The Itchy Pig at Banner Cross is a rare breed indeed. Situated at the top of Ecclesall Road, it’s a true micro-pub in every sense. For starters, it’s small—the premises were formerly a single-fronted greengrocer’s shop. (The first Itchy Pig, at Broomhill, was previously a butcher’s—hence the name.)
In keeping with the true ethos of a micro-pub, the Itchy proudly offers all of the following:
- NO fruit machines ✔️
- NO jukebox ✔️
- NO pool table ✔️
- NO horse-racing on the telly ✔️
- NO TV screens full-stop ✔️
- NO smell of fried food ✔️
- NO karaoke ✔️
- NO nonsense ✔️
Instead, you’ll find great beer, good conversation, and convivial surroundings, with attentive bar staff. On the beer front, six hand-pumps serve an ever-changing selection of five cask ales plus one real cider, complemented by a range of craft keg options. Since opening in early 2022, boss Richard Storey has taken pride in seldom (if ever) repeating a cask beer on the pumps.
Add in the pump-clip displays on the walls and ceiling, along with the impressive ‘two pence’ bar counter, and it’s easy to see why the Itchy Pig, Banner Cross, has been voted Pub of the Month for October. The award will take place on Tuesday, 12 November, from 8 pm; all are welcome. Catch buses 81, 88, 272, or the Psalter Lane bus 218.
Richard Hough