The Swan, Huddersfield

An attractive, stone built exterior is rather let down by a wood and velvet interior which, along with the deeply musty aroma, is a dead ringer for the inside of a coffin. The barmaid had all the seriousness and warmth but none of the empathy of a surly undertaker and the ale choice was limited to Rat Ratler, Bradfield Farmers Blonde and Bosuns Huddersfield Terrier. The Ratler was actually rather good and kept well. As things stand I wouldn't be tempted by the fairly short walk from The Commercial to visit.

Out of town ,the Thwaites pub sign and posters for televised sport didn't inspire confidence at the outset.A set of stairs leads to a landing with a door to the left to the tap room,right to the lounge;resolutely locked despite looking quite attractive.On entering the bar room there was a musty smell,and the pall of death even before the surly barmaid had the chance to make us feel unwelcome.We came on the back of it's GBG entry but the ale selection was underwhelming,although visiting on a Monday night that may have been a factor.Only half the pumps were clipped with Bosuns Huddersfield Terrier,Bradfields Farmers Blonde and low strength Rat Rattler in decent condition. The bar surround is in wood panelling but would not be original but rather a 70's makeover which still exists.A mixing table for a Saturday disco may point to a change of emphasis ,or ownership or both,while the large drop down screen was at least not operational.With the only two other customers departed ,and madame from behind the bar outside for a tab,the four of us were left in glorious isolation but could not summonds up the enthusiasm to pour ourselves a free pint. It really was that unimpressive and we sloped quickly off back to the Commercial.

This was the first pub to visit on our list and what a great place to start. A traditional two roomed pub with a central bar serving both rooms. We took the left hand side room, which had the majority of their handpumps. The pub is run by a husband and wife team and they are fanatical about well kept ales. There was a choice of seven hand pulled ales and we pretty much tried most of them. I started with the regular Bradfield Farmers Blonde, then we went for White Rat, Mallinson's Hop Slap, Naylor's Spring Loaded and Magpie Hoppily Ever After. Also the local pork pie with HP sauce went down a treat. The only problem here was trying to get out of the place, as Alison the manageress was so friendly and chatty and also were the locals.