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One Day, Plenty of Pints: A Relaxed East Yorkshire Pub Hop
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.
Bridlington, Driffield, Beverley and Cottingham have all grown at their own pace, shaped by trade, farming and people just getting on with life. Bridlington started as a fishing port and seaside resort, pulling visitors in once the railways arrived. Driffield’s roots are firmly agricultural, long known as the capital of the Wolds and built around markets and farming. Beverley goes much further back, growing wealthy around Beverley Minster and medieval trade. Cottingham stayed smaller, developing as a farming village that slowly expanded as Hull grew nearby.
Bridlington
The Moon Tap
My first visit yesterday was in Bridlington to The Moon Tap. The Moon Tap has been a pub site for a long time and sits firmly in Bridlington’s town-centre story. It was originally known as the Half Moon, a local pub that served the area for many years when Prospect Street was growing in the late 1800s. After the Half Moon closed, the building was done up and reopened as The Moon Tap, keeping its long-running role as a place to drink and meet. These days it also houses an on-site brewery, Bridlington Brewery, brewing beer right inside the building and adding a modern twist to a very old pub tradition.
Inside The Moon Tap it feels small, relaxed and properly pub-like rather than styled or polished. The space is compact and made up of a few connected areas, centred around a long wooden bar with handpumps along the counter. Chalkboards behind the bar list what’s pouring, and through internal windows you can spot the brewing kit for Bridlington Brewery, which gives the place a working, lived-in feel. Seating is simple — stools, benches and small tables — making it easy to chat or just sit with a pint. The décor is traditional and unfussy, with warm lighting that keeps things comfortable and laid-back
On the bar a selection of 5 cask ales (unfortunately none of their own beer on today, it ran out yesterday), along with a selection of keg beers. I went with “Obsession – Simcoe IPA” from Abbeydale Brewery. Light, hoppy, and refreshing with a touch of citrus and pine.
Bridbrewer & Taproom
Next was a very short walk to Bridbrewer and Taproom. Bridbrewer & Taproom started life as a home-brewing hobby after its founder moved to Bridlington in 2016 and began experimenting with beer in his spare time. What began in the kitchen slowly turned into something bigger, and by late 2019 the microbrewery had found a permanent home near the town centre. Bottled beers went on sale in mid-2020, followed soon after by the opening of the taproom. Since then, Bridbrewer has built a loyal following for its unfined, vegan-friendly ales, mixing traditional styles with the occasional bold experiment and keeping things friendly, relaxed, and very local.
Inside Bridbrewer & Taproom is simple and stripped back, more workshop than traditional pub. It’s a small, open space with plain walls, practical lighting, and an unfussy layout. The bar is straightforward, with hand pumps front and centre and fridges stacked with bottled beers behind. Brewing kit is visible on site, so it feels closely connected to the beer being served. Furniture is basic — stools, small tables, nothing fancy — giving it a relaxed, no-nonsense look. Overall, it feels clean, compact, and focused entirely on the beer rather than decoration.
It was fantastic to catch up with Stuart again whilst in here. On the bar 2 cask ales alongside a fantastic selection of bottles all brewed on site, and a nice selection of ciders. I went with “Savanna’s Spiced Rum”, very smooth and warming with sweet spice, soft vanilla, and a gentle rum kick.
The Dog House
Onto The Dog House. The Dog House in Bridlington sits just off the seafront in a building that’s been used for all sorts over the years. Before becoming The Dog House in the late 2010s, it was known as the Stackhouse Bar, and before that it formed part of Higginson’s Bakers. That history explains the slightly odd layout, as it was never built to be a pub in the first place. Like a lot of Bridlington’s older seaside buildings, it’s been adapted and reused as tastes changed, and The Dog House is simply the latest chapter in a long line of small, independent businesses trading from the same spot.
Inside, The Dog House feels cosy and relaxed, with low ceilings and a long, narrow layout that naturally breaks into smaller seating areas rather than one big open room. There’s a mix of wood, patterned wallpaper and the odd glimpse of exposed brick, alongside mismatched tables and chairs that give it an informal, lived-in feel. Warm lighting and soft furnishings keep things comfortable, while quirky details and slightly uneven finishes add character without trying too hard. It feels welcoming and unpretentious — more like a friendly local spot than a polished seaside bar.
On the bar a drinks selection of 5 cask ales, 2 ciders and a range of keg options to choose from. I opted to go with “Session IPA” from Wold Top Brewery. A light, easy-drinking and hoppy pale ale, with gentle citrus flavour and a clean finish.
Three B’s Micropub
My last call in Bridlington was to Three B’s Micropub. Three B’s Micropub opened in Bridlington in April 2020, right in the middle of the first lockdown. Run by Mark and Cheryl Bates, it took over a tiny former sweet shop and began by selling takeaway beer while pubs were closed. When restrictions lifted, it quickly became known for well-kept real ale and quality ciders. Recognition followed fast: it won CAMRA East Yorkshire Pub of the Year, went on to become CAMRA Yorkshire Regional Pub of the Year, and was shortlisted as a CAMRA National Pub of the Year finalist in 2024. A big achievement for a very small pub.
Three B’s Micropub is small and unmistakably individual. The space feels informal and slightly improvised, with painted walls, compact tables and a mix of stools, benches and well-worn sofas squeezed into every available corner. The ceiling is a standout feature, covered edge to edge with beer pump clips that immediately draw the eye and give the room its own identity. Shelves, noticeboards and ledges are filled with bottles, leaflets and bits of ephemera, making it feel lived-in rather than styled. There isn’t much space to move around, but that closeness adds to the atmosphere. It comes across as cosy, friendly and unpretentious — a small pub shaped more by enthusiasm than polish.
It was fantastic to catch up with David today. On the bar a great selection of 4 cask ales, a keg lager and a brilliant choice of Real Cider to choose from. I chose “Gilded” from Trig Brewery. A light, smooth, and easy to drink pale ale, with a soft malty taste.
Driffield
The Butchers Dog
I jumped back on the train, this time to nearby Driffield. My first of two visits here was to The Butchers Dog. The Butcher’s Dog opened in the 2010s as part of the growing micropub movement, bringing good beer and easy conversation to Driffield. It first traded from a small spot on Middle Street, where its cosy size added to the charm but limited space. As popularity grew, the pub moved in the early 2020s to larger premises on Market Place, giving it more room while keeping the same relaxed feel. Known for real ale, craft beer, and friendly chat, it blends modern micropub values with the town’s long trading history.
Inside The Butcher’s Dog it’s relaxed and unfussy, the kind of place that feels comfortable straight away. The room is warm and open, with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and solid tables that feel properly made, with a real fire under a big wooden mantel giving it that lived-in feel. Nothing’s trying too hard — everything’s simple and just works. Seating’s close enough that chats happen naturally, whether you’re popping in for a quick pint or staying a while. Look up and you’ll notice the beer pump clip ceiling, which adds character without making a fuss. Overall, it’s calm, friendly, and easy-going — more like a good front room than a polished bar.
Drinks wise on the bar a line up of 5 cask ales, 8 keg lines and a selection of ciders to choose from. I had “Light Dinner Ale” from Kirkstall Brewery. Light, clean, and easy to drink, with a gentle malt flavour and a crisp finish.
The Crooked Tap
Second up in Driffield was to The Crooked Tap Driffield. The Crooked Tap sits in a familiar old building on Market Place that dates back to the late 1800s. It was built as a bank and spent most of the 20th century operating as a NatWest branch. When the bank closed in the early 2000s, the building was left empty for years. In 2022 it was refurbished and reopened as The Crooked Tap, keeping much of its original character while giving the space a new lease of life. The change reflects how older town-centre buildings in Driffield have been adapted rather than demolished, allowing them to stay part of everyday life.
Inside The Crooked Tap, it feels open and relaxed, with plenty of reminders of the building’s past. The high ceiling gives it a roomy feel, and you can still spot solid old features like stone details and heavy doors. These sit comfortably alongside simple wooden furniture, dark metal touches and warm, low lighting. The bar sits at the heart of the room, with a mix of stools, tall tables and smaller spots around the edges. It’s not flashy or overdone — just an easy, comfortable space where the old character quietly blends with a modern finish.
A keg line up of 10 lines to choose from including a couple from Crooked Brewing Ltd. Their own “Bemo” was my beer choice, very sooth and refreshing, with a gentle citrus flavour and an easy finish.
Beverley
Monks Walk
I headed from Driffield to Beverley next on Saturday. My first of 3 visits here was to Monks Walk. Monks Walk in Beverley is one of those pubs where history really seeps through the walls. Parts of the building date back to around 1270, making it one of the oldest timber-framed structures in Yorkshire. It started life as a merchants’ warehouse, storing goods linked to nearby Beverley Minster, before becoming a pub by the mid-1600s, when it was known as the George & Dragon. The narrow passageway beside it gave the pub its name. Over the centuries it’s been altered, restored, and well used, but today it’s still a lively, character-packed pub with medieval beams, cosy corners, and a strong sense of the past.
Inside Monks Walk, it feels warm, worn-in, and full of character. The ceilings are low and a bit wonky, with thick, dark wooden beams running everywhere. Floors slope slightly, reminding you the building’s been here a long time. The rooms are small and cosy, joined by narrow passages, so it feels a bit like wandering around an old house rather than a modern pub. There’s simple wooden furniture, soft lighting, and plenty of nooks to settle into. Nothing feels polished or showy – it’s relaxed, atmospheric, and quietly charming, the kind of place where you naturally slow down and stay for another drink.
On the bar a line up of 5 cask ales to choose from, along with a range of keg beers to choose from as well. I went with “Hubble” from Atom Brewery. A clean and easy-going pale ale, with soft hop flavour and a refreshing finish.
Chequers Micropub
A short walk brought me next to Chequers Micropub. Chequers Micropub opened its doors in Beverley in 2013 and quickly became a favourite with people who like their beer done properly. It was set up by someone who wanted a small, no-nonsense place focused on great ales, ciders and good conversation. The pub is tiny, but that’s part of the charm — no TV, no music, just decent drinks and friendly faces. Thanks to its ever-changing beer selection and welcoming atmosphere, it didn’t take long to earn praise from CAMRA and rack up a few local awards.
Inside Chequers Micropub, it feels cosy and easygoing from the moment you step in. The bar sits close by, lined with handpumps and shelves of bottles, with chalkboards dotted around listing what’s on. It’s compact but not cramped, opening out into a relaxed raised area with small tables, mixed seating and people chatting over pints. Warm lighting, simple décor and a slightly worn-in feel give it plenty of character without trying too hard. There’s no music or screens, just conversation, clinking glasses and a steady, friendly buzz that makes it very easy to stay for another.
Was great to bump into the “Tynemill Tooerists” A great selection on the bar with 5 cask ales to choose from along with a range of keg lines. I opted to go with “Citra Pale” by North Riding Brewery. Easy-drinking and hoppy, with clear citrus flavour and a refreshing finish.
Junk Bar
Last up in Beverley was to Junk Bar. Junk Bar Beverley is in a spot that’s been a drinking hole for a while now. Before Junk opened in 2025, the place had already been through a few versions of itself, most recently Atom Bar Beverley, which showed up around 2020 and leaned hard into craft beer. Atom shut in 2024, but the place itself didn’t really change — it was still small, social, and perfect for hanging about. Junk basically moved in, took the shine off, turned the music up, and carried on the long tradition of people popping in for one and somehow staying all night.
Junk Bar Beverley is a small, two-level bar with a relaxed, informal feel, set up for both drinks and food. Most activity centres on the ground floor, where closely spaced tables, stools and bench seating create a sociable atmosphere, especially at busy times. Lighting is low and warm, with simple décor, plants and artwork giving the space character without feeling polished. Food is served throughout the space, with seating arranged for eating as well as drinking. Upstairs offers extra seating away from the main bar, and a small enclosed courtyard provides outdoor space for eating and drinking when weather permits.
A great keg line up featuring 10 options, ranging in styles. I chose “Fruit Machine NEIPA” by Lost Pier Brewing. A fantastic New England IPA, juicy and soft, packed with fruity hop flavour.
Cottingham
The Hugh Fitz Baldric
I headed on the bus from Beverley to Cottingham to visit The Hugh Fitz Baldric. The Hugh Fitz Baldric opened in 2018, taking its name from Hugh fitzBaldric, a Norman noble who became Sheriff of Yorkshire after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and held land in Cottingham during the Domesday period. The name is a straightforward nod to the village’s early medieval past rather than the building itself, which is much more recent. Since opening, the pub has become part of everyday village life, quietly linking modern Cottingham with one of the earliest recorded figures connected to the area.
Inside the Hugh Fitz Baldric, it’s simple and easygoing. It’s one main room, so nothing feels split up or formal, and you’re never far from a conversation. There are plain wooden tables and benches, a small bar, and just enough decoration to make it feel like a proper pub without overdoing it. The lighting is soft and relaxed, not bright or flashy, which makes it a comfortable place to sit and chat. Overall, it feels friendly and unfussy — somewhere you pop in for one and end up staying longer.
A fantastic warm welcome and a great line up on the bar of 5 cask ales along with a selection of keg options to select from. I went with “Crime of the Century” by Wensleydale Brewery. Lovely and smooth, well-balanced, and a gentle bitterness.
Micropub Adventures 