Hartlepool Beer: A Rat Race & More
I always enjoy my visits to games at Hartlepool, I invariably make a short break of the trip and take an overnight stop in the delightful Whitby which itself is a great place for having a pub walk. In fact, the Station Inn Whitby has a beer specially brewed for the inn by The Whitby Brewery; it’s called Platform 3 at only sold at that establishment.
Anyway, onto Hartlepool and the two pubs I have used in the past are the absolutely excellent and quirky Rat Race Ale House located at the Railway Station and the Mill House which is fairly near the football ground; in fact, both establishments are within an easy walking distance of Pools ground.
The Rat Race Ale House is so unusual and just so nice a place to visit for a really excellent pint of ale. It’s one of the rooms within the Hartlepool railway station that has been converted to a real ale paradise with access from either the station car park or the platform. As such, there is no bar in the place, simply a series of tables and chairs. On entering the ale house you are approached by a sever who simply asks you which beer you would like from those displayed on the chalkboard; simple as that. No hand pumps on view, the server (can’t really say bar staff as there is no bar), then disappears into a side room and comes back with your glorious selection: heaven! High on the walls and ceilings are masses of beer mats and of course the lovely Rat race polo shirt. Some of the seats are from old trains and buses pure magic and just so different from anything else you are likely to see.
The Rate Race Ale House is well worth a visit but do check on the unusual opening hours; listed on their website. Also take a look at the splendid Richard’s Micropub Bike Bike Ride Blog where he gives an excellent write up on the ale house.
Next, we have the Mill House which is very popular with both home and away supporters. The Hartlepool fans are to my view, a really grand bunch of people, passionate about their football and very welcoming to us visiting Hatters.
Lastly, there is also the friendly supporters club bar at the Pools ground.
Anyway, onto Hartlepool and the two pubs I have used in the past are the absolutely excellent and quirky Rat Race Ale House located at the Railway Station and the Mill House which is fairly near the football ground; in fact, both establishments are within an easy walking distance of Pools ground.
The Rat Race Ale House is so unusual and just so nice a place to visit for a really excellent pint of ale. It’s one of the rooms within the Hartlepool railway station that has been converted to a real ale paradise with access from either the station car park or the platform. As such, there is no bar in the place, simply a series of tables and chairs. On entering the ale house you are approached by a sever who simply asks you which beer you would like from those displayed on the chalkboard; simple as that. No hand pumps on view, the server (can’t really say bar staff as there is no bar), then disappears into a side room and comes back with your glorious selection: heaven! High on the walls and ceilings are masses of beer mats and of course the lovely Rat race polo shirt. Some of the seats are from old trains and buses pure magic and just so different from anything else you are likely to see.
The Rate Race Ale House is well worth a visit but do check on the unusual opening hours; listed on their website. Also take a look at the splendid Richard’s Micropub Bike Bike Ride Blog where he gives an excellent write up on the ale house.
Next, we have the Mill House which is very popular with both home and away supporters. The Hartlepool fans are to my view, a really grand bunch of people, passionate about their football and very welcoming to us visiting Hatters.
Lastly, there is also the friendly supporters club bar at the Pools ground.