Kelham Island Tavern, Kelham Island, Sheffield

Famed multi-award winning pub, it has been CAMRA National pub of the Year two years in a row (2008/2009) plus too many others to list; it sits in the urban wastes of Kelham Island and is one of the stars of the Valley of Beer. 13 handpumps one of which always has a mild or porter, one of each on my last visit, and usually from local small breweries, whatever you choose is likely to be as good as it gets. Comprising one big room at the front with a segregated dining area behind. The front room has a bay to each side with bench seating and the traditional tables, the lefthand bay has a mirrored fireplace complete with Staffordshire Dog figurines and also the 'throne' of the pub's ginger cat. The L shaped barcounter is a beautiful victorian example manned by staff who are always very pleasant and efficient, the atmosphere is slightly genteel probably a reflection of the tastes and personalities of the two gentlemen who run it. In view of its award winning record and location there will generally be a few half pint drinking, satchel toteing Camra types, but it is not exclusively a tickers pub.

This place seems to accrue so many accolades that one day it will probably win an Oscar. The day we visited they were being presented with the CAMRA Best Pub in Yorkshire award and now they can add the National Pub of the Year award to the many certificates on display. The front bar is cosy without being confining and the décor old fashioned without feeling musty, dog eared or dated. Brewery mirrors adorn the walls along with various ornaments that wouldn't look out of place on granny's mantelpiece. To the rear is a more modern conservatory style extension with a light spacious and airy feel and a further assortment of jugs, vases and other nick nacks. Everything is neat, tidy and presentable and the atmosphere is pleasantly sedate with unobtrusive music and a strict no swearing policy. The beer side of things is, as one would expect, impressive with 11 cask beers on my visit (they always include a mild and stout or Porter), certainly too many for me to note down but choice was certainly not a problem and quality first rate. A narrow but picturesque beer garden wraps itself around the rear and side of the building and, true to form, is also an award winner. As fine as it is, I don't think I would ever call it my favourite watering hole but it certainly is a pub worthy of its acclaim and well worth travelling those exetra few yards from the City Centre to find (along with its Fat Cat neighbour of course).

This place has won so many awards they must be getting embarrased ! Right around the corner from the Fat Cat, the Kelham Island Tavern is one for the drinkers rather than the eaters. An excellent range of ever changing beers and a great beer garden to drink them in when the sun is shining. A must visit pub if you are in Sheffield.