The Polished Knob, Todmorden

Called in on the 1st of March a good few in its a music pub and looks as if it get busy with the bands but that's not my thing will call back the lad behind the bar was frendly and chated with every one

Recently re-opened after a ten-month hiatus, the Black Swan now rejoices under the rather suspect name of The Polished Knob. (‘Titter ye not missus’, as Frankie Howerd would undoubtedly have pleaded.) Having not visited before, it’s difficult to comment on all the changes that have taken place during the refurbishment, but I was told the (now) centrally positioned bar has been moved for one. Essentially, it’s a medium size, one-roomed pub, with a predominantly cream and bleached wood interior, mostly pared back in the modern style. If I said there were halogen spots above the bar, small leather sofas and tub chairs you probably get the gist. However, there’s still an old fashioned fireplace, with an attractive tiled surround, plus more traditional chairs and tables, to the left of the bar. At the opposite end of the room there’s a decent sized stage, suggesting music plays a large part in things. That’s backed up by the chalk written gig list, on a blackboard, promoting future events. To the rear there’s an enclosed courtyard, which I’m sure would be a real suntrap if it weren’t for the fact it’s dominated by a smokers’ canopy. It also, bizarrely, features a basketball ring. (For those who like to ‘shoot a few hoops’ whilst enjoying a Silk Cut?) According to the sign above the door it’s a free house, though three Thwaites beers were featured during our visit: ‘Bomber’, ‘Wainwright’ and ‘Nutty Black’. Also on offer were Old Bear ‘Honeypot’ and Bridestones’ ‘Polished Pint’ – which I should imagine is the house beer brewed down the road in Hebden. Normally ‘oldboots’ and I see eye to eye, but I felt the condition of my beer wasn’t that good. Trying the ‘Honeypot’ and ‘Nutty Black’, both were rather cold and the latter definitely on the turn. However, the young barmaid that served us was pleasant and welcoming. Atmosphere wise, it was a little restrained, possibly a little quiet for early Saturday evening. However, it may have well been the lull before the storm. Overall, I thought it was a reasonable place, but nothing special. It may just need a little longer to find its feet and on that basis I’d probably give it a second chance, if in the area. However, there’s no need for any fanfares just yet, or, in the spirit of the name, the blowing of any horns.

Formerly the Black Swan, reopened 2010 with a silly name but decent beer. It's an open plan room with the counter centre towards the back. One wall has two large cartoons of bare breasted women in a vaguely Roy Lichtenstein style; the other end of the room is dominated by a stage complete with mirror ball. Seating in the nude end is on tables and chairs with low tables and leather armchairs towards the stage area. There is a big screen at each end. The floor has a compass mosiac and the initials MBB, presumably a former owner brewery? Five handpulls on the counter, three of them with Thwaites beers the others with guests although one from Bridestones (Polished Pine) may have been a special for the pub or maybe just a bit of badge engineering. Which ever it is the beer was in fine condition.