The Cricketers, Keighley

The Cricketers has something of a bohemian atmosphere with a mixed clientele. This is inspired, I'd guess, by regular comedians and bands appearing on the stage at the front of the pub and is enhanced by subdued lighting a lot of vertical drinking. I don't remember seeing any normal height tables and chairs with seating being limited to bar stools around high tables or next to bar type shelves. Beers on were Partners Ghost, Yates Bitter, Tring Blonde, Maldons Blackberry Porter and Coniston XB Bluebird Bitter. Not a stunning range and not tempting enough to prevent us from sloping round the corner for The Boltmakers exceptional Landlord.

A small interior with the bar at the rear right hand side,bare wooden floor,a few high tables and stools with a stage area infront of the only window where a band was setting up.It was already popular,so room was limited but I liked the wooden clad bar at elbow height where you could always prop yourself up.Candles in Jack Daniels bottles provided some lighting ,most customers seemed focussed on the music and the overall atmosphere was of a student pub when I was in on a Saturday night. There were five handpumps mainly offering a range of local microbrewery output,although I struggled to find a pint that demanded a second.There was a fridge with an interesting range of bottled Continental and US lagers and clearly an effort is made to supply something different. There was an unmarked downstairs area where many of the younger customers would disappear to,I assume some kind of cellar bar.I felt too old to investigate. It's in the 2012 GBG,yet I felt it's focus on music and comedy nights is the real draw for the clientele.We sloped off to The Boltmakers for a bit of their culture.

By far the best pub in Keighley. Excellent real ale place with various ales from micro-breweries changing regularly. Regular venue for live music. Nice interior, friendly staff and good atmosphere. Just can be a bit of a squeeze sometimes but well worth a visit and a pint.