Heading to the Steel City

Sunday, finally a day of rest. I couldn’t sleep in, so I attended the church service at the Derby Cathedral (it was nice to worship in such a traditional setting, even if it wasn’t my tradition). I was looking forward to having a day that was low key. I had offered my companions a day of rest, an opportunity to explore on their own. But they were satisfied to hang out and follow me, the man with a plan. And my plan was to take the train to a different part of the UK. Sheffield was the birthplace of English steel, and the pubs were recommended by the late Michael Jackson, so I decided to check the place out.

So we took the train north, and a taxi to Kelham Island. They have a nice industrial museum there, but I came for the beer. So we stopped in at the Fat Cat pub (actually we camped out outside until it opened). The Fat Cat (http://www.thefatcat.co.uk/) is a free house that specialized in vegetarian cuisine, and serving Kelham Island beers. I got a ploughman’s and was treated to five different cheeses with bread and chutney. To wash it down, I was able to order several half pints. I had the Kelham Island Best Bitter, their Army Surplus Special (complete with the Wacky Races picture), and tried a couple of Saxon ciders. We hung out for a while, but right around the corner was the Kelham Island Tavern (which ironically doesn’t serve Kelham Island beers).

The Kelham Island Tavern (http://www.kelhamislandtavern.co.uk/) has been a long desired destination of mine ever since I started attending Synod Assembly in Rochester, NY. The Old Toad is the sister pub of the Kelham Island Tavern, and when I visit they have always bragged about their ties to Sheffield. And in 2010, this pub was named UK National Pub of the year by CAMRA. The beer selection was good, and I tried Thwaites Black Nutty. The people were fantastic. There was a club in the back practicing music, and some locals sitting nearby gave us some local tales. The food was limited, premade sandwiches and pork pies. But they had a crowd they were obviously there for the afternoon so they didn’t mind. It was a good experience, but we decided to head on back to the train station. Our new friends recommended us stopping at the Sheffield Tap, adjacent to the train station, so we headed there next.

The Sheffield Tap was a Thornbridge pub (http://www.thornbridgebrewery.co.uk/) , with a great selection of bottled beers. There line up was impressive, and we had plenty of time until our next train so I was ready to enjoy their selection. I tried the Wild Swan (described as a White Gold Pale Ale) and the Seaforth (English IPA), then the Lord Maples (Bitter) and the Saint Petersburg (Imperial Stout weighing in at 7.7% ABV). The beers were great, and my companions were able to kick back and relax (not too much Matt, we still do need to catch that train). When I reviewed their bottle, I was pleased to find Brewdog’s Bashah Reserve, a collaboration with Stone Brewery. The labels were hand drawn, and only 750 bottles were produced. I got their Imperial and Tayberry (a cross between a loganberry and a black raspberry) Reserve version, an American Strong Ale that has been aged in whiskey casks. It cost 24 GBP (about $36), so I’m going to set it down for a special occasion.

We headed back to Derby, and I was able to take a walk around a different part of the city, stopping in at Mr. Grundy’s tavern (conveniently located next to a Laundromat) and topped of the day with a Trenchfoot pale ale. It was a good day, relaxing. I couldn’t help but reflect that the trip was halfway over. I’m having fun, but I miss my family. Time to get back to the hotel to Skype. Now they just need to figure out how to Skype hugs. - 5782/10728

"24 Pounds!? This better be the best damn beer ever. [drinks beer] You got lucky." - Simpsons (modified for my experience)