September 2026. Leeds.
An intesting collection of new Beer Guide entries in West Yorkshire;
not much in the cities themselves, but you’ll need to change at Leeds station to get to Todmorden, and Morley, Harrogate et al.
I could have walked to Headingley’s new Spoons from the main station, but Rockin Rich was going on about it being uphill or something so I’d settled on the train to Burley Park for no extra fare.
22 minutes between trains is just time enough to confirm that, no, they still haven’t finished the new station concourse.
So I can just about see the words Ind Coope through that fencing,
but actually getting to the Scarbrough (one “o”) is trickier than finding a Leeds fan who’ll admit that Astle goal in ’71 was onside.
I’m a big fan of the Scarbs, despite the lack of Tets and the Nicholson branding. Beyond the heritage it’s a cosy place with comfy benches, without any pretension.
It’s lunchtime, the trade is groups of gentlefolk tucking into their fish finger sandwich and pint glass of wine for £10.25 offer, so I don’t actually see much cask being pulled.
But time and again the proof is in the drinking, and the bellwether Black Sheep is, once it settles, an spectacularly bitter pint (VERY GOOD).
Just for Rich, a memento from the year Leeds last won the cup.
A proper shirt back then, Rich.
Sadly, not just the last time Leeds won the FA Cup, the only time, plus the last time we won a competitive game at Wembley too (Charity shield is classed as a friendly, apparently) .
The uphill bit was the tail end of the Burley Park station to Golden Beam walk, by Google maps quickest route.
I was quite out of breath when I got there the other week, but being well prepared, had already ordered 2 pints of Kirkstalls 3 swords to my mates table, ready for my arrival, which cut my thirst down to manageable size double quick.
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Has Black Sheep Bitter replaced Doom Bar in your affections?
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If they had VAR in ’71 they would still be umming and aahing over a decision.
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