The Sportsman Beerhouse, Huddersfield

Solid looking street corner pub, built in the golden stone that almost defines the town. The three roomed interior is tastefully understated, or rather subdued, depending on your point of view. The attractive semi-circular bar is a real eye-catcher and a fitting housing for the eight hand pumps on display. A nice touch is the shot glass, with a sample of beer, in front of each one, highlighting the colour and style. During our visit the beers were: Timothy Taylor ‘Landlord’ & ‘Dark Mild’, Leatherbritches ‘Hairy Helmet’, Elland ‘1872’, Black Sheep Ale, Arran ‘Clyde Puffer’, Nottingham ‘Extra Pale Ale’ and Anglo-Dutch ‘Ghost Rider’. The ‘Hairy Helmet’ was obviously well kept and thankfully a decent temperature, served by a friendly young barman. Pub food is largely traditional fare done to a high standard. My home made chicken and mushroom pie was superb, just a shame the chunky chips were slightly underdone. However, no denying the excellent value for money. There were several groups of drinkers present on the mid-week lunchtime we called, between Christmas and New Year, but the atmosphere did seem quite muted. Having also previously visited on a Saturday evening, when it’s been pretty rammed and had similar feelings, maybe it’s something to do with the layout / decor of the pub? Still well worth a visit.

A big corner pub beside the railway viaduct just outside the station. One large semicircular bar with smaller sitting rooms to each end in a vaguely art deco style. Eight handpulls with smaller brewery beers in good condition. The home made pies are also excellent. It belongs to a small pub group which includes the West Riding Licensed Refreshment Rooms at Dewsbury and the Cellar Bar in Batley.

Real Ales from the same group as The West Riding Refreshment Rooms and the Celler Bar.