I explore various pubs and bars in stations along the Penistone Line Ale Trail, emphasising their unique histories, atmospheres, and drink selections. The White Hart, an 18th-century coaching inn, combines historical charm with modern comfort. Bottle & Co, established recently, offers a cosy, rustic vibe. Penistone Beer Shop provides a broad selection of local and international craft beers. The Penistone Tap & Brewhouse highlights community involvement. The Station Inn, a long-standing village pub, and Dodworth Tap blend tradition with modern amenities. Other notable venues in Barnsley, including Nailmaker Tap 1, Old No 7, Jolly Tap, and Bar Ruelle, showcase welcoming atmospheres and diverse ale options.
Category Archives: South Yorkshire
24/05/25 – Sheffield #3
The Fulwood Ale Club, a unique micropub in Sheffield, combines vintage charm with a friendly atmosphere, offering a variety of cask ales. Nearby, The Rising Sun, a historic pub dating back to 1859, features a welcoming vibe and a great selection of cask ales. The Wonky Labrador is a community-driven micropub dedicated to inclusivity, serving keg beers in a cosy setting. Other notable visits include The Itchy Pig Ale House with its quirky décor and Two Sheds, a rustic spot with a bottle shop. The Nottingham House is famed for its hearty pies, while The Hallamshire House maintains its Victorian charm. The journey ends at Hop Hideout, showcasing over 200 beers in a relaxed space.
22/03/25 – Elsecar, Hoyland and Chapeltown
Elsecar, which evolved into an industrial village in the late 1700s thanks to the Earl of Fitzwilliam, played a crucial role in coal mining and iron production. Even after facing economic struggles in the 1980s, it has managed to keep its historical appeal. Recently, the area has seen a boost from heritage tourism. The Milton Arms, dating back to the early 1800s, combines a classic pub vibe with modern touches, while The Market serves as a historic meeting place. Maison Du Biere showcases the local craft beer culture, and other pubs like The Furnace Inn and Tap & Brew emphasize the community spirit and the changing landscape of drinking spots in the area.
15/03/25 – Sheffield to Retford Ale Trail (Worksop to Sheffield)
Explore the Sheffield to Retford Rail Ale Trail The Sheffield to Retford Rail Ale Trail is a beautiful train route that links some great spots, starting from either Sheffield or Retford. Notable stops along the way include The Mallard, a unique pub at Worksop Station that encourages community interaction with its no-phones policy. Then there’sContinue reading “15/03/25 – Sheffield to Retford Ale Trail (Worksop to Sheffield)”
15/02/25 – CAMRA Winter Beer Festival, Doncaster, Mexborough and Moorthorpe
The Draughtsman Alehouse, opened in April 2017, is located on Platform 3b and honours the late Barry Thompson, a draughtsman for train engines. The pub features charming décor, a great selection of locally sourced beers and spirits, and delicious pork pies. The Great British Beer Festival Winter 2025 was hosted at Magna Science Adventure Centre, showcasing a rich steel history and various breweries. Gorilla Brewing Co. opened in 2020, with a spacious taproom and a lovely beer garden. The Imperial Music Venue, home to Imperial Brewery, offers music events and a quirky atmosphere. The Mallard pub, opened in May 2023, celebrates local history in a revived railway station setting.
01/02/25 – Bakewell and Sheffield
Bakewell, a historic market town in Derbyshire dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era, features landmarks such as the Bakewell Parish Church and a 13th-century bridge. It’s famous for its Bakewell pudding, created accidentally in the 1800s, and a strong brewing culture exemplified by Thornbridge Brewery, founded in 2005. The brewery utilizes a historic Burton Union system for fermentation, enriching its beer flavours. Local pubs like the Joiners Arms and The Peacock emphasize community and craft beers. Bakewell’s vibrant history includes events like the Militia Riots of 1796 and unique stories tied to establishments, enhancing its charm and appeal.
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.
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.
15/06/24 – Darton, Mapplewell and Barugh Green
A day out around Darton, Mapplewell and Barugh Green. Starting in Darton at “Nailmaker Brewing Co & Tap”, “Darton Tap” and “The Anvil Arms”, heading out to Mapplewell to “The Talbot Inn”, “The Old Bakery”, “Bottle & Co” and “Wentworth Arms”, and finishing in Barugh Green at the “Crown & Anchor”. A great day out featuring lots of independent pubs and some great beers along the way.
03/02/24 – Barnsley
A local trip today over to Barnsley, best known for in the 1960s where there were 70 collieries within a 15 mile radius of the town centre. Today I visited a number of Micropubs around the town starting with “The Gawber Tap” in the Gawber Area, moving into town for “Nailmaker Tap 2” and “Jolly Tap on the Arcade”, heading out again for “Tarn End Tap” and “Heaven & Ale”, and finishing in Cudworth with “Kens Cask & Keg”. Dropped into “The Old Grocers” in Pontefract on the way home.
Micropub Adventures 