Carbrook Hall, Carbrook, Sheffield

A Grade II listed stone building that was once part of a much larger and grander house, mostly demolished in the 19th century. It's not particularly attractive when seen from the road or the car park, but you start to get a flavour of the old house when approaching the front door, which is at the side. Inside it's less like a pub and more like a manor house that's been opened to the public, with genuine Jacobean wood panelling, stone floors and garish slot machines. The bar is in keeping with the last named, featuring as it does examples of modern fizzy lagers and smooth keg bitters, the ambience further destroyed by loud music and videos. I refused to let this gloomy prospect deter me from enjoying a drink, and thought a brandy might be a suitable one, but unfortunately none could be found, so I ended up with a small glass of port. If Carbrook was in the Peak District rather than in a run down industrial suburb of Sheffield it would be a destination pub of some renown, but as it is, it's hard to suggest going there unless you just want to have a look around. Lovers of ghost stories will be interested, but lovers of real ale less so.