Been told that the Hallcross in Doncaster now has Real Ale again (after an absence of some years).

Checked out the Cheswold prior to yesterday's game (as we may be using it as the season progresses) - just missed out on the Wadworth 6X but the Black Sheep was decent.

Didn't make it out last night so opened a few bottles. One that I hadn't sampled before but enjoyed was Batemans Hop Bine 'Organic' Bitter (4.2%) - well worth checking out.

Did you purchase that from the Aldi ? £1.39 is good value for that drink.

Indeed - the good lady brings a variety of bottles back whenever she visits Aldi.

Agreed. We also had the Treble XB last night.

Sheffield today. Plenty of quality Real Ales pubs to choose from.

Had a very enjoyable time in Sheffield yesterday and some pretty decent ale too ...

Bradfield Belgian Blue (4.9%), Caledonian Auld Acquaintance (4.4%) & Thorne Coal Black Porter (4.3%) in the Rawson Spring at Hillsborough.
Crown Traditional Bitter (4.0%) at the Hillsborough Hotel, Langsett.
Dorset Ammonite (4.5%) at the Bankers Draft in the City Centre.
Brew Dog Black Dog (5.5%) & Thornbridge Lord Marples (4.0%) in the Sheffield Tap, Platform One, Sheffield Railway Station.

then back in Donny, a couple of pints in the Leopard of something simply advertised as Derwent Brewery 4.2%.

Not a bad pint amongst them.

And you didn't visit the Kelham Island Tavern?!?!? Must say I envy you your visit to the Hillsborough Hotel. Quality ales there. Acquainted myself with the Gait Inn, Millington, 3 miles from Pocklington yesterday. A beautiful little place with a stonking pint of Rudgate Battle Axe on and what looked like great Sunday lunches. A must if you're in the area. The open fire was most welcome on a cheerless day.

Not this time - decided to spend more time in the Rawson Spring and do the Fat Cat and KIT next time.

Planning to check this out tonight.

It's not true.

Although the lady who told me now says that it will be a future development.

Did manage the following last night however ...

Thornbridge Brother Rabbit 3.7% (a golden ale) in the Salutation.
Thornbridge Lord Marple 4.0% in Tonik.
Conwy Rampart 4.5% (a dark ruby ale) in the Old Angel.
York Last Drop Bitter 4.5% and Daleside Bitter 3.7% in the Gatehouse.
Warwick Brew Co Churchyard Bob 4.9% (a dark brown ale) in the Red Lion.

I am a fan of the Lord Marple and have had the York and Daleside beers before. Best drink of the night however was the Rampart although the Churchyard Bob pushed it close.

... and today ...

Crown Royal Bitter 3.8% (a golden ale) at the Royal Hotel, Dungworth.
Bradfield Farmers Plough 4.1% (a mid-brown ale) at the Plough, Low Bradfield.

Both of the above are specially brewed for retail in that pub only. I can certainly also recommend the Sunday roast at the Plough.

Later on ...

Dropped into the Sitwell Arms at Whiston for a pint of Abbot Ale.