The Beehive, Sheffield

The recent refurb and opening as a Craft Union pub has not made a huge amount of difference, with maybe a little rationalisation of floor levels and openings between the two buildings that make up this large and largely open plan pub. Numerous TV screens, including a big one that dropped down at the front of the bar when the main match - Man City v Real Madrid - kicked off. I was here to do some opposition research prior to Luton Town's play-off final versus either Middlesbrough or Coventry City. They put the match on one of the smaller screens when I asked, but of course the commentary was for the other game. Customers seemed to be mostly students or other young people in varying degrees of inebriation. The only real ales were Landlord and Dizzy Blonde, both doubled, and another pump clip turned around. The Landlord was a relatively cheap £3.35 but it was poured well short of a pint and was not in prime condition - possibly a little old, though not off (NBSS 2.5). If I was 20 and out for a drink with my mates I would be happy to come here once or twice a week. Sadly, I am neither of those things.

The Beehive page on Stonegate's Great UK Pubs website - www.greatukpubs.co.uk

The Beehive page on Stonegate's Great UK Pubs website - www.greatukpubs.co.uk

Another large Stonegate pub, like the Cavendish next door, but much better presented. Split up into separate areas, it has a comfortable feel, perhaps due to the traditional furnishings and plush seating. Several good ales and ciders on handpump, and staff who seemed enthusiastic about the beers.

A massive pub with several levels and lots of different areas. You can see a large TV screen from just about anywhere in the pub. The clientele were of the less discerning nature with a couple of scrotes in as well. The beer range was a little better than that experienced by Will although there were still 3 Bradfield beers and Black Sheep on the bar alongside a couple of uninteresting guests. I had a pint of Bradfield Sixer which was in decent nick. Ms CAMRA didn'i like the place at all, so we'll not be coming back I expect.

Now part of the Stonegate pub group, the beer choice on the bar these days is from five Bradfield beers, with Black Sheep Bitter available on a sixth hand pump. The large room resulting from the amalgamation of two buildings is split up somewhat into distinct areas, with one smallish alcove qualifying as a sort of snug, having its own TV screen, one of a dozen or so scattered about. This would be my choice for football matches that are not available on terrestrial channels. Cheap beer on Tuesdays and free pool Wednesdays.