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 19
th-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.
Amidst all these festivities we do of course have plenty of new beer coming out too. Voyager 11 is beginning its journey, this time with a cargo of Ekuanot, Cashmere and Huell Melon hops for a veritably fruity and vibrant 5.6% IPA. Also new to the Brewers Emporium, our first single-hopped session IPA Serenity (3.8%) makes its debut, jam-packed with the newly released Idaho 7, promising big notes of resinous pine and a full bodied tropical flavour punch.
From Dr Morton’s archives we’re reviving the original cure-all Snake Oil (4.1%), an English hopped pale with an earthy, grassy flavour. And finally… returning just after the Bank Holiday is a bit of a nostalgia for you all as we bring back Matins as a special release. This was our first ever beer way back in 1996 so we’re pretty excited about bringing it back. For those of you who don’t remember, it’s a 3.6% pale ale with a pleasant and grassy flavour and plenty of body for the ABV.
Have a good one folks and hope to see you at the brewery over bank holiday weekend for some funky fun!
Cheers!
Laura 
Duck Decoy (4.6%) is our next special and it’s absolutely “quacking” (see what we did there). Named after a quiet and secluded mixed broadleaf woodland spot on the Welbeck estate, this USA pale beer is filled with the mouth-wateringly fresh aromas of pear, orange and passion fruit, however at a low strength it’s a pleasantly light indulgence.
Lastly from our Brewers Choice range we have Seth’s Hillbilly Rye (4.5%). Named after one of our previous assistant brewers who had a love for vintage cars and kitsch tattoos, this classically American red rye beer pays homage to his beloved Western cowgirl tattoo.
This style of beer sees the addition of crystal rye malt in the mash for spice and heaps of delicious American hops to keep it punchy and fresh.
We have also collaborated with The Welbeck Farm Shop on a brand-new, limited edition brew. Earlier this year the brewery was asked to create a beer that was the perfect accompaniment to the shop’s butchery counter, and this 4.9% American-hopped craft pilsner is just that. The Crafty Butcher, a super fresh, lightly citrus pilsner-style beer is recommend to be served alongside grilled meat or veg (preferably outside, with music and people you love). Available from mid-July, it will only be available from the Harley Café in Worksop and The Welbeck Farm Shop.
Lastly, if you’re interested in one of our brewery tours we’ve only got tickets left online for our September date! Grab ’em while you can by visiting our website at