Sir Norman Rae, Shipley

One of the least appetising of the Wetherspoon/Lloyds No1 chain. The availability of real ale is very hit and miss, and the quality is often poor.

On asaturday morning recently, I was pleased to see 4 taps still had their pumpclips facing forward. Having ordered a stout, I got a pale brown beer (probably Grainstore Ten Fifty, and drinkable). When I pointed out to the sole barmaid that it was possible the lines were connected to the wrong casks, She stared at me insolently and said something unintelligible. The 'duty manager' appeared only after 10 minutes to tell me that the barmaid doesn't speak much English. No time left for me to wait whilst this 'manager' lokked at the casks - this was 2 hours AFTER they had opened!

The no-smoking area has been extended. There is nothing to stop the smoke entering it however, and neither the smoke nor the smokers obey the signs.

3 Feb 2006 15:17

Arcadia Ale and Wine Bar, Headingley

By far the best alehouse before/after the rugby or cricket.

2 Feb 2006 19:09

The Brown Cow, Keighley

This pub goes from strength to strength. There are now two guest real ales, alongside four Timothy Taylor's beers.

2 Feb 2006 19:03