Tuesday, 28 July 2015

Pub 56, Day 22 – Broomhill Tavern

By Andy

You've heard of golf widows.

You've heard of football widows.

Meet the Pubquest widows.

Until this article, you probably presumed us both to be single. After all, pub anoraks tend not to be the most socially successful.

Indeed, anyone who read our abject attempts to pull in West Street Live will be convinced that we will die alone.

Quite the contrary though, we could both be accused of punching.

[punching: verb. To punch above one's weight; to bat above one's average; to make a mockery of society's rules and conventions. Synonym: Beauty & The Beast]

"How can they spend their days crafting such delightful pub reviews while
still having the time to maintain a relationship?” I hear you cry.

However, that is not to say our girlfriends are happy. Since our relationships began, they have heard few topics of conversation that do not directly or indirectly relate to Pubquest.

Andy:       “Are you up to anything this Friday?”
Cat:          “Nope, what have you got in mind?”
Andy:       “Brilliant – me and Rob are going to The Red Lion for Pubquest, are you alright to pick us up afterwards?”

Perhaps understandably, the girls wanted to get in on the action. Initially of course, we were mortified. Why not start your own Cocktailquest, we argued, rather than gatecrash our event.

Eventually though, we relented. (Under the thumb, us? Certainly not.)

Personally, after all those evenings apart, I felt I had to prove that “Pubquest” was not just a metaphor for a long-lasting affair with the new girl at work.

Choosing our venue carefully, we opted for the Broomhill Tavern. A friendly pub in a trendy area, it manages to combine the stylish spirit of the surrounding students with the homely feel of a classic country pub.

We selected two pints of Broomhill Tavern Cask Ale (and two glasses of rosé wine), continuing our Pint-With-The-Same-Name-As-The-Pub Rule. The pint was refreshing if a little bland, and I would give it a solid 2nd place out of the three home-brews we have consumed so far (less adventurous than the Frog & Parrot but tastier than the Shepley Spitfire).

The home-brew and an expansive seating area ensured the Broomy Tav rose to the occasion – myself and Rob were after a good selection of beers, Hannah was keen for “somewhere nice” and Cat was after “somewhere I can sit down” (high standards, as ever darling). Pleasingly, the Broomhill Tavern ticked all the boxes on our somewhat eclectic checklist.

On a previous visit, me and Rob took part in the pub quiz, and our team came dismally last – a sure sign that the pub caters to classy clientele.

Even more endearing, I once ordered a pie, only to be told that they'd made too many pies for that day so I could have two for the price of one. At this point, I clearly faced a moral dilemma – do I instruct the Broomhill Tavern that instead of wasting excess food on me, there are numerous local charities who would gladly accept meals for free? Or do I agree to two pies like the greedy, opportunistic pig I am?

Needless to say, I didn't manage to finish my second pie.

All-in-all: good beers, a homely feel and free pies: we like the Broomhill Tavern.

Pub: Broomhill Tavern (484 Glossop Road, S10 2QA)
Rating: 7.5/10
Brewery: Broomhill Tavern (Homebrew)

NEXT UP: So good they named it twice: The Red Lion...

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