Pub's family-brewed beer is a hit

Kelly Gascoigne describes the setting that led her family to create a successful micropub and bistro in Haworth.

“It’s in a prime spot at the top of Main Street, it’s very picturesque - it couldn’t be better," she says.

Haworth Steam Brewery in Main Street

Created in 2010, Haworth Steam Brewery - our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - was established by Kelly’s parents, former professional rugby league player Andy and his wife Mandy.

The couple bought and ran their first pub in Oxenhope before moving to the remote Scottish island of Seil where they ran a bar and restaurant.

Returning to West Yorkshire, Andy spotted the Haworth premises, which was previously a greengrocer’s. “When Dad sees something and has a vision it’s quite exciting as he will make it happen,” says Kelly.

Inside the cosy bar

Haworth Steam Brewery is popular with both locals and visitors to the village, famous for its Bronte connections.

Andy - who also runs the Farmers Arms in Muker with Mandy - brews the beer himself. Formerly on site, the brewery from which the pub gets its name, now occupies its own premises.

“Dad brews all our beers,” says Kelly, “We have around a dozen. One of the most popular is Willy Eckerslike golden bitter - the name sells it.

Pump heads for the quirkily-named beers

“One of the latest beers is Jog On - named to reflect how people have picked themselves up since the tough days of lockdown. It is a bit of fun.”

As well as ale, Andy, in collaboration with his friends, makes ciders and lagers.

Another feather in the family’s cap is their own range of gins and tonics.

The small batch distillery makes nine gins, a Gascoigne’s range, as well as Haworth gins and Miss Mollies Sweet Shop.

“We have special pairings such as Miss Mollies’ Black Jack gin and liquorice mixer. Haworth Lamplighter gin with pomegranate tonic is my favourite,” says Kelly.

“I am a gin drinker, so I was pleased when Dad went into something other than beer,” she laughs.

Food is served at lunchtimes and in the evening. “Mum’s steak and ale pie - Mrs G’s - is really popular. We have traditional dishes like braised steak, and choices inspired from around the world such as Marrakech chicken skewers and Atlantic ballotine - rolled and stuffed haddock. We’ve also got various vegetarian and vegan options.”

Inside, the pub is small and cosy, with brewing memorabilia on the walls and ceiling. “It is quirky and has a great atmosphere,” says Kelly.

The pub is popular with both locals and visitors to the village, famous for its Bronte connections. Benches outside are usually occupied with people enjoying a drink while watching the world go by.

“We are dog-friendly too, so people stop off when out for a walk.”

The business is involved in local events. “We had a gin bar in the park for 1940s weekend which went down really well,” adds Kelly.

*haworthsteambrewery.co.uk; Haworth Steam Brewery, 98 Main Street, Haworth CD22 8DP