Category Archives: West Yorkshire

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.

14/02/25 – Wakefield

Wakefield’s drinking scene is rich in history, showcasing its journey from Roman times to a lively cultural hotspot. The city has a strong connection to forced rhubarb, celebrated through its yearly festival. Some must-visit spots include Harry’s Bar, famous for its welcoming vibe and ever changing cask ales; The Hop, a live music venue featuring multiple stages; and The Black Rock, a classic pub with a fascinating past. Don’t miss out on Luis Bar at Fernandes Brewery, known for its distinctive drink options, and The Red Shed, a pub with significant political roots. Each place gives you a taste of Wakefield’s unique heritage.

31/08/24 – Huddersfield and Brighouse

The day commenced in Huddersfield, the birthplace of British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, where a statue commemorating him stands prominently at the Railway Station. This town is also renowned for its pivotal role in the establishment of Rugby League in 1895 and its significant textile industry. Today, I participated in the “Huddopoly” event, which highlights independent venues across Huddersfield, and I explored a few additional locations. On my return journey, I made a stop in Brighouse, celebrated for the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, one of the most distinguished brass bands in the United Kingdom. During my visit, I explored four venues, enjoying a diverse array of pubs, taprooms, café bars, and micropubs throughout the day.

06/04/23 – Cleckheaton and Wakefield

Started my day in Cleckheaton, a town in the Heavy Wollen region of West Yorkshire that became well known for it production of heavy woollen cloth. Started here by visiting Steve at Mill Valley Brewery before heading into town to visit 4 more pubs. A bus onto Wakefield, known for being the birthplace of world-renowned sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Also being well known for coal mining, rhubarb and its cathedral. Lots of great pubs were visited here working from one end to the other.

16/03/24 – Halifax

A fairly local trip today taking me to Halifax, West Yorkshire. Halifax was well known from the 15th Century onwards as being the centre of England’s woollen manufacture, being dealt through Halifax Piece Hall. I start today by heading out to Hipperholme to visit “Cock O’ The North”, home of Halifax Steam Brewing Company, before heading back into Halifax to visit a number of Micropubs, Craft Bars and Independent Pubs.

22/07/23 – Pontefract

A local Saturday afternoon visit to Pontefract, a town well known for its castle, confectionery industry, coal mining, and horse racing. Not forgetting the famous liquorice sweets “Pontefract Cakes”. Two visits here today, the first being a Bottle Shop and Tasting Room inside Pontefract’s Indoor Market, followed by a visit to the towns Micropub (although the town is packed full of pubs and small bars).

28/05/23 – Penistone Line Ale Trail

An attempt at an Ale Trail on the Penistone Rail Line which runs between Barnsley and Huddersfield. The first part of the line opened in 1850 between Huddersfield and Penistone, with the other part following later. It is designated as a “Community Rail Line” and covers a 27 Mile Route (from Sheffield to Huddersfield).