The Crafty Kernel

I visited this bar on a Sunday afternoon, a live band were just setting up. I had a pint of Ilkley - solid gold, which was bang on form!! The food looked amazing, although I didn't eat myself. Easy access as it's in Shipley town centre with plenty of parking nearby. I will visit again and Highley recommend!

The Crafty Kernel in Shipley is a nice little surprise. In a place where a number of the pubs appear to have a somewhat unwelcoming atmosphere to those not of a certain type, the CK is the absolute opposite. The owner and staff are extremely friendly to new faces, or at least in my experience, and the regulars too do not seem to be judgemental of newcomers. The building itself is nicely decorated with lighter pastel colours on the walls that help bounce around the little natural light that enters through the front windowed entrance. The bar area contrasts this with a darker style and displays a number of bottles and a large central mirror. The interior lighting is fairly dim, adding to the somewhat confusing mix of open and airy and small and cosy feeling this contrast of styles gives. It's comfortable and the furniture adds to this, being the now relatively standard heavy wood and metal mix seen in craft bars. The beer selection is fantastic. The first time I visited I couldn't decide what I wanted and was offered a slider with three thirds of different beers. I took this offer and enjoyed all three. Since then I've tried a few new arrivals but mostly stick to Pardál for a tasty, easy drink and the loyalty card. You'll never be short of choice as the different styles and strengths are all well represented. The prices too are fair, not the cheapest nor most expensive in the area they hit a decent mark that is worth it in the end. As always my only complaint is the "dog friendly" trend that all pubs and bars are following. This is obviously my own preference but I feel I have to mention it as some will be looking for a place with those accommodations, and others hoping to avoid such. To conclude then I would highly recommend anyone visiting the area to pop in for a friendly drink and those who live in the area to call in for a good choice of beers and bar snacks.