Will be spending next Monday evening in the great real ale Mecca that is Sheffield city centre.
The GBG obviously lists many great pubs but realistically I'm looking to visit 2 or 3 of the best from a beer perspective that also do good food in the evening.
Back from Sheffield via the lovely snow covered Woodhead Pass.
Had a great time, visited the Devonshire Cat, Kelham Island Tavern and finished off in the Fat Cat.
All 3 pubs had 11+ ales on each, so much choice we didn't know where to start. IMHO the beer quality/condition and range was probably best in the Devonshire Cat. I tried Saltaire Hazelnut & Coffee and Cascade Pale Ale - first time I've tried any Saltaire brews and I was very impressed with both. Also had Thornbridge Jaipur, in excellent condition and Salamander Dogger which was good but nothing special. The food in the DC was excellent, really tasted home made. I'd certainly eat and drink there again - great service too, was offered tasters before buying.
Off to the Kelham Island Tavern then at 5.00 pm. Fantastic pub, certainly has all the attributes of a national winner. Once again, the beer range was excellent, with all beers sampled in great condition. Don't think they were serving food in the evening.
A couple of pints later and we made the short walk to a very busy Fat Cat. They seemed to have a lot of higher strength beers at the bar, I guess what was left from their recent Winter Ale festival. Once again the beer was in great condition although the range was compromised by the higher ABVs. Very disappointed with the food, we both had the steak and ale pie, not up to much at all, although almost half the price of the DC. Wouldn't eat there again, would rather pay the extra at the DC.
All in all, a very enjoyable trip to South Yorkshire. 3 great pubs serving very good beer.
Kelham Island Tavern is the newly announced CAMRA Pub of the Year Wellington just up the round has a brewery. The new Thornbridge owned pub on the station is also recommended.
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