I joined It’s the Beer Walking in Leeds — a fun mix of history, stories, and seriously good beer, led by Simon Jenkins and Nicky Massen. We started at the University of Leeds, hearing about everything from Tolkien’s time there to the city’s industrial roots. Along the way we stopped at proper Leeds pubs like the Pack Horse and the Fenton for a few great pints, including some from Kirkstall and Northern Monk. It wasn’t just about the beer though — it was about the people, the places, and the feeling that Leeds is a city with real character and charm.
Monthly Archives: October 2025
18/10/25 – Lancashire Beer & Buses – South Ribble
The South Ribble Beer & Buses day paired classic buses with pubs across Leyland, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall amongst others. Free vintage services ran lunchtime into early evening, creating a relaxed, community feel while linking more than twenty venues pouring quality cask and craft beer. The Merseyside Transport Trust, founded in 1970 to preserve regional bus heritage, ran this event with lovingly restored vehicles. Highlights included Hopworks, Bar 47, Beer Box, Withy Arms, venues along Liverpool Road in Penwortham, and welcoming stops in Lostock Hall and Leyland. A friendly route for real-ale fans, transport enthusiasts, and anyone up for a wander.
11/10/25 – Southport and Formby
I spent the day exploring Southport’s best micropubs and traditional locals, each with its own character and charm. I started at The Beer Den, a cosy spot with great ales, then wandered to The Barrel House in Birkdale — small but buzzing. From there, I visited The Grasshopper, Beer Station, and The Tin Shed, all welcoming and full of personality. Back in Southport, I called into Tap & Bottles, Masons Arms, The Guesthouse, and The Windmill before finishing at The Lakeside Inn — Britain’s smallest pub. Every stop had a great pint, a friendly atmosphere, and that proper local feel I love.
10/10/25 – Skegness and Grantham
I popped into two cracking Lincolnshire micropubs that mix history with proper community spirit. First up was The Crafty Local in Skegness, which opened in October 2023 and has quickly become a friendly little spot. The place has had all sorts of past lives, but now it’s buzzing again with good beer and a laid-back vibe. Later, I headed to The Whistle Stop Micropub in Grantham, tucked inside an old railway parcels office. It’s full of character, with railway bits on the walls and a cosy feel. Both pubs served great, easy-drinking ales and were perfect for a relaxed pint and a chat.
10/10/25 – Batemans Brewery Tour
Batemans Brewery, founded in 1874 by George and Susannah Bateman in Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, began in a converted windmill by the River Steeping. From humble origins — with Susannah brewing in their kitchen and bartering beer for local produce — the family built a legacy of “Good Honest Ales.” Over five generations, Batemans has stayed independent through wars, industrial change, and even a dramatic 1980s buyout to prevent corporate takeover. The brewery’s windmill remains its iconic symbol, now home to the “Theatre of Beers” visitor centre. Today, Batemans continues blending tradition with innovation, celebrating over 150 years of family brewing.
08/10/25-09/10/25 – Nottingham
Two days in Nottingham trace a pub crawl through history and beer. From the Vat & Fiddle’s Castle Rock tap roots to Brew Tavern in the old Cabman’s Shelter, venues blend canals, lace-market heritage and sandstone caves. Highlights include Canalhouse’s warehouse, Ye Olde Salutation Inn with caves, and Canning Circus stalwarts Sir John Borlase Warren, Falcon Inn and Organ Grinder. Interiors swing from snug nooks to airy, brick-and-beam spaces. Cellars, courtyards and roof terraces abound. Pints range from classic bitters to hazy pales and zesty sours—local, guest and collaboration brews poured with easy warmth. Across the city’s welcoming beer scene.
Micropub Adventures 