twobeergeeks` Top 10 Pubs in Sheffield of 2017

Here we go again! Now then, our list is a dynamic one, subject to change, and it is the best fit for us two; although most of our opinions are pretty closely matched, there are one or two places that divide our opinion a little. The top four were pretty straight forward although exact positions were tough whereas MANY great pubs could have fallen into positions 6 through 10 but we had to choose. We cogitated and contemplated upon beer quality and selection firstly, and then the pub itself and service provided. Our scoring system is not set in stone because those three selection criteria can vary in importance so we have additional points available for whatever takes our fancy:-

1. Shakespeares (UP 1!) - Reclaims its spot at the top. Great events, consistent quality ale at Sheff-friendly prices and strong new leadership now established. Well done all!

best value beer AND food!

2= The Devonshire Cat (UP 8!) & Rutland Arms (New in Top 10)! - Both MASSIVELY improved with amazing beer (and food!) and some inventive events (Black Friday, DinoSour, etc.). Both are also similar in that the interiors are real opinion dividers and the quality of service can vary vastly.

4.  The Beer Engine (DOWN 3) - Not as consistent as some for ale quality (staff changes?) but still a great spot for the discerning drinker. We love it.

5. The Sheaf View (DOWN 1) - Super reliable. The pub for all people in all seasons.

6. The White Lion  (DOWN 1) - Beautiful boozer now featuring the country`s best management team, Jon and Mandy. Fact.



Punching above its weight?!

7. The Beer House (UP 1) - cosy, comfy, friendly and with an ever-improving ale selection.

8. The Wellington (NEW!) - what a transformation on Shalesmoor! Beautiful considered refurb with plenty of tasty beer, always including Neepsend`s newest offerings. Great work.

9. The Broadfield (NEW!) - returns to our favourite ten on the back off the always attentive staff, lush interior and a strong year on the beer front. Truly TN`s best boozer.

Abbeydale gem

10. The Old Workshop (NEW!) - what an outstanding addition to our city`s drinking scene Great to see Jason Kerr given his wings here and the future looks bright. Think quality keg, neat nibbles and a tune or two in uber stylish surroundings.

(NEW! = New place in our top 10.)                              2015 list HERE

So, two of the Birkett portfolio in our selection but none from Thornbridge this time. For what it`s worth, we reckon that there are a lot of lurkers, pubs very close to being outstanding, and there a clutch of newcomers like Guzzle, Ale Club, PUBLIC, etc that are certainly ones to watch. Also the usual footnote that we tend to drink in South West Sheff plus the city centre with occasional wander to the Kelham Island area so there are a few contenders that we rarely visit TBH. Shout up and we`ll endeavour to visit soon!

NB - As per 2015 & 2016, especial mentions to Dronfield`s double diamonds - The Coach & Horses and the Dronfield Arms. Both would have maybe been top 10 if not for their cross-border location. That is all. Peace. Mike `n` Danny x

For our ALT AWARDS HERE!
             BREWERY OF 2017 HERE!

twobeergeeks` Awards 2017

Every year we produce a list of our top 10 pubs and that takes a lot of thought during the course of the year. We also do a brewery of the year and it was easy to pick Abbeydale this year. However, we thought that we would do something a little different for 2017 in an effort to recognise some of the good things going on out there in the public houses of the Steel City which might not always be reflected in a simple Top Ten 10. So here are our `alt-awards`, some with split decisions......

Best Bottle Shop - HOP HIDEOUT (Mike)

                            - BEER CENTRAL (Danny)

 

Best Micro-Pub - THE BEER HOUSE (Unanimous!)

 

Best Thornbridge Pub - THE GREYSTONES (Danny)

                                     - THE COACH & HORSES (Mike)

 

Best True North Pub - THE BROADFIELD (Unanimous!)

The Beautiful Broady

Best Beer Garden - CRICKET INN (Mike)

                              - BROTHERS` ARMS (Danny)

 

The Cricket is essential in nice weather

Best Pub Art - THE BEER ENGINE (Unanimous!)

Art lies therein

Best Music Pub - PICTURE HOUSE SOCIAL (Mike)

                           - WHITE LION (Danny)

 

Best `out of town` pub - COACH & HORSES (Mike)

                                     - DRONFIELD ARMS (Danny)

 

Beer + Football = YES!

Best Community Pub - WHITE LION (Unanimous!)

All agree?! Tell us if we are wrong!

There were a few other categories that we couldn`t agree on (for example, we couldn`t split Ruttie and Shakies for Best Events Pub) and the 2BG Top 10 pubs is imminent! Watch this space!!!!

twobeergeeks` Brewery of the Year 2017

 

Last year we could not agree on a winner in this category so Danny went for Hopjacker whilst I opted for Lost Industry, both local, up and coming breweries. 2015 was Neepsend and the year before was Magic Rock. This year it was easy!

Our selection for 2017 is Abbeydale Brewery! What a transformation down in S8! With 20 plus years of experience providing beer for the Steel City, Abbeydale deservedly had a reputation for reliable real ales with Moonshine often seen in dozens of establishments around the city and a core range that are popular around the country. Balanced beers with a light, hoppy profile are suppable but rarely a challenge to the fussier palettes. However, Abbeydale`s 21st year has heralded a rebirth. With the snazzy artwork of James D. Murphy catching the eye, the Brewers` Emporium range offer something different in can, cask or keg. Sure, some of the beers don`t quite hit the spot but plenty of them do. The barrel-aged Brett Tangerine is outstanding. And is there a better value beer than Heathen, which you can grab a can of for less than two and a half quid!? We have loved the Voyager range too and Unbeliever impressed us both massively whilst the darker brews have potential aplenty.

potential!

Funk Dungeon is the experimental arm of Abbeydale and it is the brainchild of brewer Jim Rangeley, he took a break from his hectic schedule to speak to us, exclusively! ..............

Q.1 - Proudest achievements at Abbeydale?
 This year I passed my General Certificate in Brewing and will be encouraged to study more in the new year by the owners here at Abbeydale.

Also I am really pleased with the barrel-ageing and mixed fermentation project I have started: the Funk Dungeon. While these projects take years to get established and grow, they have to start somewhere, so being able to start this from scratch and push into a direction that is personally interesting and unchartered territory for the brewery, is really exciting!

 

Q.2 - Plans afoot at Abbeydale 2018?

We hope as a brewery to expand our canned beer range. This way we can produce exciting beers more often in small pack and distribute them further afield. In addition, we have a number of events that we are looking forward to early in the new year and hope to keep this going throughout 2018. 

Q.3 - What`s going to be the next trend in beer?

 This year we have seen many breweries investing in ageing programs here in the UK and, as we start going into the new year, we will see more of them coming to fruition so I expect aged sour beers as well as some more kettle sours. The DDH (double dry-hopped) and NEIPA (New England IPA), I think we`ll also continue to see a rise but possibly be tailing off towards the end of the year. Although what will replace it remains to be seen, possibly fruit IPAs?

 

Cheers Jim!

 

Some of the specials have been, err, special too. We both encountered Cold Conscience (a collaboration with the Alvarez Kings) at the Rutland and loved it whilst Encantada didn`t quite do it for us.



Ar Wilson not enchanted by Encantada

Are there hops in hell (with Blue Bee) and Don`t go Bacon My Heart (an Ass Clown collab) were very brave and indicative of the risks that Abbeydale are now prepared to take, and risks can reap rewards. And all this whilst retaining their massive following who prefer to opt for the more traditional offerings from Abbeydale`s core range. Quite a feat. phew. Hats off to Abbeydale!!!
In case you missed them! -
2016 Winner
2015 Winner

twobeergeeks` A - Z of Breweries (Part 2)

So remember, here`s the deal. A simple pub game. Take it in turns to name a brewery as you go through the alphabet. Now this might be too easy for our level of beer geekery so the brewery needs to be as local to Sheff city as is possible and we`ve attempted to add a kenning type thing to each entry to explain our perception of that brewery. Try the game with maybe a point for each one and an extra for a brewery from within the Republic. Drink while you think, if you be a student. No googling! Simple? Read on:-

N - NEEPSEND (Prolific providers)

O - ON THE EDGE (Artistic artisan)

A Broadfield beer

P - PICTISH (Former faves)

Q - give a clue Q!?

R - REGATHER (Cooperative crew)

S - STEEL CITY (Politically puntastic)

Triple treats

T - TRUE NORTH (Prettiest pubs)

U -

V - VOCATION (Veritable value)

W - WELBECK ABBEY (Traditional trends)

X -

Y -

Z -

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - - - - PART 1 HERE!!!

So , a few letters missing. Embarrassing. Let us know what we have missed, LocAle if possible and respect if you can resist the urge to Google (no `phones in this quiz!).

twobeergeeks` Breweries A to Z (Part 1)

So, here`s the deal. A simple pub game. Take it in turns to name a brewery as you go through the alphabet. Now this might be too easy for our level of beer geekery so the brewery needs to be as local to Sheff city as is possible and we`ve attempted to add a kenning type thing to each entry to explain our perception of that brewery .No googling! Simple? Read on:-

A- ABBEYDALE (Scene stalwarts)

B - BUXTON (Hilltop heavyweights)

 

Deep DIPA

B - BRADFIELD & BLUE BEE (Lots Localler)

C - CLOUDWATER (Murky Mancunians)

D - DRONE VALLEY (Unsung Unstonians)

E - EXIT 33 - (Happy hoppers)
      EMMANUALES - (Ecclesiastic undertones)

F - FUGGLE BUNNY (Malt meisters)

G - GLENTWORTH (Expired excellence)

H - HOPJACKER (Honest hoppiness)

Unfined, you think?

I - IMPERIAL (Mexborough masters)

J - JEEVES (Barnsley business) (We know, a `G` in reality!)

K - KELHAM ISLAND (Founding fathers)

L - LOST INDUSTRY (Smashing sours)
      LITTLE CRITTERS (Ale ambassadors)

M - MAGIC ROCK / MALLINSONS (Hudds Heroes)

Only Human

Phew! Half way there.
Let us know if we have missed any so far; it`s highly likely. And wish us luck with the next 13....
*Thanks @Kate `n` Pete for amendments suggestions! x

Abbeydale - Unbeliever #3.2 & Salvation #5

So, way back at the start of 2017 we told you to expect great things from our local heroes and Abbeydale have delivered again! Two years ago, you knew what to expect the S8 stalwarts, (20 years established), but now you know that you must expect the unexpected. The recruitment of young, enthusiastic brewers has been key in the evolution down on Aizlewood Road; they seem to have recruited a team of passionate artisans who take pride in researching their art, taking risks and pushing boundaries.

Keg it. A new era for Abbeydale

Snazzy artwork and canned wares hinted at a reyt revolution at Abbeydale and the latest embodiments of this ideal have appeared this week in instalments entitled `Unbeliever` and `Salvation`, both developments of previous small batch brews.

Salvation #5 is a coffee and donut stout which weighs in at a healthy enough 5.8% ABV. I supped it straight from the fridge and so mebbe didn`t allow the flavours to fully develop but it was tasty enough nonetheless. I think a `donut` is an American version of a `doughnut` so, no doubt, bigger and possibly cheaper and in this case I believed it to be of the custard variety. The coffee here is fairly subtle with a gentle yet lasting bitterness whilst the vanilla is prominent and the coconut is a subtle background addition, Thankfully, this is not a super sweet stout but rather a drinkable dark delight. Decent, definitely, and local inspirations Roastology and Forge Bakehouse duly credited.

A super steady stout

Meanwhile . . . . .

Unbeliever  #3.2 is a 5.3% dry-hopped sorachi sour. Personally, I am in the minority of folk who think that Sorachi is hardly an ace in the pack of sexy ingredients but herein it is an clearly royalty, at worst, in any hop pack. The `small batch brewers` emporium` must be chuffed to bits with this beauty; the body is an alluring lemony haze with an off-white head with sufficient carbonation to bring the aromatics into early prominence. Unbeliever is errr, unbelievably drinkable and does enough to satisfy hop heads and sour sadists in equal measure. This is certainly one of the better hoppy sours that I have had the pleasure of encountering. Hats off to Abbeydale. Encore!

WE TOLD YOU SO HERE!

Django (Thai Pale Ale) by Thornbridge Brewery & Ed Cosens

Collaborations between breweries and rock stars are ten-a-penny these days and most of them are worth little more but Ed Cosens out of Reverend and the Makers is better than that. Django is the fifth beer that the guitarist has produced with the Thornbridge team at Bakewell and one of the most adventurous beers that either have released to date.

This time we're talking about a 4.5% thai pale ale flavoured with lemongrass and kaffir lime which is hopped with goldings. We missed the beer first time around, which is a shame, because Django  (named in reference to Jazz-man-ledge Django Reinhardt, duh!) is a zesty number, ideal for sunshine supping; not quite the same in September on Derbyshire Lane in the Cross Scythes' beer garden but very drinkable nevertheless. Don't be deceived by the rather thin-looking body of this beer because there is plenty of that fresh, crisp Thai taste herein and the flavours balance really nicely.

 

As good as Guthrie?

 

It does remind me of the Wild crowdfunding one I had at the Coach & Horses more than other Thai-flavoured ones like Elusive`s Tom Yam Wit:  Django is quaffable, moreish, not a `one and done` type of ale. I hope Thornbridge consider adding this one to their impressive range of bottled wares.

 

Here`s what Ed had to say, He is clearly a man of taste:-

 

What was your first drinking experience?

ABOUT 9 or 10 I USED TO HAVE A CHEEKY SWIG OF MY DADS CAN OF STONES WHILST HE WAS GARDENING! FIRST PROPER DRINKING EXP. WAS A NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AT MY PARENTS HOUSE AT ABOUT 14 WHEN ME AND A MATE SNUCK IN A 1/4 BOTTLE OF VODKA AND ORANGE JUICE TO MY BEDROOM. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT DIDN'T END WELL!!

Red or white?

RED. WITH A REALLY GOOD STILTON!

Spirits?

A QUALITY RUM, APPLETON ESTATE OR AN AGED HAVANA. LOVE A NICE AMARETTO ON ICE NIGHTCAP. 

Is thai food your err, tipple then?

I LOVE THAI FOOD. ITS SO FRESH AND HEALTHY TASTING. THE FOOD WE HAD IN THAILAND WHEN RECORDING THE NEW REVEREND AND THE MAKERS ALBUM WAS NEXT LEVEL. FRESHLY PREPARED EACH DAY BY A CHEF AT THE STUDIO. PROPER AUTHENTIC!

A guilty musical pleasure?

I DON'T KNOW HOW GUILTY I FEEL ABOUT IT BUT I LOVE AC/DC! PROPER NO NONSENSE ROCK AND ROLL! 

When did you start homebrewing? Any epic fails?

STARTED ABOUT 4/5 YEARS AGO WHEN I ENTERED THE HOMEBREW CHALLENGE. IT WAS ALL PREP FOR WHAT BECAME THE VERY FIRST REV SUMMER ALE WITH THORNBRIDGE. FIRST HOMEBREW WAS AN EXCELLENT PALE ALE IF I REMEMBER RIGHTLY! POSSIBLY BEGINNER`S LUCK, BUT I'VE DONE A FEW NICE ONES. HOWEVER I ONCE TRIED TO DO A DUNKEL FOR SOME REASON WHICH DIDNT FERMENT PROPERLY AND ENDED UP AS A PRETTY SWEET, DARK GLOOP!

How did the Thornbridge hook-up happen?

I HAD A BIT OF DOWNTIME WITH THE BAND AROUND 2010 AND WENT TO WORK FOR THEM BEHIND THE BAR AT THE GREYSTONES PUB. LOVED IT. MET SIMON WEBSTER AND THEN WHEN THE BAND FIRED UP AGAIN HE APPROACHED ME ABOUT DOING A BEER COLLAB. I JUMPED AT THE CHANCE AND THE REST IS HISTORY!

Fave pubs? Best Thornbridge pub?

TO BE FAIR I LIKE MOST THORNBRIDGE PUBS, THOUGH I DO PARTICULARILY LIKE THE HALLAMSHIRE HOUSE AND ALSO THE BATH HOTEL. THE LATTER RETAINS THAT PROPER OLD PUB VIBE WHICH IS GREAT. I WAS A BIG FAN OF THE SHEAF VIEW AT HEELEY BACK IN THE DAY ALTHOUGH SINCE KIDS ARRIVED I HAVEN'T FOUND MYSELF OVER THERE MUCH OF LATE!

`Proper old pub`. tick.

Best bar staff?

THE MAIN MAN ALEX AT THE STAGS HEAD ON PSALTER LANE IS A JOLLY NICE CHAP AND IS ALWAYS INTERESTED IN WHAT I'M UP TO BEER WISE AND MUSICALLY, AND I CAN'T NOT MENTION JAMES AT THE COACH AND HORSES IN DRONFIELD. HE WAS BAR MANAGER AT DADA ON TRIPPET LANE BACK WHEN I USED TO RUN A FUNK AND SOUL NIGHT CALLED DEFUNKT. WE HAD A LAUGH!

Best drinking cities?

SHEFFIELD OBVS! MUNICH AS GOOD SECOND. AMAZING PLACE TO CONSUME BEER. 

Any other bands big on the `craft` ale stuff?

THERES DEFINITELY BEEN A FEW BANDS NOW WITH THEIR OWN BEER. IRON MAIDEN MAKE A RIGHT KILLING WITH THEIR TROOPER BEER, ALTHOUGH I CAN'T SAY I'M A FAN! THE QUESTION FOR ME WHEN I SEE BANDS RELEASING BEERS IS HOW MUCH INVOLVEMENT HAVE THEY HAD WITH IT? OR HAVE THEY JUST SLAPPED THEIR NAME ON IT? BIG UPS TO THOSE WHO DO GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY. 

nice (label)

Best gig city?

MUCH AS IT PAINS ME TO SAY BUT WE'VE ALWAYS HAD AMAZING GIGS IN MANCHESTER. GLASGOW TOO. SHEFFIELD IS OK BUT THOSE HOMETOWN SHOWS ARE ALWAYS A BIT CRAZY AND I DON'T THINK YOU EVER PROPERLY ENJOY THEM IN THE SAME WAY.
 

 Any daft drinking stories / dodgy places you`ve supped?

 

LOTS OF DAFT DRINKING STORIES, BUT PROBABLY NONE I CAN MENTION HERE. WE USED TO GET UP TO ALL SORTS AS YOUNG LADS OUT ON THE TOWN! DEFO BEEN IN A FEW DODGY PLACES, BACK BEFORE REVEREND DAYS I USED TO BE IN BANDS WITH MATES FROM SCHOOL AND WE USED TO GO AND PLAY IN ALL THE 'QUESTIONABLE' VILLAGE PUBS AROUND SHEFFIELD. IMAGINE ME AND MY PAL WALKING INTO A PROPER OLD MANS PUB WITH OUR GUITARS AND LONG HAIR AGED ABOUT 16. USED TO GET SOME RIGHT LOOKS AND SOME PRETTY GOOD HECKLES TOO! A FEW PINTS OF WARDS (RIP) WOULD SEE US THROUGH THOUGH!

Best beer, Thornbridge and other?

BEST THORNBRIDGE ALE HAS ALWAYS BEEN CHIRON FOR ME. ALTHOUGH RECENTLY I THOUGHT HUCK WAS EXCELLENT, AND GUTHRIE, ALTHOUGH I'M A BIT BIASED ON THAT ONE. I REALLY LOVE MAGIC ROCK GRAPEFRUIT HIREWIRE AND ALSO ELVIS JUICE BY BREWDOG IS GREAT. I'M INTO THOSE BIG HOPPED FRUITY ALES. 

LOVE Guthrie

Top hop?

TOP HOP, ITS A BIT OF AN OBVIOUS CHOICE BUT I THINK CASCADE IS JUST AMAZING AND HAS A LOT TO ANSWER FOR! GALAXY AND CITRA ARE PRETTY AWESOME TOO. 

Is the latest R&tM LP the best yet?

I THINK SO! DIFFICULT TO BE SUBJECTIVE ABOUT THAT QUESTION BUT I THINK IN TERMS OF THE QUALITY AND CREATIVITY ITS DEFINITELY THE BEST. I FEEL LIKE WE ARE GETTING BETTER STILL WHICH IS A GOOD PLACE TO BE! AGEING NICELY LIKE A BARREL AGED STOUT! LOOKING FORWARD TO FINALLY GETTING IT OUT FOR PEOPLE TO HEAR!

 

Album "The Death of a King" is released on Sept 22nd and is available to pre order here:

https://rntm.lnk.to/TDOAK

Latest single (sung by ED! ) video is here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Noe6hpqDdCk

And Tour details and tickets here:

Oct 14th Garage - Glasgow

Oct 25th Electric Ballroom - London

Oct 27th O2 Academy - Sheffield 

Nov 4th Academy1 - Manchester

http://gigst.rs/RATM

AMERICAN BROWN REVIEW!