I spent the day exploring York with Neil from Neil’s Real Ale & Pub Page, visiting a fantastic mix of historic pubs, modern taprooms and breweries, each with its own story to tell. From beautifully restored railway buildings and centuries-old timber-framed inns to quirky beer bars and welcoming brewery taprooms, every stop offered something different. Along the way I enjoyed a brilliant range of cask ales, craft beers and even a sparkling mead, while taking time to appreciate the history and character behind every venue. It was one of those days where York reminded me why it’s one of my favourite cities for a pub crawl, with great beer and fascinating history around every corner.
Monthly Archives: June 2026
26/06/26 – Pontefract and Castleford
Friday was a great chance to explore some fantastic independent pubs closer to home, starting in Pontefract before heading over to Castleford. Along the way I enjoyed a brilliant mix of historic pubs, modern bars and welcoming taprooms, each with its own story and character. From centuries-old buildings to lovingly restored venues, there was plenty to discover beyond just the beer. I sampled some excellent cask and craft beers throughout the day, with every stop offering something different. It was another reminder that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a brilliant day out filled with history, great pubs and friendly hospitality.
20/06/26 – Borough Market and Bermondsey Beer Mile
I spent the morning exploring Borough Market before making my way onto the Bermondsey Beer Mile for the rest of the day. Borough Market was as busy and colourful as ever, with plenty to see as I wandered between the independent traders, food stalls and specialist shops. Along the way I enjoyed breakfast, called into Utobeer and The Cider House, and couldn’t resist a visit to The Rake for a beer.
From there I headed into Bermondsey, working my way through a fantastic selection of brewery taprooms, bars and cider makers beneath the railway arches. A stop at Maltby Street Market added even more variety, with its collection of independent food and drink businesses bringing plenty of character to the area. Throughout the day I enjoyed some excellent beers, friendly welcomes and a wide range of venues, finishing at The Kernel Taproom after a brilliant day exploring one of London’s best beer destinations.
19/06/26 – Chelmsford
I spent the afternoon and evening exploring Chelmsford, visiting a great mix of pubs, taprooms and railway-arch bars across the city. I started at The Hop Beer Shop, Essex’s first micropub, before heading underground to the unique Voodoo Keller Bar. From there I called in at The Railway Tavern and Brewhouse & Kitchen, both packed with character and great beer. The evening took me to the railway arches, where I visited Radio City Social, The Ale House and Thirst Drinks Syndicate. Along the way I enjoyed some excellent beers, received some fantastic welcomes and discovered plenty of characterful venues.
19/06/26 – Maldon
I spent the day exploring some of Maldon’s most characterful pubs, each with its own story stretching back through the town’s history. From the centuries-old Blue Boar and The Carpenters Arms to the brewery-focused Mighty Oak Tap Room, there was plenty to discover along the way. I also called in at the welcoming Queen Victoria, the much-loved Yard, which sadly closes at the end of June, and finished at the newer Craft Beer Maldon. Along the way I enjoyed a range of well-kept ales, warm welcomes and plenty of fascinating buildings that helped make this a memorable day out.
18/06/26 – Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend and Upminster
I spent the day exploring Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend and Upminster, visiting a great mix of historic pubs, craft beer bars and micropubs along the way. From the waterfront charm of The Peterboat and The Mayflower in Old Leigh to newer venues such as Hopsters and Legra Tap & Kitchen, there was plenty to discover. Westcliff offered two excellent independent beer destinations in West Road Tap and Mile & a Third, while Southend’s Mawson’s Micro Pub provided a warm welcome. I finished the day at Upminster Taproom, rounding off a fantastic trip filled with good beer, friendly conversations and plenty of character.
17/06/26 – South London
I spent the day exploring South London, starting in Selsdon before making my way through Addiscombe, Beckenham, Penge, Anerley, Gipsy Hill and West Norwood, before finishing back in Croydon. Along the way I visited a fantastic mix of micropubs, taprooms, brewery bars and independent pubs, each with its own history and character. It was great to meet owners, staff and local CAMRA members who were keen to share their stories and passion for good beer. From traditional cask ale pubs to modern brewery taprooms, there was plenty of variety throughout the day, along with some excellent beers enjoyed in warm and welcoming surroundings.
13/06/26 – Doncaster and Goole
I had a day out exploring Doncaster and Goole, taking in a fantastic mix of historic pubs, brewery taps and community locals along the way. The day started in Doncaster, where I visited everything from the railway-themed Draughtsman Alehouse to the historic Little Plough and Masons Arms, alongside brewery venues such as Doncaster Brewery & Tap and Don Valley Tap. After a short train ride to Goole, I enjoyed discovering welcoming pubs, the impressive transformation of Goole Market Hall into Brew+, and the characterful Tom Pudding. Along the way I sampled some excellent cask ales, met some great people and uncovered plenty of local history.
06/06/26 – Burton Ale Trail
Today I joined the Burton Ale Trail, organised by Ian Webster, for a fantastic day exploring some of Burton upon Trent’s pubs and beer heritage. I was joined by Niall, who runs the Facebook page From Sheffield with Pubs, and it was great to spend the day chatting about pubs, history and all things beer-related. We also met up with Jenny and Kenny from Real Ale Finder at various points during the day, which made for plenty of enjoyable conversation between venues. The trail took us around a variety of pubs, each with its own character and story to tell, showcasing why Burton remains such an important town in Britain’s brewing history. With good company, interesting pubs and plenty of conversation along the way, it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable day out.
Micropub Adventures 