THE GROVE AND OTHER HUDDERSFIELD PUBS

In 2011 the family and myself did the Transpennine Real Ale Trail, from Dewsbury to Huddersfield to Stalybridge and back,  Now Huddersfield Station is blessed with 2 pubs, The Kings Head and Head of Steam, both of which we visited.

So when I heard on the radio that the Transpennine Club 55 offer ( £19 anyway on their network) was about to end mid May  , a group of us decided on a trip to the town. We had done, York, Leeds and Manchester on the same route in previous years so it seemed the time was right. 

Clutching our  cheap tickets , we boarded an early train at Chester Le Street and Durham, and in less than two hours we were walking passed the statue of former PM Harold Wilson to the Cherry Tree. This was the only nearby pub open this early ( 10am) so a Wetherspoons breakfast was enjoyed, washing down by one of my favourite dark beers, Elland 1872 Porter. 

Also in the pub, on the lower floor, was a group of smartly dressed rugby players. When I passed them on the way to the gents, the one who looked like he was in charge said " right who wants anything but bitter ?" This reminded of the time when choice was limited ( mild or bitter?)

Now given that the pub had 10 handpulls on of varying styles, I thought it was strange thing to say. What was also strange was one of these big butch individuals, who you wouldn't argue with, said " no more Abbot for me, too strong !" - (Its 5%).

We found out later they were off on a mystery coach  trip and had no idea where they were going till they all boarded the coach. 

Briefly staying with the Rugby theme, after we left the Cherry Tree we passed a derelict hotel called the George, outside of which was a blue plaque, heralding the fact this was the birthplace of Rugby League. Didn't know that but we do now.

Our next pub, in the Good Beer Guide, was now open , so it was a short walk northwards, under the railway bridge to the Sportsman. Just outside the town centre, it was fairly quiet inside. As well as the main bar there were two side rooms, one of which had a curtain. So , hiding behind the curtain we enjoyed a pint and started doing a quiz one of us had brought out. I noticed this snug had the old style bell pushes ( inoperable).

WE ARE BEHIND THE CURTAIN !

By now we were observant enough to notice that The Sportsmans was not really sporty at all. No Telly's, Pool or Darts.  So as one of us wanted to watch his team (Man City) on the TV at 1230, we walked back towards the station to check out the Kings Head and Head of Steam, both now open. Sadly for the City supporter, but not for the rest of us, there were no TVs in either pub. 

Someone in the Kings Head recommended The County Hotel, near the bus station, so off he dashed with us in leisurely pursuit. Hanging outside the County was the strange sight of Christmas decorations - in May ?  

After the game and couple of drinks, I was keen to take the lads to a pub I have had recommended many times but never been ; The Grove. Situated on the other side of the town centre inner ring road and  about 10 minutes walk from the Crown, I was conscious of shouts of abuse from behind asking where the hell are we going !   

They immediately stopped the vitriol ( if that is the right word ) on entering. The pub has 19 ( nineteen) handpulls plus keg beers and a huge range of bottled beers. There were 2 rooms, a bar snug to the right and a larger lounge to the left . Part of the lounge led to a large outdoor area. What attracted us was the comfortable Chesterfield chairs and sofas. Great to sit down in but difficult to get out of. I can see why fellow CAMRA members treat this pub as a pilgrimage destination.

A huge blackboard listed all the beers, there was also a light hearted list of house rules and a period chart of beer styles. 

As I like dark beers, it was a no brainer to have  a Chocolate Stout from local brewer Mallinsons, and a very impressive Brass Castle Black  Russian at 7%., served in the pubs own personalised pint glasses. 

Direct trains back to Chester Le St. are only every 2 hours so we reluctantly extricated ourselves out of the comfy chairs and headed back towards the town centre for something to eat ( would you believe Macdonalds?)  then a last drink in either of the 2 station pubs. Both were heaving but we managed to secure a table at the better of the two, the Kings Head with its impressive range of 10 real ales. 

Not only were the pubs busy but the station platforms and the trains were heaving as well. From a quiet start to the day, where the hell had everyone come from ? It seemed Huddersfield comes alive at night. 

So the Grove is on my list of pubs to revisit sometime. With that much choice, don't need to go anywhere else in town.