Beer under the Clock, Retford

Spinning around a few times on the market square, I managed to get my bearings and find the Beer Under the Clock up Town Hall Yard, although I’m unclear where the clock is. Inside there’s a serving counter covered with old pumps clips on the rear wall to the right and a mix of seating that is overlooked by the left-hand wall that has been turned into a giant blackboard that lists everything available from the counter. Adjacent to the counter in the left rear are another couple of tables, and I spotted some board games, although the ten locals who were gathered on a recent Thursday afternoon were entertainment enough as the conversation went from automatic beer dispensers to legal UK beer measures, to local beers. I counted seven hand pumps across the counter that were drawing Three Brothers Brewing’s Bitter Sweet Symphony, Red Dog Ales’ Glass Heart and Shadow Silk, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask Cider, Wilde Child’s Humble Beginnings and two Lilley’s ciders. I went for the Humble Beginnings which was excellent. The friendly and welcoming governor was an excellent host, which is the most important think in a micropub, so I’ll be back when next in town.

Located down an alley behind Retford’s splendid town hall, I was surprised to see this one open on a Tuesday night, obviously their website isn’t up to date, grrr. Anyway last time I was in was a Saturday night and it was rammed, I had also taken drink so no review on that occasion. It was fairly full on my visit this time but I was able to look about, resident bar blockers not withstanding. A square room with a surface cellar to the right and a bit of extra seating area round to the left. The counter is straight ahead and supports 7 pulls, two with ciders and the others with small breweries wares, I was pleasantly surprised to see a Three Brothers beer had made it down from Middlesbrough, very good it was too. Four keg taps lurk off to the side but obviously no Carling etc. There’s a lot a blackboard about, one small one with the cask beers and a larger one listing cans and bottles, stored in the fridge behind the counter plus wines and stuff. A larger micro it has the pump clip collection we expect, a mish mash of furniture, conversation from an odd bunch of punters but also some unwelcome piped music. The toilet is hidden back left. The pub uses lined glasses so don’t moan about short measures.

A cosy little beer bar in the pedestrianised area behind the marketplace. One room, reasonably furnished, with a little bar and cool room in the corner. A fair selection of more-unusual beers on offer, including Chin Chin Sabro Stout, Croftons Yorkshire Classic, Magpie Neck Grease, Wild Childe Resplendent Perspective and Frome Taiheke.

Formerly Beerheadz and in the 2021 Good Beer Guide. Standard Micro - two seats outside - chalk board of bottles. Four or so on cask. Good Pint of West Coast by Silver Brewhouse.