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Pints Through Pontefract & 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.
Pontefract and Castleford are neighbouring West Yorkshire towns with histories stretching back hundreds of years. Pontefract grew around its impressive castle, built soon after the Norman Conquest, and became famous for producing liquorice, a tradition still celebrated today. Just a few miles away, Castleford began as the Roman settlement of Lagentium before growing into an important market and industrial town beside the River Aire. Coal mining, pottery and milling all helped shape its past. Today, both towns proudly celebrate their heritage while offering welcoming pubs, independent businesses and plenty of reminders of the stories that have unfolded through the centuries.
House of Ales
Friday saw me head out locally to Pontefract and Castleford. I started in Pontefract at House of Ales. House of Ales began life as a specialist beer business in Pontefract’s indoor market before moving into its current home in Maud’s Yard, just off the Market Place. The move allowed it to expand from a bottle shop into a welcoming taproom, where visitors can enjoy a drink on site as well as browse an extensive range of beers to take home. The venue has built a strong reputation for its carefully chosen selection of British, Belgian and German beers, while remaining an independent business at the heart of the town. Today, it is a popular stop for both locals and visitors exploring Pontefract.
Inside, House of Ales has a cosy and welcoming look, with shelves packed full of bottles and cans from breweries across Britain and beyond. The compact bar sits at the heart of the room, while wooden tables and chairs provide comfortable places to relax with a drink. Fridges line the walls, displaying an impressive range of beers, and brewery signs and colourful artwork add plenty of character without feeling cluttered. The lighting keeps the space bright and inviting, creating a friendly atmosphere. Although it is not a large venue, it makes good use of the space and feels comfortable throughout.
Drinks wise up to 2 cask ales (usually one brewed themselves alongside a guest), 8 keg lines as well as shelves and fridges packed full of cans and bottles, with an amazing choice of styles. I went for Slammer by House of Ales, a Mosaic & Simcoe hazy pale ale with juicy citrus and tropical fruit notes and a soft, refreshing finish.
Cartners No 5
Next up in Pontefract was Cartners No5. Cartners No. 5 occupies a handsome Victorian building on Shoemarket that has been part of Pontefract’s busy town centre since 1884. Originally built as retail premises, it served a variety of businesses over the years and was most recently home to the clothing retailer Zoot. In 2020, the building began a new chapter when it opened as Cartners No. 5, an independent family-run bar. While its purpose has changed, the building has remained an important part of the town centre for well over a century. Today, it continues to welcome locals and visitors through its doors in the heart of historic Pontefract.
Inside, Cartners No. 5 has a bright, modern look while still feeling comfortable and welcoming. The main bar is the focal point, with a smart timber finish and a good mix of seating including high tables, stools and cosy corners. Exposed brickwork and warm lighting add plenty of character without taking away from the clean, contemporary design. Large front windows allow lots of natural light to fill the space during the day, giving it an open feel. Towards the rear, more seating provides a quieter spot to relax, making it just as suited to catching up with friends as enjoying a peaceful drink.
A fantastic line up of craft keg beers to choose from, varying in style, alongside a selection of craft beer cans in the fridge. I went for Virtuous by Kirkstall Brewery, a session IPA with bright citrus, tropical fruit and pine hop notes and a crisp, refreshing finish.
The Robin Hood
Next up in Pontefract was The Robin Hood Pontefract. The Robin Hood has been welcoming drinkers on Wakefield Road since 1791, making it one of Pontefract’s oldest surviving pubs. Originally owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, it has remained a familiar landmark through more than two centuries of the town’s history. Standing at what was once known as Penny Lane, the pub has served generations of local people while adapting with the times. Although it has seen updates over the years, it has never lost its place at the heart of the community. Today, The Robin Hood continues to blend its long history with the warm, friendly atmosphere that has kept people coming back for generations.
Inside, The Robin Hood has a traditional pub layout with a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The main bar is finished with polished wood, while exposed brickwork and timber features add plenty of character. Seating is spread between tables, chairs and cosy booths, giving people plenty of choice whether they’re visiting alone or with friends. The décor mixes classic pub touches with modern updates, creating a bright and well-kept space without losing its traditional charm. Large windows let in plenty of natural light during the day, and the different seating areas make it easy to settle in and enjoy a relaxed visit.
A selection of 3 cask ales available on the bar along with a great selection of craft beer choices. I went for Tent by Zapato, a hazy pale ale with juicy citrus and tropical fruit notes and a soft, smooth finish.
The Counting House
Heading back towards Pontefract Town Centre brought me to The Counting House. The Counting House in Pontefract is a building rich in history, dating back to 1609. Initially built as a merchant’s counting house, it has served multiple roles over the years, including as homes and a pub. Its timber-framed design is a standout feature, and it has seen several restorations throughout its existence. When it was constructed, England was experiencing a turbulent time marked by religious strife between Protestants and Catholics, along with civil unrest that shaped the social and economic climate. Interestingly, the Counting House was built about 40 years before Pontefract Castle was demolished, debunking the myth that materials from the castle were used in its construction.
As one of the oldest timber-framed structures in Yorkshire, the Counting House exemplifies the traditional building methods of its era. It boasts unique Georgian windows and Victorian fireplaces, showcasing the various updates it has undergone over the years. Recognized for its historical importance, it holds a Grade II listing due to its architectural value.
Originally a counting house for merchants, the building was later divided into residential spaces before being converted into a pub in the 1980s by architect Malcolm Lister, who is known for his work on historical properties. Thanks to his careful restoration efforts, the Counting House earned national awards for conservation in the early 1990s. After closing as a pub in 2012, it sat empty for nearly a decade. Recently, a project to restore and breathe new life into this historic site began, focusing on roof repairs, lime rendering, and plastering.
Yesterday (March 21st), this incredible historic site welcomed visitors again after nearly 13 years. Now operating as a Bar & Bistro, it offers a variety of drinks and meals. The interior is stunning, showcasing the impressive restoration work that has been done. Original features are beautifully highlighted, enhancing the venue’s charm. Plus, the new glass-panelled rooftop terrace is a fantastic addition. It’s definitely a spot worth visiting!
The Old Grocers
Last up in Pontefract was The Old Grocers. The Old Grocers opened in June 2019, becoming Pontefract’s first micropub. It transformed a former hair and beauty salon into a welcoming independent pub, while taking its name from the building’s much older past. During the 1800s, the premises was a grocery shop known as Slaters, giving the pub a strong link to the town’s trading history. Today, the building blends old and new, with customers enjoying drinks across two floors in the heart of Beastfair. Although the use of the building has changed over the years, its name ensures a small part of Pontefract’s past continues to be remembered.
Inside has a bright, welcoming feel, with light wooden flooring and a relaxed mix of tables and chairs spread throughout the ground floor. The walls are decorated with hundreds of colourful pump clips, giving plenty to look at and adding real character to the space. Large front windows let in lots of natural light, making it feel open and airy during the day. Upstairs, there’s a smaller, cosier seating area that offers a quieter place to enjoy a drink. Outside, a small decked seating area provides a peaceful spot to sit in the fresh air, tucked away from the bustle of the town centre.
On the bar a selection of 4 cask ales, alongside flat ciders and a selection of craft beer choices. I went for After Party by Chin Chin Brewing Company, a pale ale hopped with Talus, Citra and Simcoe, bringing bright citrus and tropical fruit notes with a fresh, easy-drinking finish.
Castleford
Yorkshire Craft Beers
Over to nearby Castleford brought me first to Yorkshire Craft Beers. Yorkshire Craft Beers has been based inside the historic Queen’s Mill since opening in 2019, but the story of the building goes back much further. There has been a mill on this stretch of the River Aire for more than 900 years, with the earliest written record dating from 1093. The present Queen’s Mill largely dates from the 19th century and became an important part of Castleford’s industrial growth, producing flour for generations. After closing as a commercial mill in 2011, the building was rescued and restored by the Castleford Heritage Trust. Today, it has found a new lease of life as a thriving community hub.
Inside has a relaxed industrial feel that makes the most of its home inside the old mill. High ceilings, exposed brickwork, block walls, original beams and exposed pipework all reflect the building’s history, while warm hanging lights soften the space and create a welcoming atmosphere. Wooden tables and chairs are spread across the open seating area, with shelves of bottled beers and historic photographs adding plenty of character without feeling cluttered. Large windows bring in natural light during the day, while outside there’s a spacious courtyard with plenty of seating, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy a drink in warmer weather.
Drinks wise on the bar a single cask ale along with a a range of 8 keg beers in varying styles. Even more choice is available with the hundreds of bottles and cans on the shelves. I went for A Little Hope by Truth Hurts Brewing, a collaboration with Northern Monk, brewed as a hazy session IPA with juicy tropical fruit, citrus hop notes and a soft, refreshing finish.
The Ninth Bar & Kitchen
Next up in Castleford was to The Ninth Castleford. The Ninth Bar & Kitchen takes its name from the famous Ninth Roman Legion, reflecting Castleford’s long history as the Roman settlement of Lagentium. Opened in 2024, it has brought new life to a refurbished building on Sagar Street that was previously home to a William Hill betting shop. Created by a group of local friends, the aim was to give the town a fresh and welcoming place to eat, drink and meet. While the venue itself is new, its name celebrates Castleford’s ancient past, linking the town’s Roman heritage with a modern independent bar and kitchen in the heart of the centre.
Inside has a bright, modern feel with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The décor is simple and stylish, with neutral colours, dark wood furniture and clean, contemporary finishes giving the space a smart look. Pendant lights provide a warm glow, while modern artwork, plants and a few decorative touches add character without making the room feel busy. Tables are well spaced throughout the open dining area, creating a relaxed setting with plenty of room to unwind. At the front, large windows look onto an outdoor seating area with tables and large umbrellas, offering a pleasant place to sit outside when the weather is good.
On the bar a choice of 2 cask ales, alongside a great keg range featuring a number of different styles. I went for Boost by DEYA Brewing Company, a hazy pale ale with juicy peach, mango and citrus hop notes and a soft, pillowy finish.
The Junction
My final visit in Castleford was to Junction, Castleford. The Junction occupies a striking corner building on Carlton Street, standing on a site once occupied by two 19th-century chapels. The present pub was originally known as the Junction Inn and became part of Wakefield brewer Beverley Brothers’ estate in 1882. Its beautifully preserved green glazed tiled frontage and large “BEVERLEYS’ FINE ALES” lettering are reminders of the brewery that once owned it, with the tiles designed to create an eye-catching and easy-to-maintain exterior. Originally called the New Junction before becoming simply The Junction, it has remained a familiar Castleford pub ever since and is now especially well known for its excellent cask ale tradition.
Inside has the feel of a traditional Yorkshire pub that has changed little over the years. Original wood panelling, a long timber bar and herringbone parquet floors give it plenty of character, while high ceilings with decorative mouldings add to its historic charm. Large windows bring in natural light, balanced by rich red curtains that create a cosy atmosphere. Seating is spread across several open rooms, with a mix of benches, stools and tables providing plenty of space to relax. Old brewery signs, a fireplace, barrels and framed memorabilia complete the look, celebrating the pub’s long history without feeling overdone.
4 cask ales on the bar, all served from wooden casks which is a unique thing for this pub, along with a nice selection of draught choices. I went for Golazo by Stancill Brewery, a golden ale with bright citrus hop notes and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Micropub Adventures 