Branch social trip to Barnsley

Arriving in town a little before the train departing at 11:44, I decided to see what The Bankers Draft had to offer. As it happened they had a rather nice Salamander Golden on, a nice blonde /Golden of 4.5%. 

Nearing departure, I walked down to Midland Station. The queue is always a little long, as they only have 2 ticket staff on a Saturday. However, they got through people quickly and this gave me time for a half in The Sheffield Tap. As always, there is a good choice of 6-7 wickets. I went for one I had not drank before, a Mad Ape – Twistin’ My Melon Man, a delightful wheat beer coming in at 4.8%. 

So, off to platform 4a for the train that was travelling to Leeds via Barnsley. I saw Malcolm and Graham before boarding and we began the journey, only stopping at Meadowhall. On alighting we met Malc Anderson, who had boarded, but due to being sardined in, he couldn’t move to find us. 

Setting off at midday for our first destination, Spiral City in The Arcade. We were met by nice surroundings, including a vinyl record shop, but only 2 ales. We all plumped for the Stancill -Sweet Caroline, a pale at 4.1%. 

Bang across at the Jolly Tap, we were glad to see around 6-7 beers from the Jolly Boys’ Brewery. This is where Andy C and Rob caught up. I had a nice APA called Supa-Citra, packing a decent punch of 4.2%. If that wasn’t your thing though, they had bitter, a stout and pales to suit. 

Up to the top of The Arcade and round the corner sits one of Barnsley’s institutions, the Old #7. Recently under new management, but still with 6 wickets to choose from, mainly local beers from Acorn, Thornbridge etc. I always like to try one I haven’t had before, so Little Critters – Luna Peach Pale Ale fitted the bill. A very nice refreshing pint for a summers day. 

Now, this is where the fun started. 3 of us were a little peckish and needed sustenance. I remember there used to be a chip shop near The Kestral, so using Google Maps on my phone, we set off for there. Big mistake, as my phone took us all the way round to where we started. We actually gave up and got a snack from Pound Bakery to fill the gap. Then, setting off to meet the rest of the group at The Nailmaker Tap #2, Malcolm’s phone took us the wrong way round, when we could have cut a fair bit off. A few phone calls, and a mile later, we arrived, but at least Graham had a good moan about getting his steps in. 

We were joined there by Malc’s partner, Ally. Again, a decent little range, and choosing the Craven Brew Co – Beyond the Pale we sat out in the sun. Next on the list was the George and Dragon, a more traditional establishment, albeit with a nice beer garden to bake in. A smaller selection, but the Stancill – Dr Rudi, an EPA of 4% was a good choice for the warm day. 

We then had the short walk to another nice bar, The Tarn End Tap. Modern, but quirky with a musical theme. The beers were solid with my tipple being a Durham Brewery – Pina Colada, an IPA Milkshake of 4.5%, fruity as hell and delicious. An ideal beer to sing the Rupert Holmes song to ( You have to be of a certain age). 

We were still on the periphery of town, so we made the effort to call at Heaven & Ale, again a quirky pub that Barnsley seem to have a knack of creating. The North Riding – Single Hop APA Comet, at 4.2%, then a Brew61 – Spring Meadow 4.7% IPA,  kept things relatively sensible. Here we bid farewell to Malcolm and Graham who wished to depart a little earlier.

Time was ticking, and we had a couple more visits ro complete. Andy C, Rob and myself popped in the Garrison, no real ale, but Brewdog Hazy Jane as good as it got. Not a bad bar though, busy and live music present. The last bar was Bar Ruelle on Regent Street South, bang opposite the Interchange. I forgot to log my beer, but they had a nice selection of Pale, Porter and bitter. 

Catching the train home, we made the executive decision to get off at Chapletown to have beer and food. Graham, the sly old devil had the same idea and we saw him outside after getting our Neepsend – Blonde, 4%. With their Loaded Chip butty calling to us, we ordered the bacon, cheese and black pudding versions. They are huge and cooked beautifully, not bad for around £7. 

Getting into early evening, I chose to catch the 83 to Southey Library and walk down the hill, rather than the train into town which Andy and Rob did. 

All in all, Barnsley is emerging as a great little real ale stomping ground with its reasonably compact layout. Well worth the £5-7 train ticket for a day out. The service is frequent and fairly fast too. The 7 of us enjoyed it massively. 

Trains are operated by Northern and run from Sheffield to Barnsley up to 4 times an hour, taking around 20-30 minutes depending on the number of stops. An off peak return costs £7 or an anytime return costs £8.30 with discounts sometimes available if specific times are booked in advance. A “South Yorkshire Connect Plus” ticket is also available offering a day of unlimited bus, train and tram travel in the county for £10.70.

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