Tuesday in Todmorden ended up being a really easy, laid-back wander from pub to pub, with each place having its own little personality. The Market Tavern felt like a cosy hideout in the middle of the market, while The Alehouse was the sort of place you pop into and accidentally stay for ages. The Fox was warm and relaxed, the Golden Lion had a great buzz about it, and Nan Moor’s was quirky and full of charm. Beer Necessities finished things off perfectly with good beer and comfy seating. Nothing rushed, nothing flashy — just good pubs, good drinks and a very enjoyable day out.
Monthly Archives: December 2025
29/12/25 – St Helens
I spent the day exploring some of St Helens’ pubs, and each one had its own feel. I kicked things off at The Royal Alfred by the station – proper old-school and full of history. The Turks Head was a highlight, packed with character and brilliant beer. Next door, The Cowley Vaults felt instantly welcoming, like somewhere you could lose track of time. Back in town, The Lamb Inn had that relaxed, cosy feel, while The Tipsy Tap was a newer, easy-going spot. The Cricketers Arms stood out with its on-site brewery – really impressive. I ended at Skew Bridge Alehouse and Beer EnGin, both small, friendly, and great for a quiet pint.
28/12/25 – Waterloo and Crosby
I started off around Waterloo, first popping into The Shipwreck – proper friendly, dead relaxed, and a cracking pint of Ice Queen from Ossett to get going. Then it was round to Always Sometimes, super chilled with great beer – went for Neptune’s Cask Club Luminosa. The Old Tap and Four Ashes kept things ticking nicely, both great spots, and I ended up at Trap & Hatch for a lovely juicy pale from DEYA. Then over to Crosby – The Coop was a standout, proper community feel and a boss Black IPA. Finished up with classic cosy pints at The Corner Post and The Volunteer Canteen.
20/12/25 – Bradford
My day exploring Bradford’s pub scene was brilliant. I started at The Lord Clyde, a proper old pub with a wall full of music history, before heading to The Fighting Cock, where it felt like everyone already knew each other. Wallers Brewery and the Exchange were hidden gems underground – really cool spaces I wasn’t expecting. Jacob’s Well and The Corn Dolly felt lived-in and cosy, like you could sit there all afternoon. Northern Monk at Darley Street Market brought a totally different, lively vibe. I ended at The Record Café – great beer, good music, and the perfect finish.
06/12/25 – Havering and Brentwood
A relaxed wander through Essex and London’s beer spots, starting in Upminster where the Taproom’s laid-back vibe set things off nicely. Each stop had its own personality — the friendly Hop Inn in Hornchurch, Gidea Park’s cosy front-room feel, and Brentwood’s farm brewery festival with plenty of good chat and great beer. The Peasants’ Revolt added a fun mix of history and warmth before I finally rolled into the Euston Tap, tucked inside its quirky little stone lodge. By the end, it all felt less like a planned trip and more like drifting from one good story to the next.
Micropub Adventures 