The pub and hotel ov erlooks the moors, and is a bit out in the wilds, but a lov ely place nev ertheless, and only a 20 to 30 minute walk f rom the nearest bus stop, (unless it's Sunday or a Bank Holiday) so a well deserved drink of Acorn Barnsley Bitter is always needed on arrival at the bar. Other guest beers are av ailable and on my visit I had John Smiths Magnet, Bradfield Farmers Blonde and Robinsons Top Tipple. No wonder the pub was runner up in this year's Barnsley CAMRA Pub of the Year competition as all these were in excellent condition, and can be enjoy ed while relaxing in front of the roaring open f ire on cold winter months or in the stunning moorland views from the beer garden during the long summer days.
The place was once known as Border Hill House but changed in 1740 when the owners the Gothard f amily were granted their f irst licence, and it has been the Dog and Partridge since then. It is on the old medieval salt way and has been supply ing shelter and ref reshment to travellers who choose to cross the Pennines. The pub has had many owners including many prominent landowning families such as the Pay ne's of Frickley Hall, the Bosville's of Gunthwaite Hall and the Pilkington's of Chevet Hall who still own the surrounding grouse moors to this day.
The food can be enjoyed in either the family area, the main bar or ev enings in the Beaters Restaurant. The staff here are very friendly and often go out of their way to make sure you are enjoying yourself, unless you prefer to be hav ing a quiet drink. I missed the evening entertainment, a resident organist, so also missed out on an enjoy able sing-along I guess. I should have booked the 'Booze and Snooze' package the hotel offers, and you get breakfast ...
The Barn is where you can choose to stay at the Dog and Partridge and is more than a few bales of straw thrown in a corner. It's a conv ersion of the adjoining 18th century barn to 10 en-suite bedrooms, one of which has full disabled access. The tasteful conversion has kept many of the original features including the arched doorway , circular windows and Queen post roof trusses, which have been left exposed in all the 1st floor bedrooms and staircase.
The Dog and Partridge is today a family run inn and hotel, still offering travellers, walkers and anyone who cares to call in food, warm shelter from the hostile moors and wonderful real ales.
Take a look at the website at: www.dogandpartridgeinn.co.uk Buses from Barnsley to the Flouch roundabout are the 20, 23 and 24. Sundays and Bank Holidays from the Waggon and Horses, Langsett catch the 57 (Sheffield Holmfirth service) to the door.
