Andy has been actively involved in CAMRA since the early 2000s after being recruited to sit on a National Younger Members Task Group.
Since then he has held roles on the branch committee including Secretary, Membership Secretary, Magazine Editor, Chair and now Social Secretary.
Andy has also been involved with the Steel City Beer & Cider Festival almost every year since becoming active in the branch.
Abbeydale Brewery‘s Black Mass (a black IPA at 6.66% ABV) made it as a finalist in the “Barley Wines & Strong Ales” category of the Champion Beer of Britain awards. The winter ales categories were judged at Liverpool beer festival.
To reach the competition’s final in Liverpool all the beers had progressed through a year of local and regional blind judging heats.
The winner was London Brewing‘s Beer Street. Judges were blown away by this winner, with judging panel coordinator Christine Cryne describing Beer Street (4.0%) as: “A sparkling golden amber bitter, with spicy rye and a roasty nose, sweet biscuit on the flavour, where the spicy rye notes increase and linger in the dry and slightly bitter finish. Very easy drinking.”
Taking the Silver award was Cairngorm, Black Gold, 4.4%. A black session stout with red hues and oyster head. Aromas of black treacle and faint hits of dark fruits. Caramelised fruits on a sweetish chocolate base with some plums create a moreish stout. The dry finish is slightly sweet with some spicy notes.
The Bronze winner was Green Jack, Baltic Trader Export Stout, 10.5%. A dark ruby brown imperial stout, with aromas of sweet black treacle with some damsons. A rich smooth mouthfeel with bitter black chocolate, sweet molasses and damsons. The finish is sweet, smooth with bitter roasty notes remaining. Very warming.
The category winners now go forward to the final judging in May at CAMRA’s Cambridge Beer Festival where they’ll battle it out to take the crown of Supreme Champion 2026.
Reacting to the win, Director of London Brewing Senan Sexton said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our best bitter, Beer Street, has been named Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2026 by CAMRA. We’ve been brewing Beer Street since we founded the brewery in 2011, and it’s a real testament to the skill and dedication of our head brewer, Alex, that he has continued to refine and elevate the recipe over the years.
“This accolade means a tremendous amount to a brewery of our size. It’s not only a proud moment for our team, but also a fantastic boost that celebrates the enduring appeal of high-quality cask ales enjoyed in pubs across the UK.”
CAMRA’s Awards Director, Shelly Bentley, said: “Our Champion Beer of Britain competition is the only truly independent beer contest in the UK. Brewers can’t simply enter their beers into it; they have to be nominated by beer lovers or expert tasting panels.
“London Brewing are incredibly deserving winners of the winter crown, and everyone taking home a category win or top three placement should be proud that their beers have been declared the cream of the crop by expert judges.”
Recent beers produced at Blue Bee Brewery have included a 5% ABV pale ale brewed with Nelson and Nectaron hops and the 4th iteration of Five Malt Mild.
A beer making a comeback after 12 years is Sgt Pepper Stout. This was orginally brewed by David McLaren back in his Spire Brewery days, he was since involved with Drone Valley Brewery who are brewing it to his original recipe. The beer is a 5.5% ABV stout laced with black pepper to give it a mildly spicy kick!
Also new from Drone Valley, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, is “Community”, a 4.4% ABV English pale ale celebrating their status as a community owned enterprise where profits go to local good causes.
New from Bradfield Brewery is Holy Cow, a 7.8% IPA.This is a limited edition beer and is available in bottles and cask. It is the hoppiest beer Bradfield has ever brewed and the varieties involved are El Dorado, Azacca and Vista. In addition a rum barrel aged version is coming soon.
Eyam Brewery now has planning consent to convert their Tideswell premises into a tap room with kitchen and shop. They can now go through the process to get a permanent premises licence. Until then they will be running occasional pop up tap events again using temporary event notices, the first being Easter weekend.
Over the last three months we’ve featured guides to Peak District pubs in our branch area that can be easily reached by bus or train.
Key public transport links include the Hope Valley railway line, bus 65 (Sheffield to Buxton, bus 173 (Castleton to Bakewell), bus 218 (Sheffield to Bakewell direct via Owler Bar) bus 257 (Sheffield to Bakewell via Eyam) and bus 272 (Sheffield to Castleton). Timetables and maps available online at travelderbyshire.co.uk.
This month we fill in the gaps with the pubs that are in our branch area but not served by public transport, although if you fancy a country walk that may be a good opportunity to try them!
Grouse Inn, Longshaw (nearest buses – Fox House, routes 65 and 272)
In the same family for over 50 year, this free house stands in isolation on bleak moorland southwest of Sheffield, and is a welcome refuge for walkers as well as climbers from the nearby Froggatt Edge. The comfortable lounge and bar are at the front with separate room at the rear reached through the conservatory in which vines manage to grow. No food Monday evenings. Well known for their excellent steak pie. Both children and dogs are welcome and a children’s menu available.
Country inn with seven ensuite guest rooms. On the main road below Froggatt Edge. Has a very attractive beer garden melding into the wooded hillside. Up market food menu. Three changing cask ales from Peak Ales, Bradfield Brewery in Sheffield, Thornbridge Brewery, and Stancill Brewery.
Eyre Arms, Hassop (nearest bus Great Longstone, route 173)
300-year-old country pub with two comfortably furnished rooms and small snug squeezed between, watched over by an imposing grandfather clock. The impressive Eyre family arms are displayed above the fireplace. Open fires in the winter. There are up to six real ales available at weekends and three during the week. Excellent, good value home cooked food using locally-sourced ingredients. Bar snacks served 4pm-6pm between normal meal times. Friendly personal service. A superb, little unspoilt pub.
Barrel Inn, Bretton (nearest bus Foolow, route 65)
This remote former farm house, which at 1250 ft. (380 m), is the highest inn in Derbyshire. It boasts a good whisky selection, stunning views from its doorstep and a busy food trade.
An inn since the 1770s based on much older buildings dating back to the 13th century. A quaint traditional country pub with plenty of brassware. The entrance lobby opens into a large central bar, the room thought to date to Elizabethan times, with a large stone fireplace. Additional bar areas are to the left and right of the main bar. Large outside parking area with several picnic benches offering glorious views over the moors and Strines reservoir.
Technically Strines is served by bus – service 87, however this runs once a week on a Wednesday with buses passing the pub at 10:29am and 1:21pm!
THE OTHER DERBYSHIRE PEAK DISTRICT PUBS IN OUR BRANCH AREAWITH CASK ALE
The Rotherham Real Ale & Music festival takes place at Magna (between Meadowhall and Rotherham town centre) from 22 to 25 April and is a fund raiser for Rotherham Cancer Care and the Magna Trust.
The theme this year is “Rack & Roll”, reflecting the fact the festival takes place at the same time as the World Snooker Championships at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre and also features live music!
There will be a preview evening on Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm with CAMRA members and publicans invited to come along and try the beers while the full range is available.
The festival proper kicks off Thursday evening at 6pm with Funky Business taking to the stage.
On Friday the festival opens at midday with entertainment announced so far being Richard Ford (acoustic/piano) in the afternoon then Handsome Dan & The Mavericks in the evening. Saturday is another midday opening and Maltby Miners Welfare Band will be performing in the afternoon with the Leathernecks on stage in the evening.
More entertainment is yet to be announced at the time of going to press!
Tickets are available online in advance or simply pay on the door – more information at magnarealale.org.uk. Entry tickets cost £5 for the Wednesday preview, £10 for Thursday evening and £15 for the all day sessions on Friday and Saturday. Additionally a season ticket is available including all the sessions for £25.
The venue is even easier to get to this year with a new tram stop opening right by the front door! The Tram Train service runs between Sheffield Cathedral, Meadowhall South, Magna, Rotherham Central station and Parkgate every half hour until around midnight. Note that Network Rail engineering work will affect Rotherham area services on the Saturday night with replacement buses in operation.
First bus X3 (Sheffield to Doncaster via Meadowhall and Rotherham) also provides a regular service dropping off on the main road behind the venue.
Public transport information is available at travelsouthyorkshire.com and combined bus and tram passes are available on the Travelmaster app. For tram only tickets use the TSY app or buy from the conductor on board.
At the time of writing there was still sponsorship opportunities available (contact Matthew Ridsdale by phoning 01709 321585 or emailing matthew@cannonpr.co.uk) and volunteer staff are still being recruited – fill in the online form to get involved.
Here is a summary of events that were confirmed at the time of writing to offer an idea of what to expect – many more will be added after we’ve gone to press, check their website for the latest information – sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk.
If you fancy nipping between a number of venues by bus or tram then an all day travel pass from Travelmaster such as the Citywide ticket may prove good value. Public transport information can be found online at travelsouthyorkshire.com.
5 March, Fagan’s: 4pm – Kelham Island (Thornbridge) launch their Irish red ale (4%, cask) collab with Fagan’s at the pub. 7pm they’ll be playing the War Child Records Help (2) album, then from 9pm it’s their charity quiz with big prizes (VIP tickets for Tramlines and Kendal Calling).
6-15 March, Two Thirds Beer Co.: a Copenhagen-style taproom for one week, featuring four beers from Denmark’s Warpigs brewery. The selection ranges from a crisp Czech-style lager to full-flavoured IPAs.
6-15 March, Kapital Beer Hall: Czechtoberfest, featuring six different Czech beers on tap from independent breweries. A limited amount of Budvar Reserve (7.5%) will also be available using a traditional Czech side pour tap, rarely seen on UK taps.
7-15 March, Harlequin: The Art of Beer – exhibition of pump clips from local breweries from 2002 onwards curated by Richard Hough.
9-15 March, Aux Bon Vivant (27a Campo Lane. S1 2EG): Beer & Food Celebration – this French-focused cafe & deli have finally brought some Sheffield beers into the house, including Little Mesters IPA and Stout. Pierre will be creating the weekly menu with the beers in mind, pairing dishes to match each one.
13 March, Pangolin: Duration Brewing Great Farmhouse Expo – from 1pm they will have 7 lines of beer from this range including juicy pales on cask, a grisette and even a barrel aged lager!
13 March: Guided Pub Heritage Walk – Little Chicago, 4pm. Advance tickets required.
Neepsend Craft Beer Festival, held at Peddlers Warehouse on 27 and 28 February, predominantly features brewery bars and street food traders, however one of the attractions hosted by the festival organisers is a dedicated cask ale bar showcasing breweries from around Sheffield and North Derbyshire with the ticket price including a complimentary drink from this bar.
Announced as supplying this bar so far are Heist, Triple Point, Intrepid, Tapped Brew Co, Bradfield, Abbeydale, Little Critters, Duality, Ashover, Neepsend, Blue Bee, Loxley and Temper.
Visitors are also invited to vote for their favourite cask beer on the bar.
The Hope Valley train is the popular local train service operated by Northern between Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly that stops at stations in villages down the Hope Valley including Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope and Edale within our branch area. Also within Sheffield it calls at Dore & Totley station. The service is generally hourly and runs all day every day except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The 272 bus, operated jointly by First bus and High Peak, runs on a roughly hourly frequency in the daytime with a couple of evening journeys provided too. It sets off from Sheffield Interchange and heads out the city via Ecclesall Road and Whirlow to Fox House and Surprise Corner before dropping down into the valley at Hathersage and then parrallels the railway though Bamford and Hope before continuing up to Castleton with some journeys branching off to do a double run down to Bradwell, where it does a loop around the village via the infamous “Bradwell Gap”.
As well as the country pubs featured below the 272 bus passes Intrepid Brewery in Brough (keep an eye on their social media for occasional open days held over the summer with a pop up bar and food truck) and the High Peak Wine & Beer shop in Castleton if you want cans or bottles to take home.
On bus 272 and other local buses the maximum single fare is still £3 per ride or a Derbyshire wayfarer pass offers all day unlimited travel for £9. There is also a train inclusive Wayfarer option for £17. A return train ticket from Sheffield to Edale currently costs £11.50 after 9am and allows break of journey on route (prices correct at time of going to press).
The pubs in Castleton were previously featured in our guide to bus route 173 (Castleton to Bakewell) so descriptions aren’t repeated here.
In the summer a “Peak Sightseer” open top bus service usually operates in the area as well, a separate tour ticket is required for this, look out for an announcement from Stagecoach regarding their plans for the 2026 season.
The Fox House is something of a landmark at the Sheffield boundary on the edge of the Peak District and is part of the Mitchell & Butler owned “Vintage Inns” chain offering beer, dining, rooms and a beer garden with views over the moors!
A venue run by the Longbow group, a small local chain. This is primarily a hotel and regularly hosts weddings – however the bar and restaurant is normally open to the public. It is located at the end of the station drive, a short distance outside the village.
Restaurant & Bar. Formerly a historic bank, now an award winning contemporary restaurant and cocktail bar nestling in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Bank House offers fresh locally sourced seasonal produce and the finest tipples from Europe including 1 cask ale, usually from Abbeydale.
A smart bar, restaurant and hotel with patio area at rear operated by Longbow Venues Group who also have venues in Grindleford, Owler Bar, Ashford in the Water, Rowsley and Bakewell. The cask ale choice includes a house badged beer from Thornbridge.
A long, thin, L-shaped pub with food and hotel rooms, this has recently seen a change of management and a refurbishment that has given it a much smarter feel. All moods are catered for, whether it’s a pint and game of pool or a spot of lunch! 3 cask ales are available.
The only pub left in the village and is community owned but leased out to a local company to operate. A recent refurbishment has cleverly divided the pub into sections to give the feel of tap room, games room, lounge and restaurant. The cask ale range features local beers, usually from Intrepid and Eyam, alongside a well known brand. The pub shares the building with a post office and tea room and there is an outdoor drinking area alongside the car park. The pub is a 1 mile uphill walk from the railway station and 272 bus, the 257 bus will take you there.
Large roadside pub, open plan but with distinct areas around the island bar. There is a big screen showing sporting events and pool table. Dogs and walkers welcome.
Welcoming village inn traditionally decorated with multiple drinking areas including a pool room and area laid out for good value food. French windows overlook the large beer garden. Walkers and dogs welcome.
Imposing roadside pub opposite the village church. 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 traditional pub games.
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 cask ales from Bradfield Brewery.
Historical pub with bar, restaurant, hotel rooms and an attached tea room. The pub bit is spread across two rooms, both with a fire lit in winter! A range of traditional cask ales can be found on the bar along with an extensive Scotch whisky collection. Beer festivals are held most bank holiday weekends in a marquee on the car park.
A cosy country inn dating from 1578 with an open plan bar area and a smaller room at a lower level that was probably originally used to house animals, but now is mainly used as a dining area. Home cooked meals using local produce are served lunchtimes and evenings. 4 cask ales are available and the pub also offers accommodation.
A pub and hotel located next to the railway station surrounded by hills! The range of cask ales usually includes choices from Abbeydale and Torrside among others and a food menu of pub classics is offered.
Located in the part of the village up the hill from the railway station and at the start of the Pennine Way footpath, this classic old pub offers beer, food and accommodation with outdoor seating at the rear.
Recent brews at Blue Bee include a 4% pale ale brewed with a new hop called Karma and a red rye ale triple hopped with Mosaic, Citra and Ekuanot.
New from Drone Valley Brewery is “Route A61”, an American Red Rye Ale, celebrating the brewery’s 10th birthday. For those that don’t know the area part of the A61 road is the Dronfield bypass!
Another recent seasonal was Union Pale, a 4.1% ABV session pale ale brewed with Simcoe and Mosaic hops to coincide with the Six Nations rugby.
As is usual in February, Bradfield Brewery celebrated Valentines Day with their “Farmers Blushed”, a 4% ABV light fruity ale blushed with strawberries to give a sweet, refreshing finish. Then for March their Farmers Milk Stout is making a comeback in cask. Additionally they will be releasing a special beer for Sheffield Beer Week.
Chin Chin Brewery in South Kirkby near Pontefract is holding one of their regular open weekends from 6 to 8 March from 1pm to 9pm each day. It features craft beer, live music and food stalls. The brewery is a 10 minute walk from Moorthorpe railway station on the Sheffield to Leeds line.
Changes are afoot on the brewery side at Heist Brew Co. with the rented fermenting vessels being returned and new kit due to be installed.
Thornbridge has brewed a stout on their Burton Union kit for the first time and have gone big for this one – it’s a 7.7% ABV Imperial Stout!
Things have gone a bit quiet on the Eyam Brewery tap room front with planning applications required then once the conversion work is authorised there is then licencing to sort – it isn’t a quick process! In the meantime they may host another pop up or two using temporary event notices and of course there are a number of pubs in the area that sell the beer.
New from Tapped Brew Co in their single hop series is “Mandarina Bavaria”, a 4% ABV pale ale described as “fruity, fun and fresh!
Sam from Little Mesters Brewing has been over to visit Torrside brewery for a collaboration brew. The resulting beer is expected to be “a little liquid sunshine” – a New Zealand Pale Ale brewed with Nelson Sauvin and Nectaron hops.
Mount Pleasant at Norton Woodseats has a refurbishment planned in February.
Pig & Whistle micropub at Gleadless Townend opened on 7 February in premised on White Lane that used to be a vets.It has 2 real ales available which on the opening weekend were from Abbeydale and Ossett breweries but will regularly change, there are also 8 keg taps including some craft options on rotation. Look out for live entertainment here at weekends.
A planning application has been made to open another micropub in Sharrow Vale. The unit is the former Roney’s butchers shop at 276 Sharrow Vale Road, that has since been used as a gluten free cafe. It isn’t far from No.3 Sharrow and Beer House micropubs; combined with the Lescar Hotel, Porter Cottage and Porter Brook adds another link to quite a circuit locally!
Shakespeares are doing a set of collaborations with local breweries to produce special beers that will be on the bar during Sheffield Beer Week.
Old Hall Hotel in Hope made a shameless attempt at luring in folk doing “Dry January” with their “Pie January” relaunch of an ongoing menu item there – Steak & Old Peculiar Ale pie. It is now an individually pressed pie, but still served with beef dripping cooked chips, seasonal vegetables and gravy!
Chequers Inn at Froggatt Edge is up for sale. It has been owned by Jonathan and Joanne Tindall for nearly 25 years.
Queen Anne in Great Hucklow is another Peak District pub where a long standing management is selling up and retiring, this time after 19 years at the helm. The last day of trading will be 1 March.
Castle Inn at Bakewell hosted a charity darts tournament on 31 January.
Blue Bell Inn at Harthill was closed from 25 to 29 January for a change of management. They are running a pie night every Wednesday.
The 2026 edition of Woodseats Live, a community music festival that sees a number of pubs team up hosting live music on the same day, will be taking place on 28 March. As well as venues along the main Chesterfield Road the Cross Scythes up the hill on Derbyshire Lane is also taking part.
Among the Sheffield venues in Heineken Star Pub company portfolio currently available to lease is the Red Deer, where a refurbishment is proposed for whoever the new management is.
Saw Grinders Union at Shalesmoor is having a refurbishment and refocus featuring a turkish culinery concept and new cocktail list.
There are changes on the food front at the Old Grindstone in Crookes with Forge Bakehouse taking over the kitchen.
Sad news from the Pioneer Club in Dronfield which is run by husband and wife team Tony and Alison Hartigan – it has been announced that Tony has recently passed away following a long illness. Tony was a very friendly, helpful guy and was very supportive of local CAMRA initiatives including the new Dronfield & District branch when it was formed. RIP.
The new management at the Shepley Spitfire in Totley held their relaunch at the start of February with a new menu and two cask ales on the bar – Greene King IPA and Timothy Taylors Landlord.
The Benjamin Huntsman (JD Wetherspoon) in Sheffield City Centre was closed for a refurbishment 9 to 13 February.
The Heeley Tap is now open and has three handpumps on the bar for cask ale.
The Dog & Partridge in Sheffield City Centre seems to be enjoying a lot of limelight and popularity at the moment – hot on the heels of winning our Sheffield City Centre Pub of the Year it was named Pub of the Year by the Great British Pub Crawl Vlog! The pub is a fantastic all rounder with a choice of cask ales plus a range of keg beers of both the craft and mainstream variety, Irish bar food menu, quiz night on Tuesdays and a live music programme including the occasional “Dogfest”, the most recent of which was held on 7 February.
At the time of going to press, Abbeydale Brewery were teasing on social media about a new Beerworks taproom opening but with the location yet to be revealed!
The Shoulder of Mutton in Bradwell has returned to the normal Saturday opening time of midday after three weeks in January/February where it had been altered to 3pm.
The Hyde Park Inn at Dronfield Hill Top now has a pool table.
The Green Room bar in Sheffield City Centre will be closing in its current guise on 25 May after nearly 23 years. It has however been sold to a company that will be reopening it as a bar with live music and it will be trading again in time for Tramlines weekend!
Wenue6, previously the Forum, in Wincobank looks set for redevelopment with a car home planned for the site. The nearest alternative pub for local residents is the Steel Foundry Wetherspoons in the Meadowhall shopping centre.
13 January saw us at the Beer House S6 in Hillsborough to present their pub of the month award and enjoyed a few pints from an excellent beer selection along with complimentary sandwiches and nibbles!
Photographed is Sheffield & District CAMRA chairman Paul Manning presenting the certificate to manager Casie along with co-owners Chris Sinclair and John Harrison.
Chris and John, who between them are also involved with the original Beer House at Hunters Bar, Dronfield Arms in Dronfield and Joiners Arms in Bakewell, reiterated their belief that pubs are more than just a business selling drinks – they are important social hubs for the communities they serve and at their venues they try to reflect that and appreciate our support!
