2025 at 10 Beardsall’s Row, Retford, DN22 6JX. This venue aims to offer a diverse selection of craft beverages, including ales, lagers, sours, ciders, wines, and spirits . The establishment plans to feature over 14 ales on tap, 4 cask beers, and a curated collection of 1,000 cans and bottles.
Located near the historic Town Hall Yard, the pub is designed to be a welcoming space for both locals and visitors. The venue has been actively engaging with the community through social media platforms, sharing updates and building anticipation for its opening. It was great to meet Rob, Rob and Keela today and look at the space inside and out. I will be back over when they open.
The Brew Shed
The Brew Shed in Retford is the taproom for Harrison’s Brewery, which was started by brothers Christopher and Stuart Harrison. In 2018, the pub moved from its old spot next door and expanded a lot to serve more customers. This place has a rich history, as it used to be the Bridge Inn, which closed down in 1906. The Brew Shed has received a lot of praise, including being named Nottinghamshire CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2019 and coming in second for East Midlands Pub of the Year that same year. Its location by the canal and focus on quality have made it a beloved local hangout.
The inside has a roomy and welcoming vibe. The upstairs has a big L-shaped area right at street level, giving plenty of seating for guests. Downstairs, there’s a cosier room that opens up to a big patio by the canal, perfect for chilling outside. The décor is a nice mix of rustic and modern styles, making it a comfy spot for everyone.
A really warm welcome today and a great line up of 5 cask ales, 15 keg lines and a selection of ciders. I went with a delicious Session IPA from their own brewery Harrisons, “Proof of Concept”.
The Yard
The Yard, located at The Shed on Park View in Langwith, Derbyshire, is a unique spot that combines a brewery and bar in a revamped industrial setting. Partnering with Dolomite Brewery, it has become a local hangout for events, games, and social meetups. Run by Adam France, The Yard has a permanent license and is conveniently located just a short stroll from the Langwith-Whaley Thorns train station, making it easy for visitors to check it out.
Inside, you’ll find a cosy and inviting atmosphere that mixes rustic vibes with modern, quirky touches. The space, set in a converted industrial unit called ‘The Shed’ on Park View, boasts eclectic décor that gives it a one-of-a-kind feel. It’s family-friendly, featuring a small play area for kids, and also welcomes dogs, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. For fun, guests can dive into various interactive games, including a foosball table, with plans to introduce even more games down the line. The Yard also hosts live music events, adding to its lively and community-focused vibe.
On the bar a range of cask and keg beers brewer under the “Lucid” name, including Pale Ales, Lager and Stout. I went with “Sleeping Giant” from their own Lucid Brewery. A super tasty Session IPA brewed using Idaho 7, Citra and Mosaic hops.
The Station Hotel
The last stop of the day was The Station Hotel in Worksop, which opened its doors around 1875 to welcome travellers from the newly built Midland Railway line connecting Nottingham to Shireoaks. Located right across from the Worksop railway station on Carlton Road, it was a perfect spot for both passengers and railway staff to find a place to stay. In 2008, Karen and Andrew Woods took over the hotel and restaurant, launching ‘Platform 3,’ a restaurant that has become quite popular in the area. Today, The Station Hotel still provides lodging and dining, keeping its link to the town’s railway history alive.
The inside has a cosy vibe with a mix of classic and modern styles. The bar area is all about rich wood, patterned carpets, and comfy seating, making it feel warm and inviting. Next door, Platform 3 restaurant provides a chill dining spot with garden views. A highlight is the heated pergola and garden area, perfect for a laid-back outdoor experience.
A fantastic welcome from Kaz today on the bar and a selection of 3 cask ales to choose from alongside a range of keg options. Here I went with “Hoppy & Glorious” from Rooster’s Brewing Co. A super hoppy and delicious beer.
Micropub Adventures 