The Beehive, Shipley

A great ungainly slab of a building with quite a traditional three room layout inside with red walls, some nice stained glass and laid back, relaxed vibe. Five pumps with four ales, I tried the York Centurions Ghost and the Golden Salamander which were both in good nick and a far cry from the ropey beer quality in the preceding Victoria and Fannys. A very friendly barmaid here who was happy to hold court and keep the atmosphere going whilst getting her work done. A slight downside was the (and I quote from my notes) “over-loud naff music”. My first encounter with the king of foreign bar snacks - Snyder's of Hanover Pretzel Pieces – so nice I took two home with me. Those of a keggy disposition may enjoy a rare sighting of Red Stripe on font. Perhaps not the most exciting pub in the area but certainly the best ale and most friendly welcome on my mini-crawl of the strip.

Originally called the Beehive hotel as the captain says, and with two rooms now open plan with a cheap and cheerful counter against the front wall. There is a basic unplastered room further back with a pool table. Traditionally furnished in wood and still retaining some stained glass, the walls are painted red and are decorated with old photos. Three handpumps each side of the counter, there's always a Salamander beer on plus guests, beer quality apparently varies.

Formerly the Beehive Hotel,it is still possible to see the old insignia,this is a very traditional Victorian pub with two distinct sections,a public bar to the left of the front entrance with a bare boarded floor and a carpeted lounge to the right.The island bar serves both sections and there is a short joining corridor between the bars.I particularly liked the stained glass windows,and the lounge banquettes with small stools which wrapped around the inner walls.There is a fireplace,above which is a lot of CAMRA literature and there are two quizes a week,one general knowledge the other music. There was a friendly welcome from behind the bar and a choice of four real ales from the five handpumps on my trip with guests Golden Salamander,Osset Silver King and Ilkley Mary Jane supplemented by the regular TT Landlord.Care is taken with ale quality and rightly this pub is listed in the 2012 GBG. There is a prominent wall mounted juke box in the lounge,and tunes are played at quite a volume but I was in early doors,and as the pub filled this became less of a distraction. A good double header with Fanny's up the road,I would certainly return .There is a good curry house opposite ,The Pride is wet led only.