The journey from here to Penistone offered a choice of calling points but we plumped for Thurgoland and the Green Dragon. Under its current stewardship, the pub has really upped its game on both the beer and food fronts. The four real ales were Abbeydale Moonshine, Bradfield Farmers Blonde, Caledonian Autumn Red and Theakstons Old Peculier, with my drop of the first in superb nick. In the large zig-zag main bar, most tables were set for food though the area adjacent to the counter is more for justdrinkers. The semi-circular counter itself is very handsome. Left of the front door is a small room dominated by a pool table. We had a look at the menu and quickly agreed this was somewhere to return and eat. The choice is huge and includes separate grill, vegetarian and slimming menus – plus meal deals most days e.g. Curry and a Pint for £9.95 on Thursdays. When I looked on Trip Adviser, the last 16 reviews had all given the food five stars!
by landlady Gill. We also liked the screens showing old silent movies. There’s a separate restaurant area, with a mezzanine bookable for private parties, plus a big function room popular for weddings, parties etc. The bar food menu featured departures from just the usual with the likes of Beer Meatballs, Three Bean Chilli and Halloumi among the mains. Their Yorkshire Tapas sounds intriguing – it includes Bread & Dripping and Toad Int’Oil. The set price lunch looks good value so another place to try. An enjoyable second outing then with all pubs providing well-kept beer and, very importantly, a consistently great welcome. Plenty more places in the hat though. Paul Ainsworth
“IT’S NOT ROCK ‘N’ ROLL, BUT I LIKE IT”
Finally, into Penistone where the real ale choice is sadly limited for a place of its size. However, at the bottom of the hill near the A628 junction is the White Heart, also home to the Penistone Brewery. Two of their beers were on the counter but the Damson Blonde had just finished so I settled for Ambers Brew, a well-balanced ‘brown bitter’. Acorn Malthouse was on the third pump. Whereas the other three pubs had all been traditional in their décor, the White Heart is unashamedly contemporary and pulls it off in some style. Walls are boldly black and white, the furniture is quirky and varied (with some great lozicky options) and there are original art works
One Day Like This
Rock ‘n’ Roll Star
Not Nineteen Forever
January – February
March – April
May – June
Ever Fallen in Love
True Faith
PLUM PUDDING
July – August
September – Mid November
Welcome Inside Barnsley CAMRA’s BAR - Page 9