Fanny's Ale and Cider House, Shipley

A converted shop that comes with quite a fanfare so I was really looking forward to getting stuck in here after an over-hasty tour of Titus Salt’s village. Initial impressions were good - 10 pumps for ale though only 7 were on, with proper cider and bottled Euro beer also offered. However the ale quality was fairly duff, both my beers from Partners in Dewsbury and the Dickens Gold were both flat and lifeless. One such beer might be unlucky but two in a row seems to be stretching it somewhat. The ramblingly claustrophobic interior is divided into three distinct sections (due to ad hoc extension work) with basic furnishing and stripped-back décor with the walls painted a funny nicotine colour (why on earth...?). The bar was pretty small and I can imagine it being a job to get served at busy times. Features of note included an upright piano, breweriana, old tin signs and a bit of wooden seating with funny little holes in that I recognised as being the same design as those found in the Grove, Leeds. The music was enjoyably eclectic, which helped overcome the noise from a bit of renovation work going on at the rear of the building. All a bit underwhelming but maybe I expected too much? I suppose I might chance another half in here again if in the vicinity but it isn’t a must-visit pub based on my stop.

An unremitting ale house with the bareboards, stripped wood, and general air of scruffiness typical of the breed. It has been extended quite a few times resulting in a multi-room layout over two floors, it's dark in the daytime although the back room has some big windows. The kind of place that some will like and some will hate, I find places like this a little contrived but the beer quality and choice means that's a minor quibble and I enjoyed drinking here.