Author: Kevin Thompson

I joined CAMRA in October 2010. After many years drinking solo or with friends, I decided to attend an AGM to become involved with the local branch. I have previously worked in retail management and have managed music stores, going on to source artists for a record label. This involved composing press releases and promotion of events. Outside of CAMRA duties as Press Officer and Social Secretary. I enjoy going to live gigs locally, and photographing them where npossible. I also enjoy writing actricles for our Beer Matters magazine which is published monthly.

Trip to Torrside tap event

Posted on by Kevin Thompson

Funny month for the weather, June. As 5/6ths of us met at Midland Station platform 5a on a warm, cloudy day for our trip out into Derbyshire. Andy C joined the packed train at Dore & Totley Station for the journey to New Mills.

Unfortunately due to a landslide, the train would only reach Chinley Station with a replacement bus completing the journey. However, there was a 10 minute walk back up the hill, to where we had  just passed. Annoying when Newtown Station is virtually across the road – which Andy C had travelled to on the train via Hazel Grove reaching the brewery quarter of an hour before everyone else – he was in a different part of the train… 

Torrside Brewery is part of the marina complex on Hibbert Street, sitting opposite the famous Swizzels sweet factory, although the shop wasn’t open on this occasion for purchases. The Tap itself is a converted boat repair shop and is kitted out with casks on stillage, a hopper and benches to enjoy the offerings of Torrside and Osaka Local food truck.    

The range of cask and keg is impressive and boast pales, bitter and dark beers. Others and myself plumped for the Torrside Mosaic, 4.8% APA. This was followed by the I Am Curious Lemon, again 4.8% but an EPA this time. I am not a darker beer drinker generally. Although I did try the excellent Kuro Neko, a 5.2% Schwarzbier, akin to an airy stout packed with flavour. As the Mosaic ran out, it was swiftly replaced with All of the Klaxons, a more sessionable 4% EPA. We all tasted a sample a lovely smoked dark, bottled beer, purchased by Andy. 

An enjoyable social few hours was enjoyed by the group around the table with a few anecdotes told that had all howling, including Malc’s Wetherspoon place tale (you had to be there..)

We set off for the next bar in this old mining and mill town. Boasting the Grade II listed Torr Vale Mill, which at 210 years of continuous use was the longest running in the UK. The town’s industry was also served by the rivers Sett and Goyt for power, and the Peak Forest Canal for transportation. 

Arriving at the Beer Shed at the top of Market Street, we were greeted to a compact, narrow bar displaying old beer adverts on the walls. Beer was courtesy of Thornbridge, with the 4.5% Fonio Pale Ale, but offered another 2 handpumps.

We then departed for what we thought would be our final pub the Masons Arms on the bottom end of High Street, a pretty and narrow lane with terraced cottages and cobbles. This pub offered Robinsons beers and a couple of guests. I enjoyed the Unicorn bitter at 4.3%, and the Storm Brewing Co Bosley Cloud, a Blonde Golden of 4.1% with adjuncts of fruits, spices and occasionally coffee. 

So, on returning to our shuttle bus back to Chinley is where the comedy, or not, started. We were in plenty of time for the 19:23 to Sheffield, but after 10-15 minutes after it should have arrived, we suspected it wouldn’t, especially as the 20:23 was cancelled too. This confirmed our decamping to the nearby Chinley Bar and Lounge. Not expecting much, we were surprised to find 2 cask ales on the bar. Chatsworth Gold, a 4.6% Blonde/Golden and the classic Bass, 4.4% bitter. All this was accompanied with laughs at Andy Cullen’s tale of radiator covers (you had to be there..)

We then returned to Chinley Station for the 21:23, only to find that too was cancelled. Fortunately, shortly afterwards we were informed a minibus was enroute to return us to Sheffield. After picking up a few passengers from other stations, and dropping off Andy C at Dore & Totley, we arrived back 2.5hours after our original time. John, Phil and myself decided on a nightcap at Shakespeares where I partook in a Fuggle Bunny Stomper, weighing in at 5% and a refreshing SeaCider Blueberry of 4%. 

It was now taxi time, but although an exhausting day, we can all look back on great beer, food, company and a lot of laughs. If there no rail disruptions, New Mills is well worth 7 hrs of anyone’s time on a Torrside Brewery Tap Saturday.  

Pub of the Month August 2024

Posted on by Kevin Thompson

After previously running the Railway Hotel, Bramall Lane and winning a CAMRA PotM award, Andy and Jack Cater were given the nod that the Railway in S6 was coming to the market in 2022.

Already owning an arcade games company, they set about transforming this little music and ale gem which opened in September of that year. While retaining its charm, the pub now boasts entertainment in an arcade game room, a pool table, two dart board set-ups and a singles/album jukebox. Live bands play Saturdays, with special events like Tramlines fringe and beer festivals throughout the year.

The award takes place on Tuesday 13 August from 8pm. 

19 Penistone Road North, Wadsley Bridge, S6 1LP. Get there by bus 7, 8, 86 or 97.

Pub of the Year 2024 (Cider)

Posted on by Kevin Thompson

Under the leadership of Stephanie, Kevin, and daughter Rebecca, the New Barrack Tavern is still thriving after its 1936 rebuild and various renovations, although the original bar remains.

The pub opens seven days a week (times on webpage) and hosts bands, comedy nights and local groups such as Morris dancers.

Six cask ales are normally available, but the pub is renowned for the choice of real cider.

The award is to be presented on Saturday 3 August from 7pm. Everyone is welcome to toast their success. Buses 7, 8 and 86 stop outside or Bamford Street tram stop is 5 minute away. 

Punk & Pints

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Beer in and around the Scarborough Punk Festival

My friends set off for Scarborough early Good Friday morning, but being a foolish football fan, I went to the game after booking a Northern train for the day after. 

Saturday saw me rise at 03:30 to prepare and get the taxi for the 05:42 to Scarborough. The train was akin to a magical mystery tour, and my split ticket to Doncaster, then onwards took me through Goole, Beverley, Bridlington and Filey before arrival in Scarborough, but at least it was direct. 

On arrival I went to my hotel the Palace Hill, a 260 year old listed building, just across from the Merchant. My friend and I had to leave the third person suffering from the previous night. One quick pint in the Golden Last saw a Beavertown Neck Oil on keg at 4.3%, as there was no cask. On arrival, the Spa Pavilion was already Filling up at 13:00. 

Surprisingly for a punk festival, it had two real ales to its beer roster. I tried both, and they were well kept. The first was Wold Top Bitter, a very sessionable 3.7% from the Driffield based brewery. Second was the festival branded Scarborough Punk Festival IPA, a 4.2%, again brewed by Wold Top. 

Awaking the next morning, and not with the first band I wanted to see until 16:40, I set out at 13:00 to have an ale adventure. 

First stop was halfway down N Marine Road, where I had a well kept pint of Taylors Landlord, 4.3%, described as pale, but more a lighter bitter to me. 

I then had a stroll round the North Bay before taking the open top bus to the South Bay. Alighting near the traffic lights near the Frigate, a lovely small real ale bar just up a small, steep cobbled street. I had a pint of Maxim Samson Bitter, a good, smooth bitter of 4%. 

Next was the short walk to the Merchant, a lightly themed Irish bar, but with a nice WB Blonde on cask at 4%. 

I then walked further up to the hill to Dickens, festooned with TVs and tourists. Theakston Summit, a bright, crisp 4.2% EPA was on offer, so that was partaken.

It was time to watch the bands again, so I strolled down past the Grand Hotel to the Spa Pavilion for a few more SPF IPAs. After a great four bands, we called in the Lord Nelson where a Theakston Best Bitter was drank for one more for the road.

The short hop to the hotel was uneventful. So all in all, somewhere I would like to revisit with two days to  venture further afield to the bars I missed in Scarborough CAMRA’s recommendations. 

Sheffield, the musicAle city

Posted on by Kevin Thompson

Sheffield has a tradition as a brewery city since the mid-late 18th century when there were around 30 in the city. It is also a music city, which sees the real ale bars busy most nights.      

The ‘60s saw the advent of Sheffield as an emerging force in music, mainly through Joe Cocker. A gas fitter. He lived in Crookes. He took the scene by storm, singing “With a Little Help from My Friends.” This song landed him a 1969 Woodstock Festival spot, and his famous animated performance shot him to fame. Joe was a local legend often drinking Stones, Magnet or Whitbread in Crookes and Sheffield Lane Top pubs.

The ‘70s saw a more pubs and clubs vying to put performances on, among the best of these The Mucky Duck and The Jolly Buffer. The Mucky Duck hosting the first gig by British punk band The Clash.  The late ‘70s and ‘80s saw the emergence of rock and electronic bands playing pubs and clubs around the City including The Limit Club.

There is much to celebrate from the City’s new bars that provide music. Many of them around Neepsend, Kelham, Commonside and Ecclesall all serve real ales from Blue Bee, Stancill, True North, Abbeydale, Vocation, and provide entertainment. Thornbridge are also popular and provide music on a regular basis. The Gardeners Rest at Neepsend has a regular Sunday session with the likes of M&J Blues (pictured) and Jake’s Rake, this goes well with the wide selection of 8 cask beers, and a few kegs and ciders

Just down the road on Percy Street sits Alder Bar, an old Victorian polish factory. The bar hosts a brewery and live music at the weekend. A real ale enthusiast bar, although the odd keg is served. Music ranges from bands to DJs.

The 3 giants of the local music scene however, are The Leadmill, a club that began in the ‘80s, partly due to Martin Bedford (local artist and music promoter), way before he founded the Honey Bees Blues Club which launched a good few local careers. The venue has hosted many bands including Big Country (pictured), Manic Street Preachers, The Killers, Suede and Muse. Although there is no cask ale available, Craft beer from breweries such as Triple Point, Abbeydale, Thornbridge and Heist is sold here on keg and in cans.

Shakespeares Ale & Cider House and The Greystones, sit at opposite ends of the City; Shakespeare’s being part of the Kelham Island catchment area. A very good range of cask beers is supplemented by unus International Americana ((Massy Ferguson pictured) and folk bands play. Cask, kegs and stouts including strong Imperial Stouts feature strongly. They regularly host a Tramlines Fringe every year, which sees the local and International artists.  Meanwhile down at Victoria Quays on the edge of the City Centre is the Dorothy Pax hosting regular gigs.

On the South of the City sits The Greystones, atop the Greystones Road hill. A pub taken over by Thornbridge some time ago, they regenerated The Backroom. This hosts anything from Americana, Country, Folk, Blues and the odd rock band. These are mainly British, but again American bands come over to play such as Wild Ponies (pictured).

New kids on the block like Hillsborough Social Club have joined the fray, hosting Honey Bees Blues Club bands in the afternoon on the Sunday Sessions (Donovylan pictured), as well as faces from clubland and the local Indie/rock scene on Saturday evenings.

A great scene, at little or no cost to the drinker.        

A beery day out in..

Posted on by Kevin Thompson

Barnsley, a town I had not visited for decades, in fact not since racing my cycle through its streets and precincts in the ’80s races held their. So, after hearing good things about its transformation, I decided to make the trip on my NR £2 return.

I started my day with a couple of swift drinks in the Bankers Draft. The first pint was a very nice Salamander Juicy Lucy, a pale of 4% with banana overtones. As the train was departing at 11:35, I followed this with a half of JHB bitter of 4.2% before the walk to Midland Station. 

As always, or so it seems, the announcer stated the train would depart from 4a, rather than the 1a we were all sat on. The mass exodus over the bridge was quite chaotic. The short hop to Barnsley quickly passed, and before I knew it we arrived in the town. 

As usual, I had a little exploration before hitting the bars. I must say that they have regenerated the town centre with great success. It is nice and bright, with a mix of old, new and very few vacant units. The market in particular is worth a mention, busy and vibrant with a variety of stalls to suit everyone, and a very busy food hall with Artisan food vendors. There was a Deli that sold tapas style dishes, now I love pitted olives with chilli, but be aware these were dynamite and good value at £2 for around a dozen or so. 

With my mouth tingling, it as time for a drink. I made my way up Market Street to The Kestrel. A little like a Wetherspoon, but with music, TVs and a very good darts set-up. There was 2 beers on from the 6 wickets on the bar. As one was Landlord, I plumped for Ringwood’s Razor Back, a 3.8% session bitter at a reasonable £3.60 and served by a friendly girl. 

A customer recommended my next port of call should be the Old No 7, so off I went up Market Hill. As I approached, ready to take my photograph, there was a chap about to have a cigarette who kindly stepped back in while I did so. This turned out to be Matty, a customer and part-time custodian of the bar. I was immediately impressed with the 8 pumps, only 1 of which had run out. I plumped for the Acorn CF299 IPA, a full-bodied 5% of English heritage. I also put a SALT Suede stout in the pump and a very tasty 4.1% with notes of chocolate and coffee, nicely roasted it was.

Manager Adam certainly knows his stuff and after moving from Skipton’s Blackhorse, he is certainly making this establishment a success. Beers regularly come from Acorn, Thornbridge, Little Critters and Ossett, as well as further afield.  

Matty had said that my next visit should be Bar Ruelle on Regent Street S, as it was another that carried an impressive array of cask. A little awkward to find, but close to the Interchange on a little side street. The bar nestles in-between small shops. Stepping in, you are faced with a bright and modern interior with the normal sight of regulars sat at the bar. As stated the pumps were varied between dark and light beers including Acorn, Theakston’s and Titanic. My first drink was Fixed Wheels Chain Reaction, 4.2% APA with Ossett’s White Rat 4% EPA closely following on. I still had over a hour to go, so 2 more beers were consumed here, those being Acorn Barnsley Bitter 3.8% and a rather nice Old Moor Porter 4.4% from the same brewery.   

I left to make the short journey across the road to the Interchange for my train home. Faced with a short delay, the train arrived 10 minute late for the short journey home. As it was still fairly early, I popped in the Old Queens Head for one last drink. The pumps on the bar have changed slightly with 4 of them being dedicated to Thwaites beers, so I plumped for a pint of Vocation Bread & Butter 3.9% APA and very nice it was too. 

All in all, a very pleasant and successful reconnaissance for a summer social to the town with the branch. As Arnie said “I’ll be back.”

Manchester Pub Stroll

Posted on by Kevin Thompson

Northern Rail had their first sale of the year, and I thought it rude not to travel to Manchester for the princely sum of £3 return. 

After two small delays, one at Sheffield Station, the other at Edale due to point issues. I arrived at Manchester Piccadilly around 15 minutes late.

Turning right, I strolled along the main road finally finding a small record shop for a browse and chat. He pointed me round the corner to the Northern Monk Refectory, tucked on the backstreet of Tariff Street. A good range of beers in a dark, wooden interior. There was mainly 5% plus beers on offer, but with it being the first of the day, I went for a pint of Verdant People, Money, Space, Time, a sessional New England hazy 3.4% pale. 

I then went off for a stroll, taking photos of people and buildings including the Cathedral. Just round the corner sits the Old Wellington, a Tudor style pub with timber beams and three floors. Again, a decent range of beers where I went for a Dark Star Hophead 3.8% Blonde/Golden. Next stop was Wetherspoons Seven Stars in the Printworks. Reasonably priced, but unusually not a lot of choice. Out of the three “proper ales” on offer, Peerless’s Triple Blond was the best option at 4%. 

Having had a little Google search, I set out to find the Port Street Beer House, rated highly it sits on a small backstreet, and definitely needs Google Maps to find. An eclectic choice, both on cask and keg, I sampled Mallisons Nippy 4.1% Pale and Dark North Oatmeal Stout 5.5%. People were easy to talk to and a chap from the Wirral recommended a Whip It Real Good imperial stout from Black Iris. Tasting like a Walnut Whip, but unlike the chocolate it weighed in at 12% and cost £6 for a half. 

I still had a couple of hours, so I strolled back to be near Piccadilly, landing at the Crown & Kettle and a Brew York Tonkoko, a 4.3% milk stout. The pub itself was a high ceilinged, gothic windowed style pub.

Next was a pub I had visited before, the Castle Hotel and resembled the White Lion in Sheffield with small, ornate rooms. Again, great choice with a Titanic Cherry Porter, 4.9% and a Robinsons Dizzy Blonde, 3.8% accompanied with great conversation about music with three older guys. 

Finally before the train home, I popped in the Piccadilly Tavern where out of the various pumps I had a half of Thwaites Gold, a 4.1% blonde/golden. 

Fortunately, the train was on time and the journey swiftly passed with conversation with a chap whose daughter lived in Walkley and had sampled the Walkley Beer Co and the Raven. A great day, good value and cracking beers. Roll on Barnsley next month, and Northern Rail’s next sale. 

January social

Posted on by Kevin Thompson

A rather good number of 14 members attended our annual gathering of a trip round the pubs in this traditionally quiet time of early January.

The meeting point was the Bath Hotel on Victoria Street, a very ornate, traditional pub with interesting features. Beers tend to be from Abbeydale, Ashover, and other local sources. I plumped for a pint of Abbeydale Deception, a 4.1% New Zealand pale ale, before giving a half of Ashover Light Mild, 3.8%, a go. 

We then hopped over a damp West Street to the Red Deer, another traditional backstreet pub frequented by both visitors, locals and students. Again there was a good choice of wickets where I went for a pint of Citra, a hazy pale of 4.2% from Oakham Ales, which seemed to be the choice of the majority.  

Next was the short walk down to Division Street to Vocation & Co, a nice modern real ale and craft keg bar. Lots of their beer  is on pump, keg, and in cans. Being a flavoured stout lover the Naughty & Nice, a 5.9% chocolate flavour stout, hit the spot. 

We then walked to Orchard Square and the Old Shoe. This is surprisingly in an old Schuh shop and sells a large variety of ale, cider, gin and wine. Again the majority went for Chinook in Your Heart, a Cloudwater New England hazy pale weighing in at 4.4%. 

We had around 75 minutes until last buses, so headed over the short distance to the Head of Steam, a pub set in the old Sheffield & Hallamshire Savings Bank. Beers on offer included Camerons 3 Kings, a red ale of 3.8% and my choice Clever Gyle, a nice 5.1% APA from the excellent Brew York.

As we all said our farewells, we can reflect on a well attended, good night out, with even better beer. Roll on next year.