Hope & Anchor, Pontefract

I was drawn into the Hope and Anchor on Monday evening a couple of weeks ago by the advertisements for Sky Sports. After ordering a couple of pints it became apparent that Sky Sports was not available. This was also true for the advertised pool table that was nowhere to be seen. Live music was advertised as was a weekly Thursday evening quiz, but whether these events are fact or fiction I have no idea. I can confirm that there is a dartboard to the right of the entrance. The bar on the rear wall faces the entrance and to the left is a seating area with a real crackling fire and banquettes with tables and chairs. The plasma screen was showing pictures from the pub and some background music came from a jukebox. Standard keg products were available from the bar that supports two hand pumps that were both drawing Black Sheep. My work colleague and I were the only customers until the pub filled up with the darts/cribbage/dominoes team and there visiting competitors. They made us feel very welcome and invited us to share the sandwiches that had been laid on for the two teams. Due to this hospitality we had an enjoyable stay and left far later than we had planned. The doors do not open until 16:00 during the week and the freehold is for sale. When new owners are found hopefully they will not change this pub, other than sorting out the Sky Sports! The next time I find myself in the area on a Monday evening I will pop in on the off chance that the pub sports team is playing at home. Maybe I will win back the money I lost on the football card!

The Hope and Anchor is a large brick built Victorian pub that is a short walk uphill from Monkhill train station. Once inside there is a single L shaped room with the bar facing,the left side is carpeted and has comfy bench seating and small stools,there was a TV on which i did'nt take much notice of,the right side is bare boarded and has bench seating and small stools,plus a darts board,the far right side is slightly raised. There was one real ale on the bar which was Black Sheep bitter,this was a nice drink. This is a very smart and comfortable pub,one i could well settle in for a session. Pub visited 29/7/2015