The Elephant and Castle started as a 17th century coaching Inn. Over the years it has had many alterations and refurbishments. The latest refurbishment, just a few months ago left the actual layout the same. Having said that however, gone now is the traditional pub with pool
table. In place of the pool table is the comfy lounge area with leather settees coffee table and
fireplace. The remainder of the pub is laid out for dining. The heavy furniture sits on extremely
lush carpeting giving the pub a very plush and up market feel to it.
I was calling in to visit Ashley and Claire Watkins the licensees to apologise after the last
edition of the BAR said they did not serve any real ales. I am pleased to report that they
actually serve two cask ales. At the time of my visit they had Abbot Ale which is the regular
cask ale. Adding to this is a fortnightly changing guest ale which was today Jennings
Cumberland Ale. The John Smiths Cask has been removed and replaced with the keg
smooth.
Ashley and Claire have now been at the helm of the Elephant and Castle for just over a year
and is the first pub they have run. With a fresh start to the trade comes a fresh ambiance for
the visitor. The main emphasis is on food, and not your average pub grub either. A couple of
items on the lunchtime menu were Braised Bourguignon, Moules Mariniere. All the food is
freshly prepared to order and they do try to keep waiting times to a minimum but good food cannot
be rushed. This is the first pub that Ashley and Claire have run and we wish them well.
Wed 3rd Mar Survey social of South East Barnsley. Meet at the Mount, Pontefract Rd at 7.30pm
Mon 8th Mar Beer Festival Meeting at the Shaw Lane Sports Club. Starts at 7.30pm
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
