The Sportsman
Quick info
About The Sportsman
The Sportsman is a free house pub on St John's Rd in Huddersfield, about a 4 minute walk from Huddersfield railway station. The bar pours a wide range of cask, craft/keg and bottled beers, and a separate bottle beer menu sits alongside the cask and craft lines. Because it is a free house, the beer list is not tied to a single brewery. Meet-the-brewer events run regularly, and the annual Crispfest gives the pub a fixed date on the beer calendar. Inside, the decor is old-school. Out the back, a garden area carries the name "hanging gardens of Huddersfield". Dogs are welcome.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree parking lot · Paid parking lot · Paid street parking
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cask beer selection, craft and bottled beers, german oktoberfest beers and outdoor seating area.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cask beer selection, craft and bottled beers, german oktoberfest beers and outdoor seating area.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers return to The Sportsman for its beer range, with cask ales named most often alongside craft, keg and an extensive bottle menu. One visitor worked through German Oktoberfest beers including Rothaus Pils, Ayinger Kellerbier and a dark, rich Celebrator, while another noted Magic Rock's Dairy Freak on draught. A reviewer praised a freshly changed Abbeydale barrel kept in tiptop condition, and the pub is described as a free house with more ales than one can count. Close behind is the atmosphere, called cosy, welcoming and old school, with a time-warp feel, plus an outdoor seating area and events such as meet-the-brewer nights and the annual Crispfest. Staff are described as lovely, and one reviewer singles out a bar worker as friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are said not to break the bank, and one visitor found afternoons quiet with plug sockets for a laptop. The only note of loss comes from one reviewer who misses the pies.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers return to The Sportsman for its beer range, with cask ales named most often alongside craft, keg and an extensive bottle menu. One visitor worked through German Oktoberfest beers including Rothaus Pils, Ayinger Kellerbier and a dark, rich Celebrator, while another noted Magic Rock's Dairy Freak on draught. A reviewer praised a freshly changed Abbeydale barrel kept in tiptop condition, and the pub is described as a free house with more ales than one can count. Close behind is the atmosphere, called cosy, welcoming and old school, with a time-warp feel, plus an outdoor seating area and events such as meet-the-brewer nights and the annual Crispfest. Staff are described as lovely, and one reviewer singles out a bar worker as friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are said not to break the bank, and one visitor found afternoons quiet with plug sockets for a laptop. The only note of loss comes from one reviewer who misses the pies.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“One of the best pubs in Huddersfield. A great range of cask and keg beers. Regular meet-the-brewer events are definitely worth attending. Lots of great events, not least the annual Crispfest 😋. Check out the hanging gardens of Huddersfield out back 😉”
- Google user
“Had to stopover in Huddersfield so walked towards la las where I came upon this place...parched so popped in. Wowsers - a free house and need 2 pair hands to count the beer / ale on offer. Proper customers sat inside not the sky TV sort, but im sure they do frequent. Brilliant guys! What a find on my way to the Indian up road.”
- Google user
“I love this pub. I am from Huddersfield but don't live there anymore. I always make sure I visit this place when I am back! I was in The Sportsman on Easter Sunday of 2026. The young woman behind the bar was an absolute joy to be served by, so talented, knowledgable, skilled and friendly. WORLD CLASS PUBLICAN! ♥️”
- Google user
“Late in finding ( just look at reviews!) I just wanted to add mine. An absolute superb selection of cask beers, the landlord had just changed the barrel on an Abbeydale & ensuring was in tiptop condition. Brilliant to see & very enjoyable! The pub is a time warp & being very close to Huddersfield railway station (4 min walk) this pub should be included on any outing to the area & support.”
- Google user
“what a great pub, it's like the best kind of local but in town. always welcoming. amazing selection of beers and ales. great outdoors seating area.”
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Live performances
- Trivia night
- Happy hour drinks
Amenities
- Free parking lot
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Takeout
- Alcohol
Show more amenities
- Cozy
- Beer
- Free water refills
- Happy hour drinks
- Seating
- Live music
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Crowd· 4
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
- Highlights· 3
- Great beer selection
- Live performances
- Trivia night
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Offerings· 2
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Parking· 2
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Location
Bars near The Sportsman
- The Junction4.22490.7 mi£1–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
sunday roast, sunday lunch, burger
- The Old Wireworks4.25121.5 miWheelchair accessible
tapas menu, home cooked chips, pool table
- Black Bull4.27961.9 mi
steak and bits, scampi and egg, quick bar service
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The SportsmanReservations · Outdoor seating · Takeout | 4.61,056 | — | £10–20 | cask beer selection, craft and bottled beers, german oktoberfest beers |
| The JunctionReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.2249 | 0.7 mi | £1–20 | sunday roast, sunday lunch, burger |
| The Old WireworksWheelchair accessible | 4.2512 | 1.5 mi | — | tapas menu, home cooked chips, pool table |
| Black Bull | 4.2796 | 1.9 mi | — | steak and bits, scampi and egg, quick bar service |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
