Pub 1, Day 1 – The Royal Standard

By Rob

Here it began.

A journey that represented, in equal measure, one of the most ambitious and most pointless undertakings in Sheffield's cultural history.

So, how best to start it? With a grand opening ceremony, possibly involving an ostentatious ribbon cutting? Should we have opted for loud, ritualistic celebration or symbolic silence? Either way, it was unanimously accepted that we should mark this moment with some sort of significant gesture.

Foreshadowing the level of organisational genius that would prove to be a hallmark of Pubquest, we both arrived late. Aiming to start at around half past seven in the evening, we just managed to arrive at ten o'clock. Hungry, we then nipped to a nearby McDonalds and, finally, wandered over to the Royal Standard a mere three hours later than planned.

We started in this place because, according to Google Maps, it was the pub closest to the halfway point between my flat and Andy’s house.

Our first drink was an ale, Golden Sheep. The pub was alright inside, with an ‘acoustic room’. I am aware that, usually, this would play host to live music. However, during our visit there wasn't really anything very 'acoustic' about it, save for an awkwardly positioned drum kit, which had been set right in the middle of the room in an apparent attempt to remind us that this pub was trendy.

The decor was nice and the staff friendly. Despite the quiet, I can imagine that on a busier night the place would really come into its own.

The Royal Standard gets a sturdy 7/10.

Pub: The Royal Standard (156 St Mary's Road, S2 4AX)

Rating: 7/10

Pint: Golden Sheep

Brewery: Black Sheep Brewery (Masham, North Yorkshire)

NEXT UP: The adventure continues, at the Railway Hotel...