Chequers Micropub, Beverley

This is a compact town centre micropub in a fairly well-hidden location down some alleyways a short distance from the High Street and Market Square. Despite visiting long after the requirement to drink outside had been lifted, the pub was still operating such a system, so I only managed to get some snatched glimpses inside the pub. It seems to be a very small, shop-converted premises with a chequer tiled floor and yellow painted walls. Seating comprises pews and low stools down the right side, with a walkway through the centre and the servery down the left-hand wall. A few bits of breweriana could be spotted around the walls, but other than that, things appeared to be quite plain and austere, with little of interest to catch the eye. As it was, I was unable to cross the threshold and instead found myself seated on one of the many decorative blue metal chairs that filled a modest patio seating area outside the front of the pub. An awning has been set-up here, which provided some much-needed shade from the relentless summer sun and the friendly landlord handed out printed beer menus which detailed their full range of draught and bottled beers. There were four cask ales available when I visited, including Roosters Session IPA, a stronger IPA and a bitter, but I ended up with a pint of Kirkstall Black Band Porter, which was in excellent shape and slipped down very nicely. Unfortunately, the printed menu was removed from my table before I had a chance to note the full range, but four lads on the table next to me were enjoying various craft keg beers, so things are clearly not just limited to cask ales here. It's a shame I was unable to properly experience this place, as it seems to be a well-run pub with an interesting ale selection kept in good condition. There was a steady stream of local trade coming and going throughout the course of my visit and I can imagine that I’d be popping in here frequently if I lived nearby.

This micro is still doing outside service only. Luckily the weather was fine, warm and pleasant. A real mix of people outside and a easy bunch to chat to. The guvnor was pretty efficient as well giving us a list of the 4 cask ales and several keg, can and bottle options. I had 3 of the 4 cask and all were in good nick. Inside is small, split level with a single toilet upstairs. We enjoyed our time here, it's just a pity that we couldn't have gone inside for a drink.

Nice, split level micropub, good beer. In an alley off the town centre

Having been going since 2013 this is now one of the older micropubs. It consists of a two tiered room with the bar on the higher part and a black and white laminate floor throughout. The furniture is low tables and chairs rather than the tall stuff favoured by many of these places. There are five hand pumps which had Atom Half Life & Camomile Blond, Treboom Baron Saturday, Brass Castle Dreamtime and some cricket themed dross from Greene King. I went for the Half Life (£3.50) which was in good nick but looked like a Yorkshire short measure until I realised it was a lined glass. This is another good micropub but it seemed odd having a Greene King themed beer on.

We enjoyed our visit here and found it much as described by Ray and Quinno below. Beers sampled by us were in top notch form and there was a welcoming and friendly atmosphere about the pub. We'll be back! Date of visit: 5th June 2016