Rat and Ratchet  

The Rat is a haven for real ale in Huddersfield. Set just outside the ring road at the North of the city on the A616, the Rat has a welcoming feel to it.

You enter up steps and down a short corridor through two doors into the open bar area. Here you will see the bar to your left - watch out as you step down from the wood floor to the bar area floor as there is a small step. I'm sure there was a sign, but I didn't see it myself.

The bar is set against the wall which liberates lots of standing room by the bar, though there are a few stools to sit at if you wish. Here you will also find the beer board with its long list of real ales available. Of course at least four of these will be from the Ossett brewery. All beers were well served, and although a sparkler is used, you could ask for it to be taken off.

To the left of the bar as you face it is a seating area by the front window. If you are early you might get the comfy 'leather' style chair. There are round tables here and some stools and other seating.

As you move away from the bar towards the toilets at the back, there is a no smoking room to the left - up some steps unfortunately. Here you will find velour padded bench seating with a mixture of tables and chairs. To the right is another seating area with steps again. This split level area has more padded bench seating with round and sqaure tables. It can appear a little gloomy here, but can also be seen as cosy. The light level is less here as even further up (steps) is a seating area by the window. This has been separated from the other area by telegraph pole entrance pillars and a partion open from half way up. The flooring in both these areas is wood and there is a brick inlaid partition into the first area from the bar. It all adds to the feeling of differentiated areas and intimacy.

Food is served here at lunchtimes from Wednesday to Saturday and is all made to order. It is wholesome and filling and very good value for money - backed potato plus filling £1.95 at time of this visit in 2007.

Decor throughout is salmon pink walls with old framed posters of Belgian beers. I forgot to mention that they also serve Belgian/continental beers here. Check out the list by the bar on the wall.

Background music is audible at lunchtimes, though not tested in the evening.

Staff are friendly and helpful.

This pub is definately worth a visit if you are in Huddersfield.

Comments
 

The Rat and Ratchet is a brew-pub which serves only itself and the occasional festival. Situated just outside the ring road it is close to the university and the New St shopping area.

Another corner building, it has steps on entrance and the inside is raised. Done out in dark wood - floors, seating, tables, bar, etc - it is a cosy pub as it has booths and private spaces to sit and natter. There are several drinking areas plus a dartboard and breweriana.

Serving up to 14 beers it is a bit of a mecca in these parts, though the opening hours can often catch visitors out.

Food is served during the weekday lunchtimes Wednesday to Saturday.

Also try: Head of Steam (rail station). Star Inn, Albert Street.


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