The Brew Shed, Retford

The Brew Shed is L-shaped with a bar along the rear wall to the left that faces tiny high tables that run across the front windows. There’s more seating up the right, but I didn’t investigate on this occasion. This is a Harrison Brewery Tap so the six hand pumps, out of eight, that were in use were drawing their Wiper, Pale, Best, Proof of Concept and Vacant Gesture alongside Triple Point Brewing’s Simook Pale. I went for the Vacant Gesture that was vacant of any taste, but to be fair I was warned by the person behind the bar that there had been a problem with the latest batch, so it didn’t taste as it was meant to, but it was still good. It wasn’t awful, much the same as water isn’t awful. I was warned and there was plenty else to choose so I’ll not mark down from a solid 7.

Official site of The Brew Shed - harrisonsbrewery.com

Official site of The Brew Shed - harrisonsbrewery.com

Hidden in an unobtrusive row of shops by the canal bridge, this is a splendid drinkers' bar which seems to make the most of available space, and with numerous 'reserved' signs out for later probably needs it. The bar counter is in the left side, with tables through the right hand shop, an overflow room downstairs and extensive and partly covered outdoor seating to the rear. Also to the rear is the "shed" containing the brewery. Beers mostly their own with a few guests, four or five on cask and a wider selection of keg including cider, plus the mandatory bottle fridge. Very happy to return here.

Double fronted micro with a garden access downstairs. Good Beer Guide 2021 entry. Busiest place found on a Saturday afternoon in Retford.