Idle Valley Tap, Retford

The former brewer at Idle Valley is, I have been informed, now involved with the Brew Shed across the way. Idle Valley beers are now brewed by Shiny Brewery and at the time of my recent visit there was only one of their beers among the eight hand pumps. I expect they'll get around to changing the name of the pub before long... All beers are priced at £3, and there's a sameness about the beer styles as well, with three described as American Pale Ales, four others being in the pale and golden end of the spectrum and just one dark beer, the Idle Valley Indolent Philosopher. I'm glad to say that the back door which was left open on my previous visit was tightly shut this time, and there's a solid fuel stove as well. Date of visit: 24th November 2017

The Idle Valley brewery tap at the start of the high street and was my first stop on a Saturday night of ticking the 4 pubs that appear in the 2017 GBG. Just after 6pm and the pub is packed and I mean really packed. There was a large group of women playing pool and enjoying their selves, many couples and a few groups meaning there was no spare seats. On the bar there was 8 ales on with 6 from Idle Valley my pint of their Mild Revolution @ 3.6% was as you would expect very decent. I understand the pub has recently been renovated and the style is very minimal but works. There's an open fire with burning logs. I only stopped for 1 beer, writing this after visiting the other 3 this is by far the best pub from the guide in the town. If I ever return to Retford this will be the one pub I head for.

Best pub of the day for me. Eight beers on hand pumps and Jaipur on keg. Two beers that caught my eye were both Idle Valley offerings - Unpretentious Declaration @ 5.6% and Indolent Philosopher @ 5.3%. I had the first which was a good beer. Just the one room with a pool table at the rear. Definitely would return to this one.