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I am lucky enough to live in an area that is rich with history, fine dining, great scenery and even better beer! As someone who works from home, sometimes there is nothing better than taking my laptop and working remotely for the afternoon, which has led to some fantastic discoveries in my local area.
Today I want to share some of my favourite pubs in Wakefield, whether you live here or are doing a flying visit, these places all offer something unique and have real character (and great food) that will definitely see you making a return visit.
#1 The Pledwick Well Inn
Nestled in the suburban village of Newmillerdam, The Pledwick Well Inn is a charming family-run gastropub offering a cosy place to relax with family or friends. I have to say I love it here; since the big remodelling back in 2017, the place has really come into its own with an industrial-chic interior that doesn’t take away from the warm and welcoming atmosphere you’d expect in a pub like this.
If you are a foodie like me then The Pledwick Well Inn is a must-try for their take on pub grub-meets-fine dining. They offer a few different menus, which include all your gastro favourites as well as some unique dishes inspired by other countries. I particularly love their steak pie dish, but they often have some great specials on, and for those looking for a healthy option they offer a specific menu that tailors to this.
One of the best features of The Pledwick has to be their immense beer garden; adorned with pillows and cushions for a really intimate and laid back atmosphere, their large outdoor space is perfect for those summer and autumn evenings with friends.
Although they have welcoming log fires, it can get pretty cold inside The Pledwick during the winter months as the flooring is hard and cold, and there isn’t a great deal of furnishings inside the pub itself. So consider a jumper – or just ask one of the staff to light the fire up (they’re incredibly accommodating here so this shouldn’t be a problem).
A great pub if you love real ale, great food and prioritise good outdoor seating!
#2 The Dam Inn
Another Newmillerdam favourite, The Dam Inn is ideally situated right alongside the famous dam itself and offers a family friendly environment for food and drink. I have come here numerous times with my young family, as it is such an easy and chilled out place to be, and they do a great carvery!
The Dam Inn is one of those pubs that is perfect for everyone, children, the elderly, dogs – they provide the necessary amenities so that everyone is made to feel welcome, which is perfect as it a busy location.
You can get a host of food here, including things such as afternoon tea and they even do a burger night every Wednesday (try the Le Boeuf burger – seriously good!). It can get pretty busy in here, which might not be for everyone but they do offer both inside dining and a separate bar area to make things a little more relaxed.
The Dam Inn is perhaps not one for a quiet night with your significant other, but perfect for a family or group of friends.
#3 The Castle
Situated in the lovely Sandal Magna part of Wakefield, The Castle is entrenched in the history of West Yorkshire and is located close to a number of notable landmarks making it one of my favourite spots to stop off at.
This pub-come-bar is stylish and rustic with a really intimate feel to it, especially during the winter months when they light the log fires. The food here is pretty traditional, and when it comes to pub grub they have it spot on, I particularly like their take on vegetarian fish and chips in the form of battered halloumi (they also offer a full vegan menu).
With a fantastic cocktail menu, an extensive list of wines and spirits, and some great beers this is a perfect spot for a romantic date. From the location down to the relaxing and ambience inside it is no surprise that they were awarded the 2017 certificate of excellence on trip advisor and have rave reviews across their social media!
Wonderfully friendly staff and fantastic food and drink menu, this is by far one of my favourites.
#4 The Star Inn
Located in Sandal, The Star Inn is exactly the kind of pub you would expect to find in the country. Traditional in style and offering a chilled out atmosphere within, this is a real suburban spot for food or a few drinks.
From the exposed beams down to the resident pub dog, Bobby, this is a real laid back environment boasting traditional home cooked food, great craft ales and welcoming staff that look after you from the get-go.
If you are on a dog walk then stopping off here to enjoy a quick rink or some warming food would be the perfect finish to your day. They offer a fairly limited selection of foods but what they do offer is always home cooked and delicious! I love their meat and cheese platters for a snack you can share with a nice glass of wine.
They also offer an incredible beer garden for those warmer days, which is spacious, and in keeping with the interior décor. This is perfect for those looking for a simple yet cosy place to spend a lazy weekend.
#5 The Old Halfway House
Last up is The Old Halfway House pub in Horbury, a pleasant place to eat with the family or have a few pints; they do some great daily offers on food making it one of the most affordable pubs on the list.
Having recently undergone a refurbishment the interiors here are clean and cosy, nothing spectacular but definitely accommodates for a comfortable evening in the pub. The food on offer is fairly extensive and you can choose from a wide variety, or benefit from one of their deals, which run throughout the week.
The outdoor area is a huge selling point for this place, with a wonderful spacious area and greenery where I have spent many an afternoon with my family. They also offer online reservation through their website and the option to book for an occasion making it a great place for birthdays or large get-togethers.
The Old Halfway House is cheap and cheerful, and welcomes dogs as one of their own, which is a major plus for those on long dog walks through the picturesque areas surrounding.
Round-Up
Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to work in or a place to take the whole family, you won’t go far wrong with these five establishments. They all offer something different from the next and are amongst some of my go-to spots for food, a drink or just a place to work for the afternoon.
Give them a go when you’re next in Wakefield.