As one of the few towns that have a decent pub right in the train station, it is only fitting that Huddersfield has a high volume of quality pubs for its small size. If you do manage to escape the clutches of the Head of Steam, take a left out of the station, head underneath the viaduct and look for an unassuming pub on the corner that looks a bit bedraggled on the outside, a bit dated on the inside but has it in shovelfuls where it counts – the beer and the bodies.
In fact you might overlook it, considering its modest signage that doesn’t even hint at the amber delights within – it looks like a Tetley pub. Overcome your prejudice, step inside and you shall be confronted by the most retro looking 1950s wood finish bars, complete with mirror tile inlays and mysterious looking drawers. But on top of the bar… that’s different. Eight or so beer pumps are lined up, each from a variety of brewers be they micro or independent, each with its own tiny taster for the taking. Beside this, an ornate set of taps serving Budvar, black and light, Fruli and Aspinalls Cider. If you can’t find anything you like here, you really are tapped. Compared to Leeds, the beer is also fairly cheap, so the prospect of trying everything on the menu is not as financially daunting as doing it at North Bar.
The main bar area is a lively place full of session drinkers, but there are also a couple of snugs to retreat to and a covered beer garden for the smokers. Real fires can be found throughout and, though food is kept to lunchtimes, you can still get crisps if you’re peckish. Music and background noise is kept to a minimum (though a dull roar is pretty constant from the bar) so chatting is an easy, pleasant affair.
Essentially, this is an ideal pub for a group of friends who like to drink and enjoy company while doing it. You don’t have to be boisterous, but you will have a good time. Watch out for the Jaipur IPA if they have it on, though – it may taste like a refreshing bitter, but it will have you on your back faster than Billy Piper in Lederhosen. Se Gut!
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