retiredmartin

August 2024. Sheffield.

A few nights at “home” this last week, which sounds good but it means next-to-zero chance of exploring new places and pubs. Mrs RM wants to “tick” Budby, a mysterious hamlet not far away in Sherwood Forest;

it looks like the least-pubbed corner of the country. We shall see.

Last week I pondered the question “What’s new and exciting in Sheffield then, Retired Martin ?“. or more specifically “What’s gonna be in the next Beer Guide, then ?“.

I dunno, never go to CAMRA meetings, but at half nine on Wednesday I fancied a pint in a pub that ought to be in the GBG.

Up to the top of the hill,

and then down through the back streets of S6.

12 minutes, tops. But who takes the roads when you can run down the hill like Kate Bush ?

Yes, it was steep. No, it didn’t flatten out at the bottom. Somehow I stopped short inches short of destroying half of Hillsborough, looking unusually quiet before the start of the new football season.

The Beer House S6 gets a decent trade from the Owls fans, and has impressively maintained seven day opening since its launch a year ago, ticking over with a dozen in on a Wednesday.

(I’ve only just noticed that bloke outside).

It’s a modern beer bar that won’t be on Stafford Paul’s list, but the seating is “Proper” and there’s a mixed crowd of pint drinkers, drawn by the best cask range since, ooh, last week in the Harlequin.

Big Trip and Two by Two are becoming as ubiquitous in Sheff and Manchester as Kirkstall and Bristol Beer Factory were last year, and this time Big Trip just edges the battle for my cask murk affection.

My fifth pint at Beer House, ALL five NBSS 4 or better; perfect presentation, cool and rich.

Still, despite impeccable beer not my favourite Sheffield pub, but the clack of pool balls from down in the basement from half a dozen lads who march out in unison,

and a soundtrack of the deep cuts on “All Things Must Pass”

Who knew that track inspired Pete Wylie ! to start a band ?