August 2024. Sheffield.
Another day, another new pub (re)opening in Sheffield, as the Harlequin bounces back from the departure of Liz.
I’ve just read some beer folk claim the Harlequin is a bit of a slog from the Kelham Island circuit;
folks, it takes six (6) minutes walk from the Fat Cat and KIT across the Don and its Impatiens Glandulifera.
And for the more Impatiens of us (looking at you Stafford Paul) who regard pedestrian crossings as an affectation, I reckon 4 minutes will do it.
A tidy-up over the last couple of months, but the big draw here is the beer range from the team who run the Rutland and the Crow, two of the UK’s top pubs.
I reckon even Paul would enjoy the cask.
Almasty, Two by Two and Sureshot on cask. That’s the way to start.
All pointless unless the pub feels like a pub, of course. I read “new landlords Chris Bamford and Kate Major promising that inclusivity and creating a safe space is going to be a big part of the ethos”, though in honesty I’d always found the ‘Quin under Liz incredibly welcoming.
On (re)opening weekend the Harlequin had the most diverse, inclusive feel I’ve ever known in a pub. And I’ve been to Builth Wells on a Thursday. In consequence (or am I going soft ?) no intrusive pics, just the highlight from an eclectic soundtrack;
Not many lone drinkers, mainly groups of mates, and despite the heat plenty enough cask to help the Almasty to 3.5 and that Two by Two Pale (perhaps my current favourite beer) to a 4.
Three mysteries.
A chap referenced “the first punk band from seventy-six“. Who was that ? Fiddlers Dram ?
The barman broke a glass; no-one cheered. What is wrong with Millennials ?
And what on earth is that on the table occupied by the well-dressed gent with the Mary Poppins stick.
A triumph, and even better once they do food.
retiredmartin 
I would like beer please, not orange juice.
I’m not even CAMRA but that looks terrible
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You sound like my wife “I like my beer to taste like beer”. Get with the kidz, Daddio.
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I’d like a proper US President, Spinko, not Orange Deuce
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A cosmetics mirror?
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“Pedestrian crossings as an affectation” – well they wouldn’t be needed if motorists weren’t so impatient.
“I reckon even Paul would enjoy the cask” – yes, I might even have difficulty deciding between two of them. I did alright for beer yesterday – GK IPA, Wainwright Amber, Pedigree, Landlord, Bass, Bass, Bass.
‘2-4-6-8 Motorway’ reminds me that that song was by Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon’s favourite band. Not many people know that.
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The 20 mph speed limit has I think, been a marvel in London and Cardiff alike for both drivers and pedestrians. And I write as a driver with a million miles behind me.
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Etu,
Yes “twenty’s plenty” – just as “one beer is plenty” in so many pubs nowadays.
But I write as a driver with only about 156,000 miles behind me, 90% of them at work.
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Most of my miles were work too Paul.
Re your last para above, no I didn’t know that. And it’s a hoot 😆
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“All pointless unless the pub feels like a pub, of course. I read “new landlords Chris Bamford and Kate Major promising that inclusivity and creating a safe space is going to be a big part of the ethos”, though in honesty I’d always found the ‘Quin under Liz incredibly welcoming.”
Liz made a few anti-transgender comments back in 2019, so she’s not particularly popular with a lot of people.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/sheffield-hallam-general-election-race-2019/
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Didn’t know that, sorry, always found the pub very welcoming personally.
Harlequin was very diverse on opening weekend, hope the trade stays.
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