Tadcaster (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadcaster) is a Yorkshire town with a significant history, but today, apart from the road which runs through it, its a sleepy little place, which is best known for the breweries which dominate its centre. Samuel Smiths (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Smith_Brewery), is Yorkshires oldest brewery, established in 1758 by a feller who lived just down the road from where I live today. It is well known here for its low-priced draught ales, quirky pubs, and the eccentricities of its owner. John Smiths (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Smith's_Brewery) is the new brewery (well not even discuss the nasty Coors place situated slightly out of town), founded in 1852, though today it mainly produces a much debased product.
Tadcaster is a place that, like most people, I usually simply pass through. The town might make a good base for exploring the area, but it doesnt really attract tourists, most of whom move on to nearby York. The lack of strangers is evident in the way that the locals size you up, theyre friendly enough, but they seem to be wondering who you are, and why youre there. I was in Tadcaster today, with Earl of course, because Id promised GT that the two of us would visit the Sam Smiths Brewery, and hopefully have a pint of his favourite Taddy Porter. It seemed like a good thing to do on a nice summers day
Tadcasters high street is lined with small independent shops, as well as by the two breweries mentioned above, the Sam Smiths brewery tap - The Angel & White Horse, and several other pubs. Theres a nice old hardware store there, but unfortunately they didnt have any honing oil in stock. They shared my lamentation for the days when British pharmacists sold inexpensive mineral oil.
The Wharf, certainly one of Yorkshire loveliest rivers, flows through Tadcaster, and there are some beautiful walks along its banks. Since it was still a little early to go for a pint, I set off for a stroll with Earl, to walk upstream, and also explore a little of the town away from the high street.
Both Smiths breweries were mashing, and the rich savoury scent of scalded hops filled the air. I have always loved this smell, and even working in a brewery myself didnt cure me of that. It used to be a common smell in most towns, Sheffield, where I grew up, had several large breweries for instance, but its rare now that the pleasant aroma is wafted on the wind in the big cities.
It was now noon, and while arguably a little early for a pint, I did have a day off work, and besides I was a man on a mission! So, together with Earl of course, I headed for The Angel & White Horse. Then I saw the notice stuck to one of the windows the pub was closed!
Sam Smiths, youve got to love them or curse them, or maybe both. Nothing ever seems to be plain sailing with them. I dont know why I was even slightly surprised. At least, unlike one of our members, I hadnt crossed the Atlantic to visit the place, only to have the same result.
There is a rather nice delicatessen directly in front of the brewery, and they sell a good range of Sam Smiths bottled ales, so I went in and bought a bottle of GTs beloved Taddy Porter, together with a samosa, to remind Earl of Mrs Kauer. Then we set off to circle the brewery itself, and to see what was to be seen. We had a good walk round the site, which is actually quite extensive, and I snapped a few pics of Earl.
I ate my samosa down by the river, and then we set off to find an alternative pub for a pint. Even in Tadcaster, it seems that pubs are going out of business unfortunately, but we eventually found a place which, unlike the Sam Smiths brewery tap, was open, and sold beer, though sadly not Taddy Porter.
Sorry I didnt get to sup your favourite beer in The Angel & White Horse GT, but I will shortly be enjoying a bottle of Taddy Porter in your honour with Earl of course
Well unless the weather is awful tomorrow, me and Earl will be headed over to Tadcaster, and while I usually drink the bitter, if they have it on, 'we' will drink a pint of porter in your honour in the Sam Smiths brewery tap :thumbup:
