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Festival Pints and Hidden Corners of Skipton
I headed over to Skipton for a brilliant day exploring the Beer Festival along with a fantastic mix of pubs and micropubs around the town. The festival inside Skipton Town Hall had a busy, friendly atmosphere with plenty of real ales, ciders, wines and a separate KeyKeg bar to enjoy. Throughout the day I visited a great range of places, from traditional Yorkshire pubs to modern bars and cosy micropubs, each with their own character. It was also lovely catching up with Colleen from Keighley & Craven CAMRA, followers Graham and Martin, plus meeting up later with Paul, Suzie, Mike and Debbie for a few more pubs around town.
Skipton boasts a fascinating history that stretches back to prehistoric times. The town made its first appearance in the Domesday Book in 1085 and is famous for Skipton Castle, which was constructed around 1090 by Robert de Romille. It played a key role as a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War until it fell in 1645. The completion of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in 1816 really helped local trade thrive during the Industrial Revolution. Nowadays, Skipton is celebrated for its lively market scene and well-preserved medieval buildings, drawing in visitors who want to explore its beautiful landscapes and historical landmarks.
Skipton Beer Festival
I headed over to Skipton, starting the day at Skipton Beer Festival. The Skipton Beer Festival first took place in 2007 after Skipton Town Hall approached Keighley & Craven CAMRA about creating a beer festival for the town. Held inside the historic town hall building, it quickly became a popular yearly event, bringing together breweries, cider makers and visitors from across Yorkshire and beyond. Over the years the festival has grown in size while still keeping its friendly volunteer-run feel. Alongside a large range of cask ales and ciders, the event has also featured food, live music and entertainment, helping make it an important part of Skipton’s annual calendar and a well-known festival within the local beer scene.
There was a fantastic range of real ales, ciders and wines available throughout the festival, alongside a separate KeyKeg bar serving a variety of different beers. The atmosphere inside the town hall was busy and friendly all afternoon, with plenty of people enjoying the event and chatting between the bars. It was also great catching up with Colleen, Chairman of Keighley & Craven CAMRA, who helped organise the festival, along with bumping into followers Graham and Martin again whilst I was there.
I went for Steady State by Bingley Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus hop notes and a fresh, lively finish, alongside Derwent Mild by Jennings Brewery, a dark mild with gentle roasted malt flavour and a smooth, mellow finish.
The Woolly Sheep Inn
My first pub visit of the day was to Woolly Sheep Inn. The Woolly Sheep on Sheep Street in Skipton stands inside one of the town’s older stone buildings, close to the busy market area and historic castle. The pub is owned by Timothy Taylor’s and has become closely linked with the brewery’s cask ales, especially Landlord. The building itself dates back several centuries and was originally part of Skipton’s long trading and coaching history, fitting naturally into a street once heavily connected to the wool trade that helped shape the town’s economy. Over the years the pub has developed a strong reputation for traditional beer and food, while keeping much of its historic Yorkshire character and welcoming atmosphere intact.
Inside blends traditional Yorkshire pub character with a more modern, comfortable feel across its different rooms and seating areas. Exposed stone, brickwork and dark wooden beams still give parts of the pub plenty of historic charm, while softer lighting, leather seating and upholstered booths add a warmer, updated touch. Open fireplaces, framed brewery prints and hanging greenery help make the rooms feel cosy without feeling cramped. Seating ranges from snug corners and booth areas to larger dining spaces, each with its own look. Outside, there’s also a bright courtyard terrace with covered seating, stone walls and overhead lighting, giving the pub another relaxed space during warmer weather.
On the bar a great line up of 6 cask ales from Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, showcasing a variety of styles. I went for Dark Mild by Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, a smooth dark mild with roasted malt flavour and a rich, mellow finish.
Sound Bar
Next was a short walk to Skipton Sound Bar. Sound Bar at Canal Walk in Skipton opened in May 2022 after relocating from its original home on Swadford Street to the larger former Ponden Home unit on Keighley Road. The move gave the business far more space for live music, DJs, events and its growing record shop. Before becoming Sound Bar, the building had operated as retail premises within the Canal Walk development, most recently as Ponden Home. Since reopening, Sound Bar has become one of Skipton’s best-known live entertainment venues, combining a bar, music venue and vinyl shop while building a strong following within the town’s independent music scene.
Inside feels every bit like an independent live music venue, with a raised stage area running through the centre of the room surrounded by tables, stools and open standing space for gigs. Dark walls, exposed wiring, hanging guitars and warm industrial-style lighting give the place a relaxed rock bar atmosphere without feeling too heavy. Music posters, framed records and walls packed with vinyl displays cover almost every corner, reflecting its strong connection to Skipton’s local music scene. During quieter daytime hours it feels open and laid-back, but you can easily picture the room filling up when live bands are on.
Drinks wise a selection of 4 cask ales to choose from, alongside a range of ciders and draught options. I went for Craven Bitter by Dark Horse Brewery, a traditional bitter with balanced malt flavour and a smooth, easy finish.
Early Doors
Around the corner brought me into Early Doors. Early Doors on Newmarket Street opened in 2016 as one of Skipton’s early micropubs, helping grow the town’s real ale scene just beyond the busy High Street. Named after the television sitcom Early Doors, the pub follows the traditional micropub approach, focusing on cask ale and conversation rather than music or machines. The pub operates from a former shop unit, something common with many micropubs across the country. Over the years it has built a loyal following among locals and visitors alike, becoming well known for its well-kept Yorkshire ales, friendly atmosphere and relaxed, welcoming feel tucked away in the centre of Skipton.
Inside has a compact, narrow layout that feels relaxed and friendly from the moment you walk in. Wooden tables, stools and a couple of high-backed armchairs make the most of the smaller space, while the long shelf running along one wall adds to the traditional micropub feel. Framed historic photos and local touches give the room plenty of character without making it feel overcrowded. Large front windows bring in plenty of natural light during the day, helping brighten the pale walls and dark flooring. Overall, it feels cosy, welcoming and very much built around quiet conversation and good beer.
A great line up of 5 cask ales to choose from on the bar, alongside a number of keg options. I went for Shake A Pale Feather by Whitworth Valley Brewing, a pale ale with citrus hop notes and a bright, refreshing finish.
The Yorkshireman
Over the road in Skipton was The Yorkshireman . The Yorkshireman on Court Lane in Skipton is a small town-centre pub that continues the long tradition of independent drinking spots tucked just off the High Street. The building previously traded as the Ref & Whistle and, before that, Styles Bar, reflecting the changing pub scene in Skipton over the years. In 2024 it was refurbished and reopened as The Yorkshireman, with a strong focus on Yorkshire-produced beers, cider and spirits. Its location close to the market keeps it firmly linked to the busy heart of the town.
Inside mixes modern micropub style with plenty of traditional character. Dark painted walls, exposed stonework and heavy wooden beams give the pub a cosy Yorkshire feel, while framed prints, old maps and local touches add character around the room. Seating is spread across different levels, with the upstairs area featuring exposed beams, a dartboard and larger tables alongside window seating looking out across the town. Downstairs feels slightly more snug, with wooden benches, stools and smaller tables arranged to keep things relaxed and sociable. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light during the day, helping balance the darker colours and giving the pub a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
On the bar a selection of 4 cask ales, alongside a keg line up on the back wall to choose from. I went for Yorkshireman Blonde by Craven Brew Co., a blonde ale with light citrus notes and a smooth, refreshing finish.
The Royal Shepherd
My next visit on Saturday in Skipton was to The Royal Shepherd Inn Skipton. The Royal Shepherd sits beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and is widely regarded as one of Skipton’s oldest pubs, with parts of the building dating back to the late Georgian period. The pub is Grade II listed and is believed to be the only pub in the country with the Royal Shepherd name. The unusual title is thought to honour King George III, who became known as the “Royal Shepherd” because of his interest in sheep breeding and agriculture. Over the years it has remained a well-known canal-side meeting place, blending historic character with the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional Yorkshire pub.
Inside has the warm, lived-in feel of a traditional canal-side pub. Bench seating runs around much of the room, with tartan upholstery, dark wood and patterned carpets giving it a cosy feel without seeming too formal. Framed pictures, old signs and quirky decorative touches fill the walls and shelves, adding plenty of character as you look around. Soft lighting and smaller seating areas help the pub feel relaxed and welcoming, while the front windows bring in views towards the canal. Outside, there’s also a small beer garden tucked to the side, along with front seating overlooking the water during warmer days.
A line up of 4 cask ales on the bar, one still cider and a variety of keg options. I went for Amber Necker by Pennine Brewing Co., an amber ale with caramel malt flavour and a smooth, balanced finish.
Narrow Boat
Up next in Skipton was Narrow Boat. The Narrow Boat on Victoria Street in Skipton opened in 1999 and takes its name from the nearby Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which has long shaped this part of the town. Sitting close to the canal basin and railway station, the pub quickly became popular with walkers, boaters and visitors exploring Skipton. The building was converted from older commercial premises and developed into a large canal-side pub known for cask ale and food. In 2023 it became part of Kirkstall Brewery, who refurbished the pub while keeping its relaxed atmosphere and strong connection to Skipton’s canal heritage.
Inside has a much grander feel than you might expect from outside, with high ceilings, dark painted walls and a striking wooden gallery level overlooking the main bar. Carved woodwork, chandeliers and warm lighting give the pub plenty of character, while different seating areas help break the space into smaller, more relaxed sections. Upstairs seating tucked beneath the roof feels quieter and more tucked away, while the long downstairs rooms are brighter and more open. Traditional tables, benches and old brewery signs add to the atmosphere without making it feel old fashioned. Overall, it feels welcoming, lively and full of character throughout.
A fantastic line up of 8 cask ales, a brilliant variety of craft keg options and even more choice in cans. I went for Ascension by Kirkstall Brewery, a pale ale with citrus and tropical hop notes and a bright, refreshing finish.
The Beer Engine
Literally around the corner was The Beer Engine, Skipton. The Beer Engine on Albert Street opened in May 2014 as Skipton’s first micropub, helping bring the growing micropub movement into the town centre. Set inside a former fitness centre close to the canal and High Street, it was created around the traditional idea of cask ale, conversation and a relaxed atmosphere without loud music or televisions. The pub quickly built a strong reputation for well-kept Yorkshire beers and friendly service. Its success has also been recognised by Campaign for Real Ale, winning Keighley and Craven CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2023, 2024 and 2025, along with Yorkshire Regional Pub of the Year in 2023 and 2025.
Inside feels much larger than you first expect, with different seating areas spread through the pub while still keeping the close, friendly atmosphere of a traditional micropub. The main bar area is full of character, with craft keg lines, casks displayed behind glass and a digital departure board adding a quirky touch above the bar. Walls covered in colourful pump clips, brewery badges and framed memorabilia give the place plenty to look at wherever you sit. Softer seating areas mix with small tables and benches, creating relaxed spaces for conversation. Large front windows and lighter décor keep it bright during the day, while the overall feel remains warm, welcoming and full of personality.
On the bar a selection of 6 cask ales, alongside 6 craft keg lines and a selection of ciders. Lots of choice! I went for Blonde (Cascade, Simcoe) by North Riding Brewery, a blonde ale with citrus and grapefruit hop notes and a fresh, lively finish.
The Mess Room
Onto The Mess Room – Skipton. The Mess Room in Skipton occupies the town’s former fire station overlooking the canal basin on Bridge Street. The stone building forms part of Skipton’s historic canal quarter, which grew alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal during the nineteenth century. After the fire station closed, the Grade II listed building later found a new lease of life as a bar and music venue. The Mess Room opened in 2019, making use of the building’s original character and canal-side setting. Today, it has become a well-known part of Skipton’s beer and live music scene, while still reflecting the history of this distinctive old civic building.
Inside has a warm, lively feel with plenty of character packed into the different rooms and corners of the old building. Timber panelling, exposed stone and low lighting help give it a cosy atmosphere, while neon signs, framed pictures and music touches add colour around the walls. Seating ranges from high stools and smaller tables to more relaxed booth-style areas, giving each part of the pub its own feel. The layout winds through connected spaces rather than one large room, which adds to the charm. Outside, there’s seating at the front overlooking the canal, giving the pub an even more relaxed feel during warmer weather and busier evenings.
A great photo in the beer garden with Paul and Suzie who joined me for the day, along with Mike and Debbie from Lancaster who joined us for a few pubs. A great selection on the bar 3 cask ales on the bar, along with a range of keg options. I went for Rat To The Future by The Rat Brewery, a brown ale with nutty malt flavour, hints of toffee and a smooth finish.
The Boat House Bar
Crossing over the canal bridge brought me to The Boat House Bar Skipton. The Boat House Bar in Skipton stands on Coach Street close to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, an area closely linked to the town’s trading and transport history. The building dates back to the nineteenth century, when Skipton expanded as a busy market and canal town. Before becoming a bar, the property had several commercial uses over the years, reflecting the changing nature of the town centre around the canal basin and nearby streets. The Boat House Bar later became part of Skipton’s growing independent pub scene, drawing on the town’s strong connection to the canal and tourism. Its location keeps it closely tied to one of the busiest and most historic parts of Skipton.
Inside has a warm, canal-themed feel that suits its waterside setting perfectly. The room is lined with timber panelling, soft lighting and boating touches, including canal maps, rope-style seating details and even part of a wooden boat built into the ceiling above the bar. Large windows look directly onto the canal, with barges regularly passing by outside. Seating is spread around comfortable tables and bench areas, giving the place a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Outside, there’s plenty of seating overlooking the water, where people gather in the sunshine to watch the barges drift past and enjoy the lively atmosphere around the basin.
On the bar a fantastic line up of 6 cask ales alongside a variety of craft keg and cider choices. Lots of variety! I went for Cannon by Tapped Brew Co., a traditional bitter with rounded malt flavour and a smooth, balanced finish.
Swadford Tap
Back onto the road heading towards the Railway Station brought me onto SwadfordTap. Swadford Tap in Skipton opened in 2022 inside a former shop unit on Swadford Street, one of the town’s main routes between the High Street and canal area. The building sits within Skipton’s historic town centre, where many properties date back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as the market town expanded through trade, textiles and the arrival of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Before becoming a bar, the unit had various retail uses over the years, reflecting the changing nature of the town centre. Swadford Tap brought the building back into evening use, adding another independent venue to Skipton’s growing beer scene while keeping close to the town’s traditional character.
Inside has a relaxed modern feel with a bit more space than you might first expect from outside. Dark blue walls, warm lighting and wooden flooring give the bar a comfortable atmosphere, while music artwork and framed prints add colour and personality around the room. Seating is spread through the long layout, with a mix of leather chairs, stools and barrel tables creating plenty of spots to settle in with a drink. A pool table sits through the middle of the bar, adding to the sociable feel, while the large front windows keep the room bright during the day. Overall, it feels friendly, casual and easy going.
4 cask ales to choose from on the bar along with a range of keg options. I went for New Zealand Pale by Reedley Hallows Brewery Co., a pale ale with bright tropical and citrus hop notes and a fresh, fruity finish.
Speakeasy
My final visit in Skipton was to Speakeasy Skipton. Speakeasy on Swadford Street in Skipton sits inside a nineteenth-century stone-built town centre building that has long been part of Skipton’s busy nightlife and shopping area. Over the years, the property has been used for different businesses, but many people will remember it as Sound Bar, which traded here for a long time as one of the town’s late-night venues. After Sound Bar closed, the building was refurbished before reopening as Speakeasy in 2022. While the inside has been updated, the outside still fits naturally into the older row of traditional stone buildings along Swadford Street, helping keep the historic character of this part of town.
Inside has a warm and slightly theatrical feel, with deep red walls, low lighting and draped ceilings helping give the bar plenty of character. The long narrow layout keeps everything close together, with small tables and chairs near the front windows and bar stools running alongside the central bar area. Chandeliers, vintage-style mirrors and shelves packed with spirits add to the atmosphere without making it feel too formal. Softer lighting towards the evening gives the place a relaxed mood, while the music and busy bar help create a lively feel later on. Overall, it feels cosy, welcoming and well suited to evenings out in Skipton town centre.
3 cask ales on the bar from Lamb Brewing Company alongside a selection of keg options. I went for Speakeasy Cream Ale by Lamb Brewing Company, a smooth cream ale with light fruity notes and a clean, easy finish.
Micropub Adventures 