Northern Travels 2020

PAUL and TERRY (in) HORBURY: 2nd PaTH

Friday 6 March 2020

So that he had time to recover before embarking upon the 3 day beer tour, TM drove up to Horbury on the Thursday. However, as that entailed an additional evenings drinking with JA, it was not apparent it worked. PV meanwhile headed up by train on the Friday, and after some thoughtfully provided sustenance, was raring to go; so we headed off for the bus to Ossett.

Bier Huis

Seemore Centre, 17 Towngate, Ossett

WF5 9BL

Occupying an old shop premises, the Bier Huis was originally just a bottle shop but, with the introduction of a couple of hand pumps and keg dispenser a few years ago, is is now a small micro-pub. The bottle shop offers over 450 different beers with a large range from Yorkshire along with German and Belgium staples.
In tune with many a micro, the furniture was the basic trestle table and bench seats, but the welcome from Anne-Marie warm and the cask beer (£2.40 a pint) top notch.
The Baroness Bacon carried a hint of rhubarb while The Raven is a Bourbon Milk Stout. The keg Beer Ink is a very cloudy Citra & Mosaic hopped IPA.

Five Towns

Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Baroness Bacon

4.3

S43

Coxhoe, Durham

The Raven

4.3

Beer Ink

Lindley, West Yorkshire

Curse these Hoppy Hands (Keg)

5.6






It was a very short walk to the next venue.

Prop’ur Baa

3 New Street, Ossett

WF5 8BH

Previously a barber’s shop, this bar was opened 6 months ago by Sam Drury – a prop forward for Ossett RU Club with over 700 games under his stomach. Furnished by charity shop, it was very busy this early evening but we found room on some stalls by a barrel around the corner of the bar. The owner and locals were friendly and we enjoyed the Yorkshire tapas (bread & dripping, pork pies and black pudding) washed down by a few beers. The Clockwork Orange Porter was not quite up to Downton’s chocolate standard but not bad.

Saltaire

Shipley, West Yorkshire

Blonde

4.0

Empire

Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire

White Lion

4.3

Empire

Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire

Clockwork Orange Porter

4.7






Our next intended pub was some distance, as far as the soft southerner was concerned, so to break the walk.........

The Tap

2 The Green, Ossett, Wakefield

WF5 8JS

Last year we had only ventured as far as the bar room, but with this full we had to venture further into the Tardis to find somewhere to enjoy our beer. Stayed clear of the Ossett offerings, for reasons which will become clear, and tried the guest beers.

Goose Eye

Bingley, West Yorkshire

Goose Eye Bitter

3.9

Titanic

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Plum Porter

4.9






The walk down the hill in the twilight to Healey Mills provided views over the Calder Valley to the TV transmission masts atop of Emley Moor.

Brewers Pride

Low Mill Road, Healey Mills, Ossett, Wakefield

WF5 8ND

Apart from it being a Friday evening as opposed to Sunday lunchtime, nothing much was different to our previous visit– busy bar with jolly crowd eating large plates of food; We even established ourselves on the same table in the bay window. After enjoying a couple of the more standard offerings, we (well PV & JA) were discussing trying something more outlandish when the lady sharing our table went a got us a large taster. Turns out she had until recently worked for Great Heck but had fortunately joined Ossett before the former breweries demise. We did not ascertain exactly what she did but, whatever, she certainly knew more about beer than we did.

Chin Chin

South Kirkby, West Yorkshire

No Biggie

3.4

Small World

Shelley, West Yorkshire

Twin Falls

5.2

Rat

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Dark Ratanic Mills

9.0






Now fully dark, we headed into the adjacent industrial estate and by a pool of light found the entrance we desired.

Ossett Brewery Taproom

Kings Yard, Low Mill Road, Healey Mills, Ossett

WF5 8ND

The brewery occupies a large industrial unit and the tap is in the front quarter surrounded on three sides by the brewing equipment. Although cavernous, this modern, smart taproom had some decent seating and was unexpectedly comfortable. Live music was provided by Jade Helliwell from the mezzanine stage above the bar – both PV and JA enjoyed her set but TM was less impressed. Got chatting to a couple of lads from County Mayo but cannot really remember what we talked about. Altogether, a very impressive tap; the beer wasn’t bad either.

Ossett

Ossett, West Yorkshire

Blonde

3.9

Ossett

Citra

4.2

Ossett

Silver King

4.3

Ossett

Treacle Stout

5.0

Rat

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

White Rat

4.0






The walk back up the hill would daunt many a folk......and it did us; but fortunately Lynne had offered us a lift back so that was very welcome. Apparently we were rather drunk but couldn’t see it ourselves?

Saturday 7 March 2020

After a rather delayed start to the day, plans to take an even more scenic route across the moors to Huddersfield were abandoned and we again caught the 231 from Horbury. However, his time the weather was more kind and the hoped for views across the moors as far as the Pennines materialised. Alighting at the bus station it is a short walk to paradise.

Grove

2 Spring Grove Street, Huddersfield

HD1 4BP

Fortunately nothing had changed; there were still 19 cask and 19 keg beers to choose from.
After the previous two days exertions it was a slow start from TM but for PV it was too good a selection to only try one, so he had four. The Patchwork Rocket was a very good unfined Pale Ale hopped with Apollo and Mosaic, but then all the beers tried were.

By the River

Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

1836 Ruby Mild

4.2

Firebrand

Launceston, Cornwall

Patchwork Rocket

4.2

Burton Road

Manchester, Grt Manchester

Pale Ale

4.0

Black Lodge

Liverpool, Merseyside

Think About It

5.5






With no other Huddersfield venues of the same calibre as The Grove we headed for the station to enjoy the shouty boys heading off to Leeds for the local football derby. Luckily they did ot get in our coach of the Trans Pennine Express. We changed at Leeds for Saltaire and after admiring Titus’s works headed for our second tap room of the trip.

Salt Beer Factory

199 Bingley Road, Saltaire

BD18 4DH

Occupying the towns old tram sheds, the factory is split into two distinct parts. On entry you are in an old fashioned style bar, all patterned carpets and heavy furniture but through a corridor you enter a factory shed, with the brewing equipment set out behind railings to the left and the rear of the space. On entrance, the bar is to the right with the seating available in the centre of the room and on two mezzanine decks.
There were five cask beers and 10 keg beers available and we choose a couple of halves to try. The tap was reasonably empty apart from a party with some noisy children; that as until a coach party from Leeds Camra arrived. The Salt Factory was good but not quite up to the owners other tap at Ossett. The Velveteen was a pleasant Cacao Porter

Salt

Saltaire, West Yorkshire

Baler

4.3

Salt

Velveteen

4.8






Heading back towards Shipley, we called in at a couple of places recommended by a Leeds Camra man we chatted to at Salt.

Fanny’s Ale and Cider House

63 Saltaire Road, Saltaire

BD18 3JN

This place had been talked up by the man from Leeds but we did not find it that good. Lit by gas lamps and on the quirky side, it was warm but somehow did not seem that welcoming. The beer choice was disappointing and we only stayed for a half.

Lords Brewing

Golcar, West Yorkshire

Expedition

4.0






Beehive

1 Saltaire Road, Shipley

BD18 3HH

Built in 1870 this Victorian pub has been stripped bare in the modern way of industrial chic shite, but with the open fire burning away it was welcoming enough. There appeared to have been a tap takeover and with only one brewery's wares on offer and time pressing it was again just a swift half.

Stod Fold

Halifax, West Yorkshire

Amirillo

4.2






JA had intended to take us along the canal towpath from Saltaire to Shipley but we had been diverted by the Leeds man. However, we did now manage to join the canal for the final few hundred yards to our next venue. It was very interesting walking this small part of the Leeds Liverpool canal, and my do they have large geese up North.

Saltaire Brewery Taproom

Dockfield Road, Shipley

BD17 7AR

The Saltaire brewery is of course in Shipley. The taproom is a separate building from the brewery, which is located in what looks like an old canal side warehouse. Although there is plenty of seating on the outside patio, the interior accommodation is much smaller and, on this cold day, fully occupied. So standing it was. Perhaps no bad thing as we were not tempted to linger. The Harbour Lights
is a NE Oatmeal Stout & Pacifica a 7 Hop IPA.

Saltaire

Shipley, West Yorkshire

Mildlife

3.8

Saltaire

Pacifica

5.5

Saltaire

Harbour Lights

5.9






It was then time to play platform merry-go-round at Shipley station’s unique triangular layout in our quest for the next train to Leeds where we had arranged to meet up with Lynne.
After finding the correct Boots with Lynne outside, some food was required which a local Sainsbury’s provided. Leeds was buzzing and walking up through the shopping area there seemed to be a competition among the young women for who could bare the most flesh on this cold day. PV had not seen so much leg on a winter’s day since he visited Hull!

North Bar

24 New Briggate, Leeds

LS1 6NU

This modern, loud, trendy bar was the haunt of a young crowd but there were a few old fogeys about in addition to us. The bar is one of several outlets in Leeds tied to North Brewing Co and offered a good selection of both cask and keg.

The Lamington is a chocolate, coconut and raspberry flavoured stout concocted in collaboration between Fierce and NZBC (New Zealand Brewing Corporation).

North Brewing

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Session Pale

3.8

Fierce x NZBC

Dyce, Aberdeen

Lamington Stout

4.5






We headed back to Wakefield for our restaurant booking and, as luck would have it, had time to call in on one of the city’s institutions beforehand.

Fernandes Brewery Tap

The Old Malthouse, 5 Avison Yard, Kirkgate, Wakefield

WF1 1UA

On the way up to the beer bar on the top floor, it looked liked the Bierkeller was open. It was- just no one was in there. They were all upstairs enjoying some real ale. Usual selection of Fernandes and Ossett beers, but with the demise of Great Heck, PV had to try one more (or possibly last) Black Jesus. The Black Voodoo was yet another chocolate stout with coconut.

Fernandes

Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Black Voodoo

5.1

Great Heck

Goole, North Yorkshire

Black Jesus

6.5






Then it was just round the corner for our evening curry in Red Chilli 2. Not sure what part of a lamb the chops came from but the sauce was absolutely lovely. After which it was definitely time for the bus back to Horbury and bed.

Sunday 8 March 2020

After the previous days efforts we were rewarded with a Full English before Lynne kindly drove us to Castleford for the last of our tour of Rugby League grounds.

Junction

Carlton Street, Castleford

WF10 1EE

This Victorian half tiled corner site pub was previously a Beverley Brewery tie but is now a free house. There are still two separate bars, although the lounge is entirely partitioned off from the main room and has no direct access to the bar. The main room was warmed by an unusual range fire and, although a bit dim, was comfortable enough.
The pub displayed many awards from the Society for the Preservation of Beer from the Wood (SPBW), which seemed unusual until you know the landlord provides his own wooden barrels to local breweries for them to use! Yorkshire tapas was on the bar counter. And while PV & JA were a bit more adventurous, TM stuck to El Tel’s Pissy Pales.

The 189ers were just setting up but we had a 189 to catch so we missed the set.

Stancill

Sheffield, South Yorkshire

India Ruby Ale

4.0

Stancill

Stainless

4.3

Cheshire

Congleton, Cheshire

Mosaic

4.0






One of The 189ers recommended a new nearby bar so we delayed our trip on their namesake to give it a try.

Doghouse

16 Carlton Street, Castleford

WF10 1AY

This micro pub is the second outlet to be opened by the Little Black Dog Brewery located in the Carlton Towers estate near Snaith. The premises, which had been empty for 20 years, has now been decorated with ‘Banksy’ type wall murals and numerous song lyrics – as JA commented you could have a good quiz working out the songs they are taken from.
The place was busy but we found room at the bar and enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere – one on JA’s list to introduce to Lynne.
Unfortunately PV missed trying any Little Black Dog but did enjoy the ‘jam doughnut’ Pale Ale from Tiny Rebel. Beers available are both cask and keg.

Thornbridge

Bakewell, Derbyshire

Made North

3.8

Vocation

Cragg Vale, West Yorkshire

Bread & Butter

3.9

Tiny Rebel

Rogerstone, Newport, Gwent

Pump up the Jam

5.0






Eventually we did catch a 189 back to Wakefield.

Polka P

60 George Street, Wakefield

WF1 1DL

On last year’s visit it was called The Polka Hop but now just wants a Pee. Originally built as a pub to serve the (long gone) cattle market opposite, the building has undergone many incarnations before returning to its original function. Advertised as a traditional English Pub, it certainly sold beer and pies, so fitted PV’s idea of a pub. But the bare loorboards and bench seating are more reminiscent of the new wave of micro-pub rather than the more ‘traditional’ style. Still it is warm and comfortable and sells some very good beer.

The Goose Eye stout had no coconut or raspberry added and was all the better for it.

Sunbeam

Leeds, West Yorkshire

The Polka P

3.8

Bingley

Wilsden, West Yorkshire

Aire Gold

4.2

Goose Eye

Bingley, West Yorkshire

Over and Stout

5.2






Harry’s Bar

107b Westgate, Wakefield

WFI 1EL

It was at last time to visit another Wakefield institution.There was quite a group drinking outside which did not bode well for our comfort, but once inside we managed to crash yet another anorak’s table and we were home and dry. This year’s companion was a cyclist and while chatting about this days ride mentioned The Star at Sandal is now home to Morton Collins Brewery. Apparently the pub can be reached by bus, so you never know a visit might be necessary.
The Tigertops was nothing like the beers we have sampled in Cologne but gets full marks for trying. And there was no need to guess what the Jolly Boys had added to their Porter.

Tigertops

Flanshaw, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Kolsch Style

3.8

Jolly Boys

Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Marshmallow Porter

5.0






We finally caught the bus back to Horbury but alighted before the main village to walk down the hill towards the R Calder and our final new brewery of the trip.

Calder Vale Hotel

Millfield Road, Horbury Junction, West Yorkshire

WF4 5EB

The hotel is home to the Luddite Brewery. There are at least three rooms served by the central bar and we found Lynne in the one to the right on entrance. After ordering some beers and settling in, PV (with notes in hand) went to the bar and requested his usual business card. The reception received from the barman of ‘what are you doing’, why are you doing it’ and, in response to the answers given, ‘I don’t understand’ somewhat surprised PV but in the end he got his card! Rather put PV off the place, but apart from that it is a nice comfortable pub with a good range of beers and its own nut menu. Yet another Marshmallow but someone’s got to try it (not TM obviously).

Luddite

Horbury, West Yorkshire

Smashing Mandarin

4.2

Nailmaker

Darton, South Yorkshire

Shuffle Citra (Ltd edition)

4.1

North Riding

Snainton, North Yorkshire

Marshmallow Mild

4.1

Luddite

Horbury, West Yorkshire

Stout

5.2






The weather finally turned against us – it was raining so hard when we left the pub JA abandoned the proposed visit to the riverside and instead we headed straight to our final pub.

Cricketers Arms

22 Cluntergate, Horbury, Wakefield

WF4 5AG

We were really quite wet by the time we arrived, but with ‘open mike’ day winding down we at least found some seating in the side room. On arrival the mike was being used by Mr Shouty but we hoped matters would improve when a more mature guitarist took the stage. We were disappointed as he was shouty as well. But matters did improve after that and culminated with a little old lady guitarist accompanied by a bassist and man on a drum box who were very enjoyable. As was the ginger haired barmaid who took care of our orders.
With an excellent range of 8 real ales you can see why ‘The Crix’ has been voted Wakefield Camra POTY, although it must be said the only beer PV had on the entire trip which might be described as ‘on the turn’ was the Five Points Citra!

Beatnikz Republic

Manchester, Grt Manchester

Boardwalk

4.0

Abbeydale

Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Salvation Steadfast Stout

4.8

Hawkshead

Staveley, Cumbria

NZPA

6.0

Five Points

Hackney, London E8

Citra

4.0






Then it was time to call time on the beer hunt and return to base for Lynne’s very well received Spaghetti Bolognaise.

Monday 9 March 2020

After breakfast TM set off for Hull and JA dropped PV off at Wakefield Westgate. The train journey home again provided time to reflect on the beer
tour.

It was excellent!