The Watchmakers, Halifax

Facebook page of The Watchmakers - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Watchmakers - www.facebook.com

err.. not the best in Halifax. A shiny modern 'sports bar and lounge' and everything that comes with that. No real ale, bog standard keg and wall notices warning against dealing in illegal substances. the garden at the back is shared with a far better pub which you should go to instead.

Originally called the Golden Lion (renamed the Brass Cat in 1981), it is thought that there has been a pub here since the 18th Century although the building is possibly 17th Century. At some point the pub has been expanded through to the adjoining premises. Whatever Olde Worlde charm that may have existed has been eroded over the years and we are left with a rather faceless and characterless pub that seems to attract the general town centre hangabouts. The interior is initially quite gloomy with a raised section to the left of the main entrance offering banquette seating and a darts area. The pub wraps around the central bar to a bay conservatory area at the rear which does at least provide an airy spot. At the furthest point is a pool table. A DJ booth suggests that things get a bit loud and clubby in the evenings. The only ale was Tetleys and this was off. Prices are cheap and the place does seem to be aimed at the ‘Spoons type of customer base but certainly doesn't come close with regard to beer range. My lunchtime visit found the place relatively quiet but I was a little unnerved by the constant roaming around the pub of a few undesirable looking punters. This wasn't on my bookmarked choice of pubs in town but was more of a lucky dip selection that didn't work out being too lucky.

Featureless barn that looks like most of it is in a conservatory. There's also a large outdoor seating area. There were more people outside smoking than inside at about 7 on a Friday evening. There was a handpump on the bar, the pump clip was turned round. I turned round and went across the yard to the Upper George which had beer.

A modern open plan bar on two levels, a smaller upper level with seating and screens and an unexpected dart board. Down a few steps is the lower level with L shaped counter, some big furniture and over friendly staff. A fairly mediocre Tetleys cask popped up amongst the usual keg suspects