SHIPLEY.

A good place to find real ale in the Bradford area. It is just North of the city and close to Saltaire railway station off the A657 - opposite direction to Leeds. The pub is quite small inside, though you wouldn't think so for all the barrels outside. There is a step, so no good for the disabled. Once inside you face the bar and the space is limited. The small bar has an overhang and is covered with (hand) pumps. There are two good regulars from Taylor's plus up to four guest ales - Phoenix and Cropton amongst them this time. All are served with a tight sparkler and come in 'short' measures from where I come from. They are happy, if bemused, to take the sparkler off. The seating here in the bar area is at a couple of round tables with chairs on a bare wooden floor. There is more seating in the back bar which is srved by the same 'U' shaped bar. It is darker in here and the seating is much the same. The decor is local with pictures and posters and old metal signs all over - note the piano. There is also a real fire for winter. There is another seating area upstairs for when it get really busy. Prices are keen and make a mockery of Southern ones. They also do draught foreign beers and crisps but no food or accommodation here.

Another good pub in Shipley area formally known as the Beehive Hotel. It used to be a Hammonds pub when it was built in 1870, but they have long gone, although some of their presence can still be seen. The two rooms are served by a single bar and there are two or three guest ales depending on which day you attend. Look out for the stained glass in the lounge and the wood panelling. If you fancy pool then there is a table in a split level room along with darts and seating. The bar is semi-circular and worth a look at as this is not a popular configuration. Food is served here and is all home-made, but you can only get it on weekdays I'm afraid. For the knowledgeable amongst you a quiz is held on Thursdays.