The Cherry Tree is a pub you may have heard of but never visited as it is a little out of the way and now thanks to Stagecoach Yorkshire has no bus service.
Situated in High Hoyland it is located mid point between Barnsley, Wakefield and Huddersfield. The first thing that will strike you when you arrive (there are many footpaths in the area) is the magnificent view out over the Pennines, in fact only a few years ago it was voted the seventh best view from a pub in England in a national newspaper poll. Having seen the view myself I would love to see the other six. The building itself is thought to date back to the 1700s although High Hoyland Village is lot older and one of only 15 villages in South Yorkshire mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The building was originally part of Globe Farm, which is now part of the Norton Racing Stable.
As you enter the pub the first thing you will notice is the low beamed ceiling (especially if you are tall). Next you come to the bar, definitely an essential part in any pub.
The beers of choice on my visit were John Smiths Cask, and Tetley Cask then there were two beers from E & S Brewery, Best Bitter and Bargee there was also Black Sheep Bitter. I tried the Bargee, which was excellent.
The friendly staff are always happy to chat if its not too busy.
The pub has a very good reputation for its food, with a surprisingly extensive seafood selection for such a remote pub, but if you’re not that adventurous you can still choose some traditional pub fayre to go with your pint of real ale.
Children are also welcome and well catered for with their own menu to choose from. As for other bits, I’m told it has not one but two ghosts. The first being an old woman who lives upstairs and the second now seen by a few people is the ghost of a dog who is seen in the area around the bar.
Entertainment consists of unobtrusive piped music, and Wednesday Night is Quiz Night. The Cherry Tree also supports many good causes by holding charity nights.
All in all The Cherry Tree is a gem of a pub and is well worth seeking out.
Wed 10th Mar Tasting Panel social at the Pack Horse, Royston, everyone welcome. from here its into town for more local
beers. Start at 8pm off the 7.30pm 59 bus.
Sat 20th Mar Leeds Beer Festival at Pudsey. Catch the 11.12am train to Leeds.
Mon 22nd Mar Beer Festival Meeting at the Shaw Lane Sports Club. Everyone welcome. Starts at 7.30pm
Tues 23rd Mar BAR distribution social at the George and Dragon, Summer Lane, Barnsley. 8pm onwards
Tues 30th Mar to Thurs 1st April Festival set up date at Milton Hall, Elsecar
Wed 31st Mar Branch meeting (Note change of date) at the Milton Arms, Elsecar. 8pm. Catch the 66 bus at 7.25pm
Fri 2nd to Sun 4th April Barnsley Beer Festival, Milton Hall, Elsecar, Barnsley - 12 noon till 10.30pm