Bar Spotlight: The Beer Engine, Skipton

For my jolly beery jaunt this month, I have taken the liberty on venturing o’er t’border, into “God’s Own County.”
The Beer EngineThe Beer Engine
The Beer Engine

A relatively new micro-pub was my destination in Skipton. The Beer Engine opened its door in May. And reports from my beery chums, had suggested it was about time I paid a visit to this small, one-room drinking den.

It’s situated on Albert Street, close to the canal - and conveniently just round the corner from the excellent Narrow Boat pub. It is a contemporary and immaculately presented ale house, with wood slat panelled walls, decorated in shades of grey. Modern dark oak furnishings and comfy benched seating is provided, if one does not want to “prop up “ the small serving counter.

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However, small was beautiful, as it had five hand pumps to titillate the taste buds. It was a most unique bar area, with the casks placed behind the bar. It looked most impressive. Joint owner Janet Langton explained: “We use a pulley system to hoist the casks into the cabinet. It gets lots of nice comments from our customers.”

The ales were mostly from local microbreweries - it was good to see. However, I kicked-off with half a pint from Aylesbury brewer XT Brewing. Their XPA was superb. A strong IPA at 5.9%. Floral aroma and a grapefruit bitterness. A real hoppy onslaught, in perfect nick.

I was tempted to have another but, the range on the bar looked too tempting. It had to be a lighter beer for the second slurp. Ey Up from Dancing Duck was refreshing, citrusy and floral. A tad malty and again, in great condition and a splendid session slurp, at 3.9%.

Janet said: “I didn’t used to be a beer drinker. However, hubby converted me. I like the citrusy ones. Similar to the one you are drinking now.”

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It was a really friendly, laid back environment. One customer had just brought in a book to add to the well stocked book case. Two other patrons were having some friendly banter at the bar. The border collie sat next to them was looking a little bemused though, at their chirpy conversation.

This one-roomed establishment is thoroughly recommended. Friendly and welcoming. A place where reet good beer and conversation is paramount. And if a chat with t’customers is not your priority, t’ ocal paper is provided, so one can keep up with t’area’s local gossip and tittle-tattle.

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