I explored Barcelona’s craft beer scene with my brother, visiting a wide mix of bars, taprooms and brewpubs, from tiny hidden spots to bigger social beer halls. What stood out most was the variety: each place had its own character, from old brick and wood-filled interiors to more industrial spaces, but all felt relaxed and welcoming. We tried a huge range of beers, especially sours, hazy IPAs, saisons and local brews, often with plenty of keg lines to choose from and, surprisingly, some cask ales too. Overall, the trip was about more than beer alone; it was also about atmosphere, local character, friendly hospitality and discovering Barcelona together, one glass at a time.
Monthly Archives: January 2026
24/01/26 – Morecambe, Heysham and Hest Bank
I spent the day pub-hopping around Hest Bank, Morecambe and Heysham, soaking up the vibe at each stop. From the cosy, chatty feel of The Crossing and Little Bare to seafront places like Tide & Tap, Embargo and the old-school Palatine, everywhere felt welcoming and relaxed. I met brilliant landlords, friendly locals and even popped into a family-run gin distillery. The spots ranged from tiny former shops to a grand old hotel, but all kept things easygoing and unpretentious. With buses linking the towns and great cask ale all day, it turned into a cracking little tour of Lancashire’s independent pub scene.
23/01/26 – Lancaster
I kicked off my Lancaster wander at The Tite & Locke in Lancaster Railway Station — a cool little spot mixing old railway character with modern pub comfort. Their Cascade from Lancaster Brewery was an easy start. Then it was over to Merchants 1688, all stone arches and history, for a punchy IPA. Accidental Brewery & Micropub came next, tiny and friendly, where a cherry sour really stood out. Stonewell Tap was lively and full of character, pouring a juicy Verdant Brewing Co DIPA. I wrapped up at The Sun Hotel & Bar with a smooth, relaxed pale. Proper good evening all round.
17/01/26 – Bridlington, Driffield, Beverley and Cottingham
A really good day out hopping between a handful of pubs across Bridlington, Driffield, Beverley and Cottingham. Nothing rushed, just steady trains, short walks and plenty of well-kept beer along the way. Each place had its own feel, from tiny micropubs to slightly bigger bars, but all were relaxed, friendly and easy to settle into. The beer choice was spot on everywhere, with decent cask options, interesting keg lines and a few cracking pints that really stood out. Even better was bumping into familiar faces and having a proper chat over a drink. Exactly how a pub crawl should be — simple, unpretentious and thoroughly enjoyable.
10/01/26 – Rawtenstall and Burnley
I spent the day hopping between Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Burnley, calling in at a mix of micropubs, taprooms and craft bars. Everywhere felt friendly and relaxed, often set in old shops or historic buildings that have been given a new purpose. I drank some cracking beer along the way, mostly cask, with plenty of choice wherever I went, and had some really nice chats with the people behind the bars. It was an easy, unhurried day, moving between places, settling in for a pint, and enjoying spots where conversation comes naturally and time just seems to drift.
03/01/26 – Harrogate
I spent the day drifting around Harrogate, popping into a mix of old favourites and newer independent spots, and it was a really easy way to see how good the town’s drinking scene has become. From historic pubs and station bars to laid-back craft places and micropubs, everywhere felt different but welcoming. Some were cosy and full of character, others lighter and more modern, but all were places you could happily sit and stay a while. The beer was consistently solid too, with great cask and keg choices throughout. Overall, it just felt like a relaxed, confident scene that’s grown naturally over time.
Micropub Adventures 