Shoulder Of Mutton, Castleford

If you were offered the chance to visit a slightly shabby looking boozer owned and run by a 'local character' known as Tetley Dave you may well do so with some trepidation, as I did. And maybe it was these low expectations that helped to make my visit so very enjoyable. Tetley Dave is a thoroughly charming, friendly and generous host without being over the top and has a fund of interesting stories and anecdotes on a range of subjects should you be interested. He is also, to judge from my own consumption, a very talented and experienced cellarman. As you might guess, Tetley Cask and Mild are regulars with two, often local, guests also on. These were Ilkley's Best and Five Towns Bodyline on our visit, both of which were excellent but a special mention has to go to the Bodyline which is a tremendous pint and was beautifully poured. Castleford doesn't strike me as a real ale mecca but despite that it really is well worth going out of your way to visit this gem.

Smack in the heart of Castleford town centre. This used to be called the North Eastern Hotel and it's downstairs public bar has been popular with the young clubbers for generations. In the 70's it was called "Knockers" and in the early 80's, it was The Tartan Bar.The mid 80's saw it changed to "Route 66". Now the downstairs bar is called Tiger Feet, to reflect the association with the Castleford Tigers RL Club.

A remarkable story. Enterprise Inns wanted to shut this community pub and sell the land to property developers, but it's landlord Dave, refused and fought his own "Battle of the Alamo". After many months of in fighting and trying to evict Dave, they eventually gave in and took up his offer to buy the place from them. Backed by Tetley's, Dave has now turned the fortunes around completely, and it's cask conditioned ales regularly get this pub into the Good Beer Guide, and has even been voted Wakefield region CAMRA Pub of the Year. Well Done Dave. * Home and meeting place of local branch of The George Formby Appreciation Society.