retiredmartin

July 2026. Sheffield.

Foiled in my search for a can of tomato gose (though the Neptune Black Cherry Oatmeal Stout at Hop Hideout was superb), I took the tram back towards RM Towers, wondering if I should make a rare stop at the Welly.

At that precise moment, the tram ground to a halt at Shalesmoor (bus blocking the track on Infirmary Road) , right next to the front door.

Having declared it one of my favourite pubs in the world in 2024, it stands to reason I’ve only popped the 10 minutes down the hill twice a year to visit.

And that’s not because the beer isn’t great,

or that the pub remains a symphony in brown.

or even that I’m suddenly allergic to breweriana overload.

Perversely, it’s BECAUSE of the one pound (£1) cheese and onion cobs* that I was shocked to read are a bad choice, particularly paired (as they must be) with Pipers. Yes, it’s a dietary decision.

But, honestly, if there’s anything better than that cob and a pint of “experimental” Pale Ale in the sun, I’d struggle to remember it.

*sandwiches/barms/rolls/breadcakes etc etc