So with number 50 boxed off at the weekend, it was on to Huddersfield for a Tuesday night League 1 clash. After an excruciatingly slow train ride which seemed to stop at every village, hamlet, farmhouse and bus shelter between Sheffield and Huddersfield, we arrived. Due to the limited amount of time we had for ale consumption, I'd come prepared with a handy map: http://huddscamra.org.uk/local/local-pub-maps/
First off was the Head of Steam, which is part of the station.
As you would expect, it was full of railway paraphernalia: various signs, maps and few rail tickets including a few of the European rail ones (the reason why you're wearing a nice pair of Adidas on your feet). The ale was decent as well, I had one from Marston Moor called Cromwell. It wasn't what I asked for but it still slipped down pretty sharpish after the aforementioned train ride.
After a quick scan of the map it was off to The Grove.
This was well worth a visit, a great selection on offer - I plumped for a Darkstar American Pale Ale, and it was very nice indeed. Along with their Hophead, the American Pale has to be one of my favourite ales, top marks Darkstar.
There was also a very 'interesting' selection of bar snacks available. Now you may be thinking some Canadian Ham Seabrook, or maybe even some Cheese Moments. You would be wrong. On the bar snacks menu there were crickets (available in 3 flavours, including salt and vinegar) and larvae (also available in 3 flavours). It should be pointed out that both were served dead - I'd imagine trying to nibble on a plate of live crickets after a few would be quite a tricky business. I opted for a slightly less adventurous (but no less tasty) packet of South African Peri-Peri Biltong, which was basically dried/cured beef, very agreeable.
I also spotted this in The Grove - oof!
So after the excitement of The Grove we moved on to the highly recommended Rat & Ratchet (fellow suppers/Blades Remi and Gaz can be seen lingering in the doorway).
We were greeted with another wide selection - I went for Mallinsons Fox House as a nod to Sheffield & District. The ale was as wonderful as Sheffield itself, they also had a pinball machine which I gave a good working over, pinball wizard etc.
We had just enough time to make an appearance at The Sportsman before kick off.
I had a pint of Avalanche from the aptly named 'Fine Ales Brewery', and a fine ale it was too. The interior had a bit of an Art Deco feel to it as can be seen from the photo of the bar below (which Remi - twitter name: daremstar, also managed to get himself in).
A good little tour then, made all the sweeter by exiting with 3 points in our collective back pocket. Current count is 54 which is still slightly ahead, hopefully will be hitting the 100 mark around the end of March. Might do an update after the Derby Day extravaganza depending on what happens - UTB, keep on suppin'.
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