The pretty little village of Bradwell lies on the edge of the Hope Valley, a short detour off the road to Hope and Castleton. The community holds a carnival every year, with this year’s taking place on 4 August. To coincide with this we have put together this short guide to the pubs of Bradwell.
Despite its small size, Bradwell is home to a number of good pubs serving quality real ale. Intrepid Brewing is also based in the neighbouring hamlet of Brough so there is certainly a fine beer heritage in the area. Bradwell is well-known for its ice cream company too, so if the weather’s as warm as it’s been recently why not try a scoop or two with your pint?
The village is well served by buses from Sheffield, with the 271 and 272 calling several times a day into the late evening, even on Sundays. Hope railway station is also a walkable distance away and is served by regular direct services from the city.
Stretfield Road
Completely renovated a few years ago, this light and airy inn formerly known as the New Bath Hotel is now named for one of Bradwell’s most successful sons, a 19th-century industrialist who invented a new type of umbrella frame. The attached restaurant features good home cooked food to 2-star AA rosette standard and has an extensive wine list. On the bar you will find three handpumps; two featuring guest ales from local breweries and another offering a traditional cider.
Smalldale
Currently one of our District Pub of the Season nominees, this historic inn dating back to 1577 is full of character with its maze-like interior, low wooden beams, brass ornaments and real fires. The pub is very popular with ramblers and welcomes dogs, and there is also a large beer garden which is perfect for summer. You will find up to four real ales on offer here – the regular, Tetley’s Bitter, plus a selection of guest ales. There is a pub quiz with free food and a cash prize on Tuesday evening.
Towngate
Exposed low beams and stone walls lend a rustic feel to this quiet relaxed village local, dating from 1676 and just uphill from the village green. A popular community pub offering a very diverse range of entertainments, complemented by a choice of three locally brewed real ales and excellent food. Like the other pubs in the village, it is popular with walkers and their dogs alike. The pub holds a pub quiz on Wednesday evenings, when all cask ales are priced at a very reasonable £3.00 per pint.
Church Street
Like many of the pubs in the area, the Shoulder of Mutton is food-led nowadays but is still very welcoming to drinkers. There are three handpumps; Tetley’s Bitter and Sharp’s Doom Bar are the regulars, plus a changing guest ale. A spacious interior includes two large open plan areas either side of the bar, one area a comfortable lounge, and the other a tap room including a dartboard and pool table. The food on offer is traditional pub fare, with a roast dinner on Sundays, all at reasonable prices. On Sunday evening there is a pub quiz with free supper and bingo.
