The Sair, Huddersfield

This is a fantastic traditional brewpub situated halfway up a breathtakingly steep hill overlooking the Colne Valley. The pub is easily reached by a 15 minute bus journey from Huddersfield bus station, and I had the good fortune to arrive via the 183 which drops you off at the top of the hill, before leaving on the 185, which picks you up at the bottom, thus saving me a lung-busting uphill slog. The pub has a multiple room layout, with the main bar to the right rear of the building. This area has a wooden floor and ceiling, banquette and low stool seating and a real fire, crackling away under a mantelpiece with carriage clock - all very homely. Hops and pewter tankards lined the servery, as did a good number of locals whilst an unobtrusive pub dog shambled around looking decidedly lost. To the left of the bar, a fairly large fish tank creates a divide to another room, which had a similar seating arrangement to the main bar, as well as a juke box that was playing a selection of classic rock tracks at a sensible volume. A rather smart looking front room had more of a lounge feel to it and I think there was a fourth room if memory serves, but I didn't explore further. The toilets effectively involve a trip outdoors where I believe you can also get a glimpse of the brewery. There were six Linfit ales available on my visit - Linfit Bitter (£1.90), Special, Gold Medal (£2.20), Autumn Gold, Old Eli and Swift - alongside some unusual keg offerings such as DAB and Erdinger. The Linfit Bitter in particular was a lovely pint and at £1.90 I was tempted to enjoy a few more, but the infrequent evening buses meant that I had to head back sooner than I would have liked. I'm really glad that I made the effort to make my way out to this excellent village pub. It wasn't too easy to find the place in the dark (I was stood next to it for about 5 minutes looking at my map and scratching my head), but the reward for persevering was some great beer at excellent prices in a warm and cosy environment. Well worth considering setting a bit of time aside to make your way here.

Had a pint today, very nice. Also English Guinness on sale!!