Pub of the week

THE WHITE LADY, CONISBROUGH.

There’s something intriguing about the White Lady – is this micro-bar named after a ghostly apparition that haunts the premises? Is it based on a local legend, or just an invention of the landlord? Since he wasn’t around at the time of our visit, we will have to wait for an answer.

This pub is a very welcome addition to the local area. It combines a contemporary atmosphere with a few nods to the more traditional. There are aluminium chairs and tables on the various levels of outdoor decking (and plenty of patio heaters), but old nooks and crannies inside, making it feel, well, cosy.

Real ale devotees will be pleased to hear there are always at least two good beers at the bar, with an emphasis on local breweries. Chin Chin was one of them on my visit – a superlative pint from an outfit up near Pontefract.

There is a good range of lagers and ciders, and a fair old range of gins – with tasting nights apparently proving extremely popular. If you aren’t alcoholically inclined, tea and coffee are both on offer. While there are different levels to negotiate, the wheelchair access has been thoughtfully arranged.

Food options are small but impressive (regulars lavished praise on the sausage rolls and pork pies), and the generous charcuterie boards are gaining a reputation too. So often we can discover what looks to be a good pub, only to discover that the staff let the side down. Not here. Even on a late and rather busy afternoon, they are a cheery lot. There’s a bus stop almost opposite, and car parking is easy, but you would be advised to check the daily opening times, which tend to vary.

■ The White Lady, 6 and 7 Excelsior Court, Church Street, Conisbrough, DN12 3HG. Tel 07717 852957.