Holmfirth, in West Yorkshire, is a place that has become more synonymous with wine than with beer. This is mainly due to the long running TV Sitcom, Last of the Summer Wine, which was filmed in the town and surrounds. For visitors and locals though, it is more likely one of the pubs in Holmfirth that they will seek out to find a nice refreshing pint of beer.
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But, which are the best pubs in Holmfirth? Where is a visitor to the town most likely to find that much needed drop, good conversation, a relaxing vibe and maybe even a good beer garden?
In this article, I will address all of those questions with my list of the best and most popular pubs in Holmfirth, so that on your next visit, you will know exactly where to go!
Elephant & Castle
Elephant and Castle is located in a really central location in the town, and is one of the most recognizable pubs in Holmfirth. There isn’t a day goes by that it isn’t full of locals as well, which is always a good indication if the beer and food is going to be any good!
This is a really good alround pub. It has a really great selection of beers, food, a pool table, and even rooms to stay. Not many of the pubs in Holmfirth offer all of these. There is also a beer garden out back, that during the summer months is very popular, and eases the problem of there not being enough tables inside.
During the football season, Elephant & Castle is also a good spot to catch the game, with two large screens showing televised matches. So there is no need to wonder why it is one of the best and most popular pubs in Holmfirth!
If you are in town to find some of the famous locations for “Last of the Summer Wine”, grab a pint and sit in the beer garden out back of the Elephant & Castle. From here there is a perfect view of Norah Batty’s steps, right across the road!
- Beer 5/5
- Parking 3/5
- Location 5/5
- Food 4/5
- Google maps location HERE.
The Postcard Inn
The Postcard Inn is one of the most popular pubs in Holmfirth by a long shot. Especially with visitors. The Postcard Inn has a real way of making you feel like you have just walked into your local, no matter where you are from. That is a rare quality in a pub, but really makes the difference between a good pub and an awesome pub!
The Postcard Inn has 3 big screen TV’s that show live sport, so is a hit on weekends especially. It features a good quality pool table with well maintained cues, balls and accessories. There is a really good selection of beers and other drinks, and good parking right nearby – something that not many pubs in Holmfirth can boast.
There is also one other thing that visitors to The Postcard Inn love, and that is the camaraderie and friendliness of the staff. And we all know that there is nothing quite like being able to have a joke and a laugh with the person pouring your drinks. Especially if you happen to be drinking alone.
- Beer 5/5
- Parking 5/5
- Location 4/5
- Food 4/5
- Google Maps Location HERE
The Nook
The Nook is about as central as you can get in Holmfirth, and perfect if you are in town for some other reason. The Picturedrome is almost across the road, so not too far to walk, and mostly everything else in town is within a few minutes stroll.
This is a pub that is not like others that you will find around. It is an old style pub, with low ceilings but loads of character. They brew their own beer on the premises, as well as having a great selection of other beers to choose from. It is well known around local circles that if you are looking for Real Ale, then this is the best of the pubs in Holmfirth to find it!
The Nook also has rooms to rent upstairs, with really comfortable beds that are perfect if you are in town for the night and want to have a few ales with a hot meal. The food is also great, including breakfast. If you are staying, but want to cook for yourself, there is even a kitchen.
All in all, the beer, location, atmosphere and unique style of pub that The Nook presents is what makes it a favorite with both locals and visitors.
- Beer 5/5
- Parking 1/5
- Food 4/5
- Location 5/5
- Google maps location HERE
Farmer’s Arms
The Farmer’s Arms makes this list as a really great local drinking pub. It is a little outside of the town center, but if you are staying nearby and want a good pint, then this is the place.
You won’t find the same thing as most of the pubs in Holmfirth that are on this list. This is simply a drinker’s pub. There is no food, so don’t bother asking for any!
Farmer’s Arms is a very rustic pub, with a really great character all of its own. They have a really good selection of beers on tab, including two hand pulled Real Ales. There is also a large selection of spirits, and plenty of Gin to choose from!
Outside, they have a really good deck to sit on for those nice sunny and warm days, and the pub is dog friendly, which is one of the reasons the locals love it so much. It was closed for quite a while recently during a change of ownership, and has been welcomed back with open arms by the community. The overall consensus is that it is even better than before!
- Beer 5/5
- Parking 1/5
- Location 2/5 – If staying nearby 5/5
- Food N/A
- Google Maps Location HERE
The Pickled Pheasant
The Pickled Pheasant isn’t actually in Holmfirth. Instead, it is located in nearby Holmbridge, right on the main road out of town. The reason that it is included in this list though, is because whenever anyone talks about pubs in Holmfirth, it is right in the front of the conversation!
I think that says what high esteem the locals hold it. The Pickled Pheasant is a large pub, set in an 18th century coaching house. It is easy to find and easy to get to. Being right on the main road means that it is easy to drop in on a whim, and with two large parking areas right opposite, many do.
The Pickled Pheasant is family owned, and underwent major renovations in 2019. They added four luxurious bedrooms with ensuite’s for guests to stay in, and extended the already impressive pub itself. The pub features two large log fires, Real Ale on tap along with a large range of other beers, and a wonderful outdoor area.
- Beer 5/5
- Parking 5/5
- Location 4/5
- Food 4/5
- Google Maps Location HERE
The Winking Stag
If you are looking or something different, and a bit of a change from the usual pubs in Holmfirth, then try out The Winking Stag.
Located not far from the Elephant & Castle, right on the main road through town, The Winking Stag is the perfect place to go that will keep everyone happy. Not least because of its amazing range of delicious cocktails, as well as the usual Beer, Wine and Spirits selection.
In reality, it is the food, as well as the cocktails, that keeps customers returning. They specialize in Japanese fare, with their Gyoza often raved about online. Add that to the amazing staff that are maybe the most friendly and accommodating bar staff in town, and The Winking Stag is a surefire winner!
- Beer 4/5
- Cocktails 5/5
- Parking 1/5
- Location 5/5
- Food 5/5
- Google Maps Location HERE
Harvey’s Bar and Kitchen
Harvey’s Bar and Kitchen nearly didn’t make my list, but every time I walked past it was always packed full of people. So I just had to check it out.
This pub has a really modern vibe, despite being located in a rather old building. This only adds character, and all three floors of this very large pub are well worth checking out.
Harveys Bar and Kitchen is located smack in the middle of town, and is impossible to miss. They serve wonderful food for a really great price. The portions are massive, so you will not go home hungry, and certainly feel that you got your money’s worth. The staff at Harvey’s, as well as the bar staff and especially the chef’s don’t get enough praise for the work they do. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, and I find it hard to imagine anyone having a bad experience.
- Beer 5/5
- Parking 4/5
- Location 5/5
- Food 4/5
- Google Maps Location HERE
Summary
There are quite a few good pubs in Holmfirth, and depending upon what you are looking for, there is sure to be one that suits your needs. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with any on this list. Just beware that some (such as Farmer’s Arms) don’t serve food, and others may not have very much parking.
Make sure to check out my Complete Guide to Holmfirth by clicking HERE.
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