Elephant & Castle, Wakefield

For those visiting Wakefield by train and alighting at Westgate station, this is the first pub they’ll see when walking down the driveway. Any fans of historic, ornate facades, will have hit the jackpot straight away, as the Elephant has a superb frontage composed of red brick, stone and tiling, still extolling the virtues of Warwick’s Ales & Stout, Boroughbridge. (Warwick’s were sold to John Smith’s in 1925, the brewery itself closing in the 1950’s) The interior is just as striking, but very little, if any of it, original, as the place was severely damaged by fire a few years ago. However, the sumptuous décor and the slightly chaotic collection of memorabilia and breweriana still give the place some real character. It would appear that there were four rooms originally, but now there’s just the drinking area either side of the entrance, plus the games room to the rear. Near the bar, it’s all cosily low ceiling-ed, with ornate tiling, old-fashioned heavy wallpapers, intricate cast-iron tables and heavy dark furniture. Also, there are many prints of old Wakefield. The games room is a much plainer affair, by comparison. It has a pool table and dartboard, plus a drop down screen for sporting events. Two real ales are usually on offer: John Smith’s and Landlord. I tried the Landlord and although served at a decent temperature, it was rather tired tasting and lacked freshness. (Still, at least there’s a choice these days. The last time I reviewed the Elephant it was just JS.) The young barman that served me was pleasant enough. Atmosphere wise, it was fairly quiet on a midweek afternoon. However, the pub is on the Westgate Run and no doubt gets very busy towards the weekend. My review summary last time was along the lines of nice pub, shame about the beer and I think that still applies. However, it’s definitely worth popping in for one, just to have a nosey round and luxuriate in the feel of the place.

Another traditional old Victorian corner pub given a trendy makeover to attract the more upmarket clientele but won't appeal to traditionalists. Not my sort of place but it certainly does have a few merits. Aside from the 3 Ales available (Pride Broadside & Tribute) there was a surprisingly good selection of lagers and draught beers (Sierra Nevada, Kiri Ichibvar, Fruili, Peroni etc). Prices are not particularly cheap as one would expect. The main bar is a single, high ceiling room with a sofa area in the middle and rather stripped back furnishings, large plants and plain picture windows. Overall it is a bit featureless and certainly not particularly cosy or intimate. There is a small 2 table anti room to one side of the bar away from the masses and a further bar upstairs (closed for a private function). There is also seating outside with patio heaters. A glance at the menu revealed that the food was not as expensive as one would expect in such a place with main dishes in the £7-9 price range. The Sunday evening movie nights are an unusual idea. Not a place I would make a specific journey to but that is more a matter of personal taste than anything particularly untoward about the pub and the place was packed to the rafters during my visit so it certainly does have its admirers. Not exactly a place you would stumble across by accident either.

The Elephant & Castle has one of those exteriors that just beckons you inside whether you want a pint or not. I’m pleased to say the interior is equally enticing although it has been opened up slightly from what would have been a series of smaller rooms. The features include some ornate ceilings, old personalised mirrors (sadly partly obscured with cheap posters and adverts), marble fireplaces and note also the bar rail held up by elephant trunks. The furnishings are comfortable with carpets throughout (apart from the tiled area where the corridor would once have been) and leather backed built in seating. The wall space is crowded with random pictures and high shelves full of assorted collectables. The choice of ales is disappointingly weak with just 2 pumps containing Landlord and John Smiths plus the usual kegs and lagers. The rear “smoke room” is now a pool room with big screen which also takes off a bit of the shine. Handily situated for Westgate station, it is certainly a pub that is worthy a quick visit, especially if you like old fashioned, traditional style pubs, but there are a few areas that would need to be improved to make it an essential stop.

Real Ales and a food offering, outside Westgate Station.