Something's BREWING IN
Doncaster
Sheila North Normally I don’t drink and write, but when you’re researching an article about a pub which brews its own, so, well, it had to be done. I chose a half of Pumpkin Porter: a dark, strong beauty of a beer that was Doncaster Brewery & Tap’s Ian Blaylock’s attempt to reproduce a slice of “pumpkin pie … in a glass”. And what a lovely beer it is. With a choice of nuts, pickled eggs, and crisps among the bar snacks, I chose a bag of Piper’s black pepper and sea salt crisps, then settled back to enjoy my beer, and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Located on Young Street where the Waterdale meets town centre, the Tap opened its doors just over three years ago, in January 2013. “We have no designs to take over the world, we just want to be able to cover our expenses, and be happy doing what we do,” says Ian, who along with wife Alison runs the Brewery & Tap. Whilst Alison tends to be front of house, Ian concentrates on the brewing, which takes place in the room just behind the bar.
8
Ian describes the Tap as: “somewhat as a niche”, producing traditional cask ale, as well as selling traditional cider, as well as a wine list. The Tap also sells foreign bottled beers, thus catering for groups where one of the drinkers doesn’t fancy the sort of beers which Ian brews. I chatted to Ian on a Sunday, when the now traditional cheese board, pork pie and pickle spread was on offer to those wanting some snap to go with their end-of-the-week pints. The selection of cheeses were from Neil’s Cheeseboard, at nearby Donny market, whilst the pies and sausage rolls were from Darren’s Family Butchers, on Thorne Road. I first went to the Tap for the monthly Well Spoken! events, which provide an open mic for local writers, as well as guest poets. Since then, I’ve been for several other writing related events, as well as at least three concerts, and a craft fair, where I had the pleasure of singing along to John Denver’s Country Roads in a packed room over a Donny pub, 40 years and thousands of miles from where I first heard it.
Another regular feature at the Brewery & Tap is the monthly Phantom Cinema, which caters for local film buffs, and is moving from its previous Friday night spot to Thursdays. Among the more unusual events to take place at the pub so far are an electrical trade show in the Upstairs Room, and a table dancer who performed a rather lively “Northeastern Bolero girls’ night out” as part of Right Up Our Street’s DNweekeND. I’m probably one of many in town whose first visit to the Tap was for an event, and who then stayed for the beer, cider, wine, and the pleasure of a pub where – provided there isn’t a turn on – you can actually have a conversation, and be assured of a genuine welcome. And, of course, a quality selection of drink. Ian ensures that the Tap always has six of his beers on. Those half dozen beers range from a strong dark stout or porter, to a bitter, and a pale ale. In addition, there are usually six ciders as well. Though not normally a cider drinker, a few months back I had a pint of the wonderfully named – and tasting - Thrown Hat: an experience which could