Sheffield Pubs - decent beer in a proper pub?

[top4718]

I know that this makes me sound like a philistine, but I preferred the old days of beer drinking, when there was less choice but more quality. My beer drinking days started in the mid 70's, when most pubs served Tetleys, Stones, Trophy, Mansfield, Wards - and some served Tennants, John Smiths or Sam Smiths. Most of them were keg bitters, with just the occasional hand-pump, as I recall. In those days, you chose your pub by how their beers were "kept". A pint of whatever beer could vary wildly, depending on whether the landlord kept it at the right temp in the cellar, put the right amount of "sparkle" on the pumps, etc. My own favourites were always a good pint of Ward's, Tetley's or Mansfield. My least favourite was always Whitbread Trophy - an impressive foamy head, but with flat, bland ale underneath the head. I never liked Stone's much either. Too pale..no flavour....

 

All these so-called "micro-breweries" and "craft ales" these days are a big con, in my opinion. We're just paying through the nose to drink beer that's nowhere near as good as it used to be....and which was relatively much, much cheaper in price.

 

The Devonshire Arms at Middle Handley used to do an excellent pint of hand pulled Stones.

[Guest makapaka]

I know that this makes me sound like a philistine, but I preferred the old days of beer drinking, when there was less choice but more quality. My beer drinking days started in the mid 70's, when most pubs served Tetleys, Stones, Trophy, Mansfield, Wards - and some served Tennants, John Smiths or Sam Smiths. Most of them were keg bitters, with just the occasional hand-pump, as I recall. In those days, you chose your pub by how their beers were "kept". A pint of whatever beer could vary wildly, depending on whether the landlord kept it at the right temp in the cellar, put the right amount of "sparkle" on the pumps, etc. My own favourites were always a good pint of Ward's, Tetley's or Mansfield. My least favourite was always Whitbread Trophy - an impressive foamy head, but with flat, bland ale underneath the head. I never liked Stone's much either. Too pale..no flavour....

 

All these so-called "micro-breweries" and "craft ales" these days are a big con, in my opinion. We're just paying through the nose to drink beer that's nowhere near as good as it used to be....and which was relatively much, much cheaper in price.

 

Absolutely right. I'm not slating the concept of these little brew houses and fair go to them bit the snobbery behind it is something else. A lot of this real ale is absolute rank - but if you mention a mainstream beer you are outed as a know-nowt.

[soopah]

I got all excited when I saw Classic Rock.

Memories

[jemson]

I notice the Devonshire Cat has been mentioned a few times with the rebirth of this thread.

It's being completely refurbished and making lots of changes in the coming months. Lots of the same beers on but losing its traditional edge. May disappoint some people but excites lady drinkers like me!

 

That sounds promising. Good hear Abbeydale investing as it does need an update but it won`t be cheap.

[Lurgh Mor]

This thread is 13 years old though.

Must be a good old fashioned traditional thread by now.

[DnAuK]

I know that this makes me sound like a philistine, but I preferred the old days of beer drinking, when there was less choice but more quality. My beer drinking days started in the mid 70's, when most pubs served Tetleys, Stones, Trophy, Mansfield, Wards - and some served Tennants, John Smiths or Sam Smiths. Most of them were keg bitters, with just the occasional hand-pump, as I recall. In those days, you chose your pub by how their beers were "kept". A pint of whatever beer could vary wildly, depending on whether the landlord kept it at the right temp in the cellar, put the right amount of "sparkle" on the pumps, etc. My own favourites were always a good pint of Ward's, Tetley's or Mansfield. My least favourite was always Whitbread Trophy - an impressive foamy head, but with flat, bland ale underneath the head. I never liked Stone's much either. Too pale..no flavour....

 

All these so-called "micro-breweries" and "craft ales" these days are a big con, in my opinion. We're just paying through the nose to drink beer that's nowhere near as good as it used to be....and which was relatively much, much cheaper in price.

 

Sorry I've only just got round to replying to this, but I've only just stopped laughing

[Bargepole23]

Sorry I've only just got round to replying to this, but I've only just stopped laughing

 

Good to see you upholding the tradition of condescension prevalent in real ale drinkers.

[SteelCityAle]

me too. John Smiths/Sam Smiths better quality? righto...

 

btw yes the cost has risen by more than inflation, you can thank various Chancellors of the Exchequer for that! Micro-breweries and Craft breweries don't necessarily cost any more... but sometimes they brew beer with additional ingredients/processes, so they cost more. Show me a craft brewery making a higher profit margin than AB-Inbred etc, and I'll show you 100 that aren't

[taxman]

Good to see you upholding the tradition of condescension prevalent in real ale drinkers.

 

He's more of a "craft beer" drinker to be honest, you'll have to look it up.

[FIRETHORN1]

I'm glad to see that I amused DnAuk and SteelCityAle. It just comes down to personal opinion at the end of the day though, doesn't it? To me, the definition of a "good" beer is one that I just enjoy. It's like "good" restaurants/takeaways/books/works of art, etc. etc. It's all down to personal taste and opinion.

 

I like these kinds of threads, when contributors share views and opinions and have a bit of friendly banter. It's interesting and informative. I do get a bit disappointed when some people get all "sneery" and supercilious though.

 

My philosophy is that I'll try anything (well..most things) once. If I like it it's "good" and if I don't. it's...er..not! Just because you prefer a different beer than I do doesn't necessarily make you some sort of superior being - a "beer boffin" or an "ale afficionado" - it just makes you a person who prefers a different beer! There's really no need to get all anal about it!