The Anglers Retreat, Wakefield

A small traditional two-roomed pub, in a rural village setting. It’s all very basic and feels largely untouched for decades, as the wrought ironwork and artexed walls would suggest. On entering there’s a stone-flagged corridor, which serves as a drinking area in itself with two wooden benches provided. Behind the partition, is a small carpeted area with wall benches and tables. Although debatably not a snug, it’s as near as dammit in feel. There’s a tiny fire, plus wildlife prints and stuffed animals that add to the rustic character. A Grimethorpe Colliery commemorative plate hints at some of the clientele and lets you know you’re not too far away from South Yorkshire. The lounge, to the left as you enter, is a plain white walled affair, with wall benches, a wood burning stove and a small corner bar. Outside, for fair weather drinking, there are several benches near the door, and a decent little beer garden to the side. Up to four real ales are normally available, although on this visit there were just three in Acorn ‘Barnsley Bitter’, Sam Smith’s OBB and Landlord. Both the Acorn and Landlord were in good nick, with the former good value at £2.08 a pint. The barman was welcoming and very obliging; good-naturedly drawing off some Landlord before serving me, even though it was nearly closing time and the pump had previously been untouched that session. However, it’s the friendly regulars that make this place and true to form I was soon drawn into a conversation. Despite some gentrification of the village, The Anglers remains a big-hearted community local and its very ordinariness is one of the reasons it’s championed by the local CAMRA branch: Voted their Pub of The Year 2009, it remains in the Good Beer Guide for 2011. The pub is handy for ‘The Heronry’ Country Park and some good local walks, including part of the Trans-Pennine Trail. The 197 buses, that James Joines mentions, have been discontinued, but the 194, 195, 196 all stop close by. Finally, be aware that the pub is closed on Tuesdays.