Pub of the week

1086 BREWERY, CUSWORTH, DONCASTER

There are many pubs which have gardens – but the 1086 has gone for a rather grander concept. They have a park. The grounds, in fact, of Cusworth Hall.

It has its own courtyard, which is next to their brewing and indoor seating premises, situated in what was the Hall’s very own domestic brewhouse, which is a spur of the main building itself.

Why 1086? Well, that’s the first time that Cusworth was mentioned in written records (in our old friend The Domesday Book) when it was said to be controlled by one of the conquering William’s buddies, Roger of Bully, the “tenant in chief ”. Roger would, you hope, be tickled pink to learn that his name is commemorated in a rather fine ale that is brewed on site, as is one of the other staples on the bar, a Lady Isabella.

This Victorian lady was one of the Battie Wrightson family, who owned the Hall until Doncaster Council purchased it from them more than 60 years ago and turned it into a much-loved museum.

The brewhouse had remained unused for a century until it sprang back to life about two years ago. The food menu these days is basic but it’s their own beers where they really hit the target.

Mondays and Tuesdays it’s food and takeaways only, the rest of the week the pub shuts at 9pm when park gates are locked, and at the weekend it’s open from 11 in the morning until 11 at night.

The courtyard has eight trestle tables which are under cover, and plenty more individual seats which aren’t. Indoors, strict social distancing is, for the moment, observed.

■ 1086 Brewery, The Old Brewhouse, Cusworth Hall, Doncaster, DN5 7TU. 01302 639880.