When Wetherspoons closed and put up for sale the Silkstone Inn, Market Street, Barnsley, many of us wondered whether another operator would take it on. Happily the Mountain Pub Company has done so (Mountain rescue?), refurbishing the large single space and reopening on 6 September. Under ‘Spoons, the interior always seemed rather cluttered and gloomy but it now has a much more open and spacious feel. The alcoves along the far wall have been replaced by three dartboards (will be interesting to see how much use they get) and several large TV screens focus on sport though manager Jack insists that it isn’t a sports bar. Eight handpumps adorn the counter but, for the time being at least, only four will be serving ale at any one time; the beer selection will be an ever-changing choice of local and national brews. The only food initially served was toast and teacakes - sandwiches may also be on offer by the time you read this. Mountain is, in Jack’s words, ‘a small pub company growing beautifully’ and currently has six outlets, mostly in the north of England.

Another town pub which looked a possible loss when it closed early in 2022 was the Longcar on Racecommon Road. However, it too reopened recently after a major refurb. Now called the New Longcar, its interior has been opened out though a retained staircase creates a semi-separate games area with pool table (and impressive mural). The overall look is quirkily rusticated/distressed – bare floorboards, stripped woodwork, widely assorted ‘rescue’ tables and chairs. In the lefthand area, walls are covered with slatted wooden boards whilst other parts have bare or painted brick. The ceilings are especially striking. Sadly, the management doesn’t feel that real ale could be sustained here but there are quality keg beers from Brewdog and Salt plus a wide selection of Nailmaker bottle-conditioned beers. Food (supplied by Bonnie’s) is very reasonably priced with £7.95 getting you a choice of seven hot dog dishes plus the likes of Philly Cheese Steak, Texas Ribs and South Carolina Wings, all with a side dish. Breakfasts and deserts are also served.

Old No 7, Barnsley reopened at the end of October following its purchase by the Valiant Pub Company. Internal changes are largely limited to redecoration and new furnishings, including some welcome bench seating. The cellar bar has been refurbished and it’s intended to make more use of this than in recent times. Initially, the eight real ales comprised three from Acorn with the rest being mainstream brews from Carlsberg Marstons. Management has, though, asked customers via Facebook what ales they’d like to see with loads of suggestions flooding in so a different choice may be in the offing. Old Rosie cider is also on handpull. Percy Turner’s pies are available at the bar. The pub is open every day from 10am to Midnight (1pm Friday and Saturday). Valiant was launched in 2021, buying 17 Welsh pubs from Brains. Since then, they’ve expanded to 60 pubs nationwide with a target of 200 by the end of 2024. They say that ‘we will be creating well-invested community pubs operating at the heart of their communities’.

Just when you thought our Pub of the Year, Heaven & Ale, Barnsley, couldn’t get any better, they’ve upped their game again with a superb food offering. On Thursdays between 5pm and 7pm, you can enjoy home-cooked curry alongside the usual choice of great beers. A different dish is served each week (Chicken Dopiaza when BAR tried it out) and given the quantity and quality it’s great value at £6.50.

Two long-closed Dearne Valley pubs that became derelict eyesores are being demolished. A petrol station will be built on the site of the Thurnscoe Hotel whilst the Goldthorpe Hotel is to be replaced by ten apartments.