The Black Rock, Wakefield

A narrow street frontage which opens out, via a corridor with a few seats, into a larger room towards the rear, with another entrance from the back street. Originally a draper's shop, with living quarters upstairs, commemorated as the boyhood home of a future archbishop of Canterbury with a blue plaque on the building. There are some interesting features, including the front window and some good quality tiling, and I am surprised that it doesn't seem to have bothered Camra's heritage group. The bar counter faces towards the rear and has six hand pumps. I failed to note all the beers as I always go for the Tetley's Bitter when I call in here. It is, as I told the licensee, the best Tetley's I've had since the brewery in Leeds was abandoned. He's well aware how good it is, as he fired back "Best Tetley's in Yorkshire!" I must come back some time and try the other beers too. Acorn Gorlovka seems to be a regular and should make a perfect nightcap, and it's only a short stagger to Westgate station.

A cosy traditional pub with some old fittings and regulars, plus a good selection of beers and a barman (landlord?) who actually showed interest in them. Beware the surprise steps down to the gents, but there is a splendid urinal when you get there. On handpump were Stancill IPA, Oakham Citra, Roosters Baby Faced Assassin, Acorn Gorlovka Stout, Theakstons Summit and Tetley Cask. One of the better ale pubs in the centre.