Hollins Mill, Sowerby Bridge

A large ex-industrial building, a joinery I believe, with a long L shaped counter holding 12 pulls, six of which were doubled up and one with a draught cider. The beers were mainly from micros and there were also a couple of keg taps. There's a function room at the back with leather walls and a second one upstairs on the mezzanine floor. The decor is modern light wood and stripped back brickwork, not bad but a little of the canteen atmosphere about the place.

The Works is a large open plan pub with a marked industrial feel, which is hardly surprising as it was converted, in 2005, from a joiner’s workshop. Exposed beams, bare floorboards and brick walls dominate the space and all add to its slightly quirky, but enjoyable, atmosphere. Seating is pleasingly based on solid ‘old school’ tables and chairs, plus a scattering of leather sofas, without which no modern drinking space seems to be complete. There is a stove opposite the bar, various bits of breweriana dotted about and a sizeable balcony area which is used for various music and comedy nights. The large L-shaped bar houses twelve pulls, of which two sets of three are given over to Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, Golden Best and Best Bitter, leaving room for six guest ales. The two I tried – Blue Monkey ‘Marmoset’ and Captain Cook ‘Black Porter’ were both in excellent nick. Service from the staff was pleasant enough, if slightly on the cool side. Food features highly, is of a good standard and represents excellent value for money. I ordered a ‘doorstep’ roast chicken sandwich, which was delicious and although I consider myself a bit of a trencherman, it nearly defeated me. The accompanying side-salad would have passed for a main in some places. Our visit was on a Saturday afternoon and the atmosphere was very relaxed, undoubtedly helped by the airy, spacious feel of the place Overall, I really liked it here and would definitely call again when next in the town.