Derby: Historic Pubs, Real Ale & a Heritage Beer Festival On Saturday I headed to Derby for a day exploring the pubs with Niall, who runs From Sheffield with Pubs. Starting near the railway station, we worked our way around the city, calling into traditional pubs, Derby’s first micropub and some wonderful historic buildings. WeContinue reading “Derby: Historic Pubs, Real Ale & a Heritage Beer Festival”
Category Archives: Brewery Taps
Aire & Cut Ale Trail – Leeds
A day exploring some of Leeds’ best pubs, brewery taps and historic drinking spots, starting at Kirkstall Bridge and working back towards the city centre. Along the way I visited everything from grand Victorian pubs and cosy traditional locals to modern brewery taprooms and riverside bars. There was plenty of cask ale to choose from, with beers from Kirkstall, Leeds Brewery, Small World and others along the way. I also called at Northern Monk, The Tetley and Piglove by the River, finishing the day beside the River Aire. A great mix of history, character, good beer and some brilliant Leeds pubs.
Preston Pub Festival, Longridge & Goosnargh
I spent Friday and Saturday exploring Preston for the Pub Festival, calling into a brilliant mix of traditional pubs, craft beer bars and independent spots across the city. There was loads of variety, with different brewery takeovers, plenty of cask ale and some more unusual beers along the way. I enjoyed seeing how different each place was, from historic old pubs to modern taprooms and cosy little bars. After finishing in Preston on Saturday evening, I headed out to Longridge and Goosnargh to visit three micropubs I hadn’t been to before, which was a lovely way to finish the trip.
From Rail Ale to Real Ale: A Crewe Beer Adventure
I had a brilliant day in Crewe, starting at the returning Crewe Rail Ale Festival at the Heritage Centre before heading into town for a good wander around some of its best independent pubs and bars. From The Crewe Dog and Borough Arms to Tom’s Tap, Hops, Earl of Chester, Ebenezer’s and finally The Raven, there was loads of variety along the way. I enjoyed everything from traditional cask ale pubs to brewery taprooms and modern beer bars, with plenty of great beer throughout. Crewe has a really strong independent beer scene, and this was a cracking way to explore it.
Otley Ale Trail: Historic Pubs, Hidden Gems & Brilliant Beer
I had a brilliant day exploring the pubs and bars of Otley, starting at Curious Hop Bière Café before meeting up with Gareth from Roaming the Ridings. From cosy old pubs like the Junction Inn, Cross Pipes and Black Horse to newer places such as North Bar Social and The Rookery, there was loads of variety along the way. We were joined by a few familiar faces during the day, which made it even more enjoyable. There was plenty of good cask and craft beer to try, with some lovely historic buildings too. I finished the day at Shadow Brewing, rounding off a fantastic wander around Otley.
Pints by the Shore: A Day Exploring Leith & Edinburgh
I spent the day exploring Leith and Edinburgh, starting with some brilliant pubs around The Shore before working my way through brewery taprooms, traditional locals and a couple of extra stops along the way. Leith had a great mix of old maritime character and modern independent brewing, with plenty of excellent cask and craft beer to try. I also called into Shore Distillery and Beets before heading across to Bellfield and Otherworld. Back in central Edinburgh, I finished at two real classics, the Guildford Arms and Café Royal. A cracking final day and a great way to end my Scotland trip.
Following the Pints Through Milngavie, Paisley & Dumbarton
I explored a great mix of pubs and brewery taps around Milngavie, Paisley, Renton and Dumbarton. I started in Milngavie with visits to Jaw Brew, The Talbot Arms and Jack O’Beers, where it was great to meet Mike and hear about his plans for the future. From there I headed to Paisley for the historic Bull Inn and Two Towns Down Brewing, before travelling on to Loch Lomond Brewery Tap in Renton. I finished in Dumbarton at No Limits Brewing, meeting Henry and Andy, chatting with locals Martin and Lolin, and even joining them for the general knowledge quiz.
Glasgow: Poured, Pulled & Properly Explored
Over a few brilliant days in Glasgow, I explored a fantastic mix of traditional pubs, modern craft beer bars and breweries across the city. I made good use of the Subway, jumping on and off to discover places in the city centre, Merchant City, West End and beyond. Highlights included historic gems like The Laurieston and Old Toll Bar, alongside WEST, Drygate, Three Judges, Inn Deep and plenty more. There was a great mix of Scottish cask and keg beer along the way, with some really friendly welcomes too. I eventually rounded everything off at Grunting Growler after a fantastic few days exploring Glasgow.
Full Steam Ahead: A Carlisle Pub Adventure
Sunday saw me head up the historic Settle and Carlisle Railway for a day exploring Carlisle and some of its pubs. I started at Scott & Brassey, where I caught up with friends Alistair, Michael and Jess, before moving on to the Thin White Duke. From there I visited West Walls Brewing Co, The King’s Head and the Milbourne Arms, enjoying a good mix of historic pubs and newer places along the way. I finished the day at The Spinners Arms in Cummersdale, where it was fantastic to meet Alison from Carlisle Brewing Co. A really enjoyable day exploring Carlisle and its pubs.
A Crooked Trail Through Chesterfield
I had a brilliant day exploring Chesterfield and some of the surrounding villages, joined by Niall from From Sheffield with Pubs and Chris from Chesterfield Pubs Past & Present. Starting at the Arkwright Arms, we worked our way through New Whittington and Whittington Moor before heading into Chesterfield itself. Along the way it was great to bump into Shaun and Suzie from Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tours too. There was plenty of history, some fantastic independent pubs and a great variety of beers throughout the day. Another really enjoyable day discovering more of what Chesterfield’s pub scene has to offer.