2008

MAD visit to Bradfield Brewery
From: InnSpire - Issue 75 – October 2008

On a wet September evening, fourteen members of the Matlock and Dales (MAD) Sub-branch of CAMRA visited Bradfield Brewery, on the outskirts of Sheffield.

There can be very few breweries set in a more idyllic location, however, on our visit the stunning views from the brewery across the Upper Loxley valley to the moors beyond were obscured by cloud and rain. Outside might have been cold and damp, but inside we were given a warm welcome by John and Susan Gill who proceeded to give us a comprehensive tour of the brewery.

A working dairy farm until three years ago, the brewery has continued to expand and develop its range of distinctive beers. The acquisition of the Nags Head at Loxley reflects the growing success of the brewery. We then retreated to the well-equipped visitors room where we were able to sample Farmers Blonde (4%), Brown Cow (4.2%) and Yorkshire Farmer (4%). The three beers were in excellent form. An enjoyable evening was then spent sampling the beers along with the accompanying buffet.

Before returning to the Matlock area, we visited the Sheaf View, Heeley. Highly rated by the real ale drinkers of Sheffield, this true community pub offered a wide range of quality ales at very competitive prices, including beers from Bradfield and Wentworth at less than £2 a pint. Members of our party who had not visited this excellent pub before were very impressed. The perfect way to finish a very successful evening.