Skipton and Barnoldswick are steeped in history, with Skipton Castle standing as a key landmark and a lively market scene that dates back to the Domesday Book. You can check out local spots like The Boathouse Bar, Hickey’s & Friends, and Wax and Taps, each with its own vibe and selection of beers. Barnoldswick, with its industrial roots, features places like The Barlick Tap and Chewies that focus on local brews. The Beer Engine and The Narrow Boat, along with other pubs in Skipton, really capture the community spirit while offering a variety of ales. All in all, exploring these towns showcases their rich history and vibrant beer culture.
Category Archives: Brewery Taps
04/01/25 – Doncaster, Sandtoft and Goole
This blog takes you on a fun tour of pubs and breweries around Doncaster and North Lincolnshire, showcasing the local drinking scene. It kicks off at Don Valley Brewery Tap, famous for its sleek brewing setup and awesome beer choices. It then dives into spots like The Leopard and The Little Plough, sharing their interesting backstories, cool architecture, and lively vibes. I taste a bunch of local ales, highlighting how much the community values quality craft beer. The adventure wraps up at Goole’s Tom Pudding micropub, which paints a picture of a cosy, welcoming atmosphere among the patrons.
14/12/24 – Loughborough and Barrow Upon Soar
Loughborough is noted for its significant history, particularly as home to the largest bell foundry and notable advances in engineering during the 19th century. This rich heritage is complemented by its vibrant beer scene, featuring various pubs and breweries such as Charnwood Brewery, which celebrates ten years of operation. Visitors can explore a range of unique establishments, each with its own history and character, from The Swan in the Rushes to The Needle & Pin, showcasing local beers alongside cosy atmospheres. The town also marks historical events, including a World War I zeppelin attack, reflecting its industrial significance.
16/11/24 – Leith
Historic Pubs and Craft Beer in Leith A journey through Leith, Scotland, which showcases its transformation from a historic trading hub to a vibrant cultural centre. Starting from the Roseleaf Bar Café with its unique drinks and vintage ambiance, the tour includes stops at various pubs like Teuchters Landing, Lost In Leith, and the ShoreContinue reading “16/11/24 – Leith”
15/11/24 – The Coast: Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and Monkseaton
I provide a detailed exploration of various pubs and breweries in Whitley Bay, Monkseaton and Tynemouth, highlighting their unique histories, décor, and beer selections. Starting with Whitley Bay Brewing Co, which features local ales, I move through several establishments, including Cafe Amsterdam, The Dog and Rabbit, and others, each offering distinctive atmospheres and delightful craft beers. Highlights include Platform 2’s transformation from a coffee shop to a craft beer hub and the welcoming vibe of newer spots like The Crafty Cold Well. Overall, I capture the local brewing culture and community spirit in these lively establishments.
14/11/24 – Gateshead and Newcastle
I explore various pubs and breweries in Newcastle and Gateshead, highlighting their unique characteristics and offerings. Crown Posada, an older pub with historical ties, features beautiful stained glass and a warm atmosphere, while Microbus, a quirky new venue, embodies a campervan theme. The Central Bar, known for live music, and Station East, set on the site of a former railway station, are also mentioned. Other locations such as The Bridge Hotel, Newcastle Tap, Mosaic Tap, and more showcase diverse craft beer selections. The visit concludes with The Carriage, a pub steeped in railway history, and introduces Talking Tides Brew Co, which blends craft beer with food.
9/11/24 – Ilkeston, Heanor and Loscoe
A day spent visiting various pubs in Ilkeston, Heanor, Loscoe and Langley Mill starting at The Burnt Pig, a popular micropub. I explore several other venues, including The Crafty One, Stanton Cask, Beestonia Brewing Company, and Marlpool Ale House, highlighting their distinctive atmospheres, local cask beers, and warm welcomes. Each pub features a selection of cask artisans, unique brews, and cosy environments. The tour includes newer establishments like The Crafty Tap and Dead Man’s Tankard, alongside those with historical significance. Conclusively, it reflects a vibrant beer culture in the area with friendly community vibes.
2/11/24 – Sheffield “Little Chicago”
The walk through Sheffield, known as “Little Chicago,” highlights its history of gang violence in the 1920s while exploring iconic pubs. Notable stops include The Crow Inn, a historical meeting spot, Shakespeare’s, a long-standing coaching inn, and Kelham Island Tavern, recognized for real ale. The narrative showcases the evolution of these establishments, from their original functions to their present-day charm. Distinctive art and historical landmarks enhance the stroll, and each pub offers a diverse selection of beers. The journey encapsulates Sheffield’s rich heritage, community spirit, and love for traditional pubs amid a backdrop of turbulent history.
18/10/24-19/10/24 – Derby #2, Spondon and Draycott
I explored several traditional pubs and breweries around Derby, highlighting their unique histories and offerings. Falstaff Pub & Brewery, originally a hotel from 1886, features a cosy atmosphere and four cask ales. The Smithfield, established in 1840, boasts ten cask beers and multiple accolades. The Old Silk Mill and The Flowerpot showcase attractive interiors and local brews. Other notable stops include The Furnace Inn, Shiny Brewery, and The Hoppy Place, each offering a range of beers and welcoming environments alongside others. The tour concludes at The Victoria Inn, known for its music history and diverse beer selection. Each venue reflects Derby’s rich pub culture.
03/10/24-04/10/24 – Dublin
The Ultimate Dublin Pub Crawl: History, Beer, and Atmosphere Upon arriving in Dublin, I explored numerous pubs, starting with the iconic Temple Bar, known for its live Irish music and excellent Guinness. I also visited J.R Mahon’s, a historic venue with an extensive beer selection, including in-house brews. Tapped Late Bar impressed with its modernContinue reading “03/10/24-04/10/24 – Dublin”
Micropub Adventures 