Keighley gets a bad press in Bill Bryson’s “Notes From a Small Island“, but then so do Milton Keynes and Worksop, so you can ignore him.
And no town that boasts Eric Pickles, Dennis Healey, Kiki Dee and Terrorvision among its famous sons can be that bad. That would have been a supergroup and a half.
Even by the standards of Bradford Metropolitan Borough, it’s a lively place. One foot into the new Guide pub that drew me out from Forster Square Station, it was clear that Sunday night was the new Friday in Keighley.
A couple of wobbly lads were clearly trying to do all the town pubs in a day, or perhaps celebrating finding a micropub open on a Sunday, and resembled that poor blogger who didn’t last the pace at last months Manchester Beer Fest.
The Lord Rodney over-plays its dining credentials a bit, but the Landlord was the best I’ve had in a while (NBSS 3). That’s not saying much, I’ve had some very dull Tim Taylors in GBG pubs in recent years, I suspect more down to low volumes than the brewer.
The neat little tourist leaflet suggests 45 minutes to explore Keighley, which by coincidence is how much time I had before the train back to Shipley.
That was enough time to admire the pleasant cobbled streets that almost compensate for the drab shopping centres. To be fair, I remember spending a fortune on cheap sweets here a decade ago, so the shops can’t be all bad. There was also a nationally renowned Hi-Fi shop (The Den) with a vinyl collection worth travelling for, but even Sainsbury sell vinyl now.
The 43 minutes I had left were enough to revisit the Brown Cow, one of my better drinking decisions of recent weeks.
I fancied another Landlord here, but the Super Saver Sunday beer from Ashover was, as they say, selling like hotcakes at £2.40, and rather magnificently dry and tasty it was. NBSS 4, a rarity for me.
The pub is even better, with a micropub feel in a proper pub setting, reminiscent of Ossett’s best houses. That means it’s as good for reading your Tyke Taverner as it is for pointless conversation.
Folk of all ages and gender in proper seats, with proper beer mats, and proper chat about Tinker Bridge (?), Police Chiefs and other old codgers. It was BRAPA heaven, if you know what I mean. Someone even said “Ey-up“.
A young couple contemplated their options; go home to the beer in the fridge (probably Cloudwater DIPA v12) or stay for another pint of Golden Best. They made the right call.
Pale ale heaven. Erlanger Nick will love it, if he hasn’t been already.
I made the train with 22 seconds to spare. Not quite enough time for a half at the Boltmakers.
retiredmartin 
The Lord Rodney must win England’s prize for shortest pub to church door distance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unless anyone knows better 😊
LikeLike
That ‘s wonderful! Apparently the pub is older than the present church building. The Albion in St. Peter Port, Guernsey claims to be the closest pub to a church, but not necessarily door to door – by the looks of it the Lord Rodney has it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some people love a challenge like this, I have a short memory ! There was a pub in Old, Northants (of Knights of Old fame) that had one entrance pointing off 2 ways – with a pun about spirits/Spirit. I’ll dig it out.
LikeLike
Not quite a challenger but isn’t the Bell at Harborne on consecrated ground? As for choosing City over a session in the wonderful Boltmakers I’m shocked. Few greater pleasures than a long lunchtime there sharing the full TT range with good company. Sadly the excellence of Landlord here shows up the dreadful Landlord in most pubs. Never sure that it’s been a good idea for TT to let allcomers serve it.
LikeLike
Bell at Harborne new to me.
Agree on TT, same could be said of 6X, Bass,Pedigree, Adnams, even Doom Bar ! Perception of quality much reduced by being served a duff pint of a good beer in a poor pub.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never forgiven TT for dropping the porter
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Ring O’Bells in Kendal is on consecrated ground right next to the parish church. Slight walk door to door though. Thought this was the only such pub but maybe not!
LikeLike
The Kendal pub came to mind, always thought it was deconsecrated, so thanks for that.
LikeLike
Amazing how close these are. The Albion’s claim looks to be true.
LikeLike
Surely the crowning glory for your supergroup would have been the addition of Mollie Sugden?
LikeLike
This may alarm you Scott, but I had to look up who Mollie Sugden is (thought she may have mad amplifiers) but I can name all the members of Terrorvision’s pet cats.
LikeLike
Are any of them called Tiddles?
LikeLike
I am not allowed to divulge that information.
LikeLike
I must admit that Mollie Sugden’s Mad Amplifiers sounds like an excellent band.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet they’re on the Guardian stage at Latitude this year (private joke).
LikeLike
Re poorly served classics …I had a very good pint of 6X on Saturday at the Stretton Social Club (near the mighty Brewers). This season they have also had good Pedigree and Bass amongst others. Definitely worth a look if you’re in Burton…visitors welcome
LikeLike
Highly tempting. And yes, I’ve had and reported excellent Bass on occasions, but your average (often non-GBG pub has served some dull pints over the years.
LikeLike
If I may be as bold as to set you a question RM — I had a cracking night last night. It started with the offer of jug or hand pump for my Bass (the only real ale available) and ended with a thrilling football match nearby. Which pub? (I wasn’t at the Etihad.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Derby v Burton nil-nil sounds a classic; Station in Derby ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You win today’s star prize. A free lunchtime pint at the Duke of York in Elton.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You break in through the window, I’ll pour myself the pint
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s quite telling that Derby was the only place I could expect you to get Bass ;-( Good pint ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was much enjoyed by all (ages 18-60 of both genders). I should of course have tried a handpull and jug side by side. I had to held back from the woman behind me at the bar who complained that the Tribute was off and ONLY Bass was left.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Station is closing on 15th May. Current landlord moving to The Telegraph. No one wants to take.on The Station.
LikeLike
Which Ashover beer did you have? We’ve stayed there and I enjoyed several of their styles.
LikeLike
It looks like Rainbows End from the photo. Yes, Poets at Ashover very good. And a lovely bit of the Peaks.
LikeLike