I spent the day exploring a great run of pubs around Knaresborough, starting right on the station platform at The Track & Sleeper. From there I worked my way through the town, stopping at places like The Mitre, The Worlds End, Mother Shipton Inn and the Half Moon by the river. Each pub had its own character, from old stone interiors and cosy corners to bright rooms and riverside beer gardens. I enjoyed some excellent Yorkshire ales along the way and had a few friendly chats too. I finished the trip with a visit to Rooster’s Brewing Co. taproom, rounding off a relaxed day of good pubs and great beer.
Monthly Archives: February 2026
21/02/26 -Blackheath, Halesowen, Netherton, Tividale and Netherton
I started out in Blackheath, calling into The Crafty Jar and Artisan Micro Bar before moving on through Halesowen, Netherton, Tividale and Quarry Bank. It turned into a proper gentle wander, hopping between micropubs, brewery taprooms and long-standing locals, each with its own story. Everywhere felt welcoming and easy to settle into, with warm rooms and friendly faces. I enjoyed some cracking ales along the way, from bright, citrusy pales to smooth, maltier classics. Highlights included chatting in historic pubs and finding lively darts corners. It was a simple day built around good beer and easy conversation.
21/02/26 – Stourbridge
Today saw me travelling around Stourbridge, calling into a brilliant mix of pubs and bars with Neil and local CAMRA friends. Each place had its own quiet story, from centuries-old coaching inns to former banks and High Street shops given new life. I enjoyed everything from crisp golden ales and smooth milds to hazy pales and even a dandelion and burdock brew. What really stayed with me though was how welcoming everywhere felt — warm rooms, easy conversation and proper pubs doing what they’ve always done best: giving people a comfortable place to meet, chat and slow down for a while.
20/02/26 – Kidderminster
I spent time visiting seven pubs around Kidderminster, and each one told a different part of the town’s story. I started at The Post House, renamed in 2022 to honour Sir Rowland Hill, which felt welcoming from the moment I walked in. Ye Olde Seven Stars, dating back to 1786, had real old-world charm. Weavers at Park Lane, set in a listed canal-side building, was full of character. Bear & Wolf brought a modern micropub feel, while Weavers Real Ale House was compact and friendly. The Chester Tavern felt like a proper classic pub, and I finished at The King & Castle, proudly tied to the railway.
20/02/26 – Bewdley
My day in Bewdley was spent wandering between eight welcoming pubs and bars, each with its own story to tell. From the 250-year-old Real Ale Tavern, once a bank, to the timber-framed Black Boy dating back to the 1400s, there was history at every stop. The Great Western nodded to the town’s railway past, while The Old Waggon & Horses and Orilla reflected Bewdley’s trading days. Bewdley Brewery brought local brewing back to life, and newer additions like Weavers sat comfortably alongside long-standing favourites. I was met with friendly faces, good conversation and excellent cask ales throughout.
19/02/25 – Worcester
I spent the day exploring Worcester’s historic and independent pubs, beginning at The Cardinal’s Hat, the city’s oldest recorded inn, and continuing through a mix of long-standing ale houses and newer craft-focused bars. Each stop offered its own character, from timber-framed Civil War history at The King Charles House to railway-arch drinking at Arch Rivals. Along the way I found welcoming hosts, comfortable interiors and impressive beer ranges, with strong cask selections throughout. From traditional bitters to fresh-hop Belgian ales and modern session pales, the day showcased Worcester’s rich pub heritage and thriving contemporary brewing scene in equal measure.
14/02/26 – Wallasey, Liscard and New Brighton
I spent a full day exploring Wallasey, Liscard and New Brighton, meeting up with followers and visiting a brilliant mix of independent bars and micropubs. From the intimate Hawkwinds & Jokerman in Wallasey to Liscard favourites like Twelve-Sixty, The Lazy Landlord and The Scrap Yard, each stop offered a warm welcome, good conversation and well-kept beer. I finished in New Brighton at The Bow-Legged Beagle, Homebrew Tap and SUP, enjoying everything from traditional milds to modern pale ales. It was great meeting owners, chatting with locals and seeing these places thriving.
07/02/26 – Newcastle
On my trip to Newcastle, I spent the day hopping between brilliant breweries and old-school pubs, trying loads of different beers along the way. I started with fresh, hop-packed pours at Two by Two and Full Circle, then mixed it up with cosy, characterful spots like The Free Trade Inn and The Tyne Bar. Around Ouseburn, places like Brinkburn Street Brewery, The Cumberland Arms, and The Cluny were perfect for relaxed pints. Later, I found great little bars in town like The Town Mouse and Mean Eyed Cat. Great beer, friendly people, and a cracking day out for me too.
Micropub Adventures 