The Ale Archive

The brewery: "In 2003 after working for eight years as a management consultant in the food sector just outside of London, I thought it was time for a change. It was clear that locally sourced food was growing in popularity and North Wales, the land of my birth had very few breweries. By 2006 after reading many books and testing out various recipes in the kitchen, I had grown the embryo of an idea into a fledgling business, The Great Orme Brewery......In 2018, triggered by our relocation, we took the bold decision to reinvent the business. We looked hard at how UK microbrewing had developed into the craft brewing sector we know today and tried to predict where the industry might be heading in the future, and so Snowdon Craft Beer was born with the goal of producing high quality beer with a clear regional identity and a modern outlook on society and the role that a modern brewery and its beers can play within it." The beer: "Our toughest expedition yet. Dark, rich and vel

The brewery: "A long time ago, there was a hardworking man and a hard working woman, both in full time jobs. Then the husband was made redundant.  Faced with this new challenge, he decided he'd like to make beer. With no prior experience, he set about learning all he could about brewing. He immersed himself in books, youtube videos, courses and of course some real life market research! This is why Bragdy Cybi was born!" The beer: This doesn't appear on their website sadly so I can only assume it was a special. I'll be honest I was a bit wary but was very enjoyable indeed - an interesting mix of flavours and one I'd certainly try again given the opportunity. 4.5% A.B.V. December 2022. Related entries.  

The brewery: "A long time ago, there was a hardworking man and a hard working woman, both in full time jobs. Then the husband was made redundant.  Faced with this new challenge, he decided he'd like to make beer. With no prior experience, he set about learning all he could about brewing. He immersed himself in books, youtube videos, courses and of course some real life market research! This is why Bragdy Cybi was born!" The beer: "6 varieties of hops including Citra. Strong but refreshing. With a slight orange body, kettle hops fill the taste and a fruit salad of hops giving fruity and citrus undertones. One of the favourites." Refreshing, granted but as you may have guessed from the description, not one of my favourite styles of beer. Bottle conditioned so store and pour carefully. 6% A.B.V. December 2022. Related entries  

The brewery: "At Saltaire we’re passionate about how we make our beer – it’s the only way we know how. We don’t compromise on quality. Truly independent, we’ve been making internationally award-winning beer this way since 2006." The beer: "A complex, balanced blend of rich malt and fruity, resinous hops give this authentic India Pale Ale real character." At 6% A.B.V. it's not one to slosh back but it was enjoyable nonetheless if a little too hoppy for my awkward palate - but given the style of beer that was to be expected. December 2022. Related entries  

The brewery: "Based in the heart of Stockport for over 181-years, owning a collection of around 260 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West and North Wales, Robinsons is one of the most respected names in British brewing and innkeeping......A proud family of independent brewers, we operate one of the most advanced and sophisticated breweries in the UK (home to the largest Hopnik in the world) with a global reputation for producing traditional real ale." The beer: "A porter-style, full-bodied beer with ripe malt and a smooth chocolate taste. Based on an original recipe from 1899 and created with the collaboration of renowned chocolatier Simon Dunn. Serve lightly chilled. Suitable for vegans." Delicious, a lovely combination of flavours and at 6% A.B.V it packs a punch too. December 2022.  

The brewery: "Solar generation system on the roof of brewery which reduces electricity consumption by approximately 30%......Spent Grain is re-used as cattle feed.....Waste Beer, Yeast & Hops & Wort is re-used in Anaerobic Digestion to generate Energy........We use very little water in making our beer with 3 Litres of Water used to produce 1 Litre of beer, this is well below the industry standard of 5:1......Our beers are Cask & Bottle Conditioned. This means very little cooling is required (cooling uses LOTS of energy)......No expensive chemicals & no Filtration (Filtration can produce as much as 20% waste beer, Not Good!) By doing this we get better tasting beer as well as helping the environment." The beer: "Golden Hoppy Ale" Not big on descriptions, nor on the history of the brewery that I could find. Anyway, a pleasant enough beer but as regulars will know, not really to my taste. Bottle conditioned so needs careful storing and pouring. 40.% A.

The beer: "In 2003 Robert and Debra Evans had a carefully prepared plan – sell the house, uproot their family, leave secure jobs and set up a microbrewery in the Peak District…..Chatsworth suggested he took a look at Cunnery Barn on the Chatsworth Estate, the barn buildings were in disrepair but the potential was obvious; the perfect location for a microbrewery had been discovered. Two years later and after many hurdles including planning, electricity, drainage, renovation, finance and resident barn owls, the first beer had been brewed and the owls had a purpose built nesting box – no other barn owls in Derbyshire have accommodation so grand!” The beer: "Derbyshire Pale Ale (DPA) is our popular traditional full flavoured, crisp and refreshing pale ale, which is well hopped with Goldings for a smooth slightly sweet taste with a hint of spice." Another one that, for me, ideally needs to be served a little colder. Tasty but not my favourite style as regulars will know. Ano

The brewery: "Our story began in April 2013 with one simple mission to bring people together through our love of beer. Based in the beautiful North Yorkshire hills in Well, near Masham our 18 barrel microbrewery brews three times a week. We are a fiercely independent family brewery and pride ourselves on brewing the finest and characteristic beers." The beer: "Dark copper coloured ale with a toffee, malted caramel smell and a rich smooth moreish flavour." A great find during a weekend break in Bath. Very flavoursome and a lovely lunchtime pint without being too strong.  

The brewery: "Set in a lush valley within the Peak District National Park beside the River Dane we are in a very privileged and unique location for a brewery......We are privileged to have a very loyal customer base for our beers. This is not something that we take lightly - there is still intense competition in this sector that was embryonic 15 years ago when we started out. Now with the added complexity of a global pandemic; we, like all other breweries, have had to rethink our strategy and purpose in order bluntly, to ensure survival." The beer: "A exceptional bitter in more ways than one. One of our absolute favourites, and a winner with lovers of darker beers. Enjoy ideally with a faithful companion." Agreed, it was certainly a winner with me. I do love strong dark beers and this was delicious November 2022. Related entries  

The brewery: In 1856 William McEwan started the Fountain brewery in Edinburgh. In 1930 a merger with William Younger's brought about Scottish Brewers. In 2005 the brewery moved just up the road to the Caledonian Brewery. The beer: "This is Scotland's favourite premium bottled beer for good reason. Full bodied and complex, it's uniquely sweet and fruity character smooths the way to it's McNificent strength. Launched in 1997 after winning a Tesco bottled beer competition." Lovely drop this, helped by the fact that it's available around my way in a few supermarkets relatively cheaply. At 7.3% it certainly creeps up on you though. Related entries  

The brewery: "We’ve been running pubs and brewing award-winning beer from our base in Bury St. Edmunds ever since the company was founded in 1799 by 19 year-old Benjamin Greene. " Read more The beer: "GK worked with students studying on the National Brewing Apprenticeship Programme, in creating an exciting recipe for a new, delicious cask ale. Named after the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, it provided farmers with a guide, offering early moonlight after sunset, helping to harvest the barley and rewarding them for another year’s graft.  This deep ruby coloured ale is light in body and has delicious toffee and caramel character beautifully balanced with floral and herbal notes." Tasty enough but not overly memorable to my taste buds. It did help me tick off another pub in the Liquid History pubs guide though. A busy pub full of tourists and young lawyers types jostling for space. Ye old Cock Tavern , Temple, London. October 2022  

The brewery: "We started trial brewing on a home brewery kit back in early 2009 when the country was in the depths of the recession, which is partly how the name Brightside arose. That and the fact that we also like The Killers!.....These days we’re an established name in Manchester, with a reputation for quality consistency and service. Our beers can be found in many of the free of tie pubs and bars in the city, out towards Crewe and Chester in the South, through the Wirral, and up to Preston in the North (in fact, across much of the UK by way of swapped casks with partner breweries and wholesalers)." The beer: "Perfect for the colder months, this golden amber coloured ale blends Mandarina Bavaria and Ekuanot hops with a toasty malt bill to create a delicious premium bitter." Delicious it certainly was - not the usual fruity and/or spicy seasonal offering but 'just' a damn good premium best bitter - as it says. I may have had a second. Dysart Ar

The brewery: "Harviestoun started life in a shed on 5th October 1983. Fanatical home brewer Ken Brooker hosted what would become his legendary Tuesday tasting nights sharing great beers with local friends. This ethos of simply producing superb beer that people love remains with the business to this day" Read more The beer: "Old Engine Oil is a bitter-sweet beer with smoky notes and a lingering finish. Beautifully engineered with premium roasted malt for a velvety mouthfeel....This dark and rich stout was first created in 1999 for a well-known supermarket beer competition, which it won with resounding success. Ever since, it’s been a much-loved beer by the brewery and customers alike."   A lovely drop this, despite being served too cold - I was in a restaurant so it was probably bunched up with all the bottled lagers. Even more enjoyable at the proper temperature I'm sure. The Ivy City Garden, London. October 2022.

The brewery: "New River Brewery was established in July 2015 on the banks of the New River in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire......Much of our success is owed to our highly energetic strain of “wet” yeast which imparts a unique, clean flavour to our beer, and which we nurture and recycle from brew to brew." The beer: "Charles Lamb once wrote of his short sighted friend, the poet George Dyer, who after an evening at his house, lost his way returning home and took an unplanned dip in the New River. With its four malt varieties providing lightly smoked, liquorice and chocolatey flavours, we imagine our smooth, dark Porter would have provided the perfect tonic for Lamb’s ‘blind’ poet after his mishap." The sort of beer I always envisage drinking in the snug of a cosy pub by a lovely open fire. however this one was sampled on a warm October afternoon in the garden in a boozer on the banks of the Thames - and very nice it was too. A nice combination of flavours. The Prospect of

The brewery: "Desnoes and Geddes Limited (D&G) is a Jamaican brewer and beverage producer. It was formed in 1918 by Eugene Peter Desnoes and Thomas Hargreaves Geddes who combined their two shops into one business." The beer: "An exceptionally dark stout that crams a lot of Jamaican flavours into its small bottle. Prepare for flavours such as chocolate, rum, liquorice and raisins." D & G are more famous for the widely known Red Stripe lager - I found this in a  convenience shop in Herne Hill, south London  whilst swapping from train to bus during my stay in October. Only a half-pint bottle but at 7.5% A.B.V that probably wasn't a bad thing. I enjoyed it though it didn't stand out particularly from other similar strength stouts I've had. It's the one that's certainly travelled the furthest though, being imported from Jamaica. October 2022

The brewery: "Southwark Brewing Company was founded in 2014 by Peter Jackson and lifelong friend Andy Nichol. Peter had worked in the brewing industry since leaving university in 1981. There was only one problem.... he hadn't brewed a pint of beer in all that time, spending his time in sales and marketing. Enter master brewer Sean Franklin, a friend of over 25 years, and former owner of the award winning Roosters Brewery in Harrogate and pioneer of Hoppy Pale Ales. Via a complete home brew kit in his garage, Peter learnt the art of brewing to complement his knowledge of the theory! LPA, Bermondsey Best and Harvard all have their routes to his garage." The beer: "Traditional English Best Bitter with the finest English ingredients, East Kent Goldings from the garden of England, produce a superbly balanced chestnut beer, with hints of caramel shortbread flavour and wonderful lavender, spice and honey hoppiness." I'm sure there's plenty would question how &

The brewery: "Coach House was established in 1991 following the closure of Greenalls Brewery earlier that year. We are the oldest cask ale producer in Cheshire celebrating our Silver anniversary in 2016." The beer: "Light straw blonde ale, clean and crisp with spicy orange marmalade finish and lemony hop aroma" As regulars may have guessed, this seasonal ale was not really yo my taste. However, unusually for Wetherspoons this was all that was immediately available when I met with my colleagues to say goodbye to our much respected department manager. I got better though as the night went on - not too strong either which was good! Wetherspoons, Brighton Marina. October 2022. Related entries  

What they say: "Originally founded in 1132, Quarr Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks. The Benedictine way of life is one of devotion to prayer, work and hospitality. The Abbey grounds are cultivated by the monks to grow a bountiful supply of fresh food for their own sustenance and to share with the local community. Abbey beers have been brewed by monks for centuries utilising locally grown herbs, malt and barley. Quarr Abbey Ale is brewed to capture the essence of these traditional Abbey Beers and uses coriander and sweet gale grown in the abbey’s own gardens." Another and sadly the last - for now - of beers from the Isle of Wight, this one was equally as enjoyable. Quite potent as you can see and only available in 330ml bottles.  December 2022  

The brewery: "Yates Brewery are an independent brewer and wholesale drinks distributor across the Isle of Wight. The company has grown dramatically since it was established back in 2000, this has been achieved by building long sustainable relationships with all our customers....Whether it’s a light refreshing Summer drink, or a dark coloured Winter ale, we’ve got something for all tastes in our range of beers, all brewed by ourselves at our Newchurch Brewery." The beer: "Amber Coloured ale with a slightly toasted sweet malty finish complimented with a hint of cinnamon." Another tasty beer from the small Island - I liked the hint of cinnamon - a spice that features in a number of my batch cooking efforts. Not a flavour I'd want in a beer all year around but perfect for this time of year. Thanks again to Isle dweller and fellow camper Yolanda. December 2022  

The brewery: "We’re the oldest brewery on the Isle of Wight and one of the first independent craft beer producers in the UK. Goddards has been brewing fine real ales in the beautiful surroundings of Barnsley Farm since 1993." The beer: "A bright blonde ale, with delicate citrus notes, a fragrant hoppiness on the nose and a long lemongrass, grapefruit, scented hop palate from the infusion of Cascade, First Gold and Challenger hops." Huge thanks to a fellow camper who went to great lengths to send me a selection of beers from the Isle of Wight. I've not visited for a number of years - and can't recall having anything local when there so it's been lovely trying some ales from there. This wasn't as hoppy or citrusy as I feared from the label - in fact it was a very pleasant drop indeed and one I'd be happy to sink a few of one evening. Nothing fancy but a good honest ale that was much enjoyed. December 2022

The brewery: "Peak Ales have been brewing award-winning beer on the Chatsworth Estate since 2005. With a selection of craft ale including Chatsworth Gold made with Chatsworth Estate honey, you can't go wrong with any of these Peak District pints." The beer: "When James Paine built the Chatsworth stables in the 1760s, a brewery was included. Rather than carry the barrels to the house cellar, a lead pipe was sunk from the brew house through the garden to the cellar. In the 1950s, it was decided to uproot the lead pipe for the salvage value. When tracing it through the first Duke’s greenhouse, it was found that the gardeners had tapped into it! When ale was flowing down the pipe, the brewers would tip the wink to the gardeners so they could ‘borrow’ the odd pint or two." Lovely drop this, a good quality lovely coloured traditional bitter. 5% A B.V. October 2022.

The brewery: "You’d be hard pressed to find a more passionate group of beer lovers and brewers than our Greenwich brewery crew. Great beer is at the heart of everything we do, and everything we brew." The beer: "A well balanced traditional London Porter with warming, aromatic cinnamon and allspice" Interesting group of flavours this. Not one I'd want to drink all year but a great seasonal special. 5.5% A.B.V. October 2022

  The brewery:  "In 2003 Robert and Debra Evans had a carefully prepared plan – sell the house, uproot their family, leave secure jobs and set up a microbrewery in the Peak District…..Chatsworth suggested he took a look at Cunnery Barn on the Chatsworth Estate, the barn buildings were in disrepair but the potential was obvious; the perfect location for a microbrewery had been discovered. Two years later and after many hurdles including planning, electricity, drainage, renovation, finance and resident barn owls, the first beer had been brewed and the owls had a purpose built nesting box – no other barn owls in Derbyshire have accommodation so grand!” The beer: "Delicious British Bramling Cross & Target Hops combined with seven different malts producing a roasted coffee and chocolate base, with a spicy blackcurrant and liquorice finish. If you like a moorish velvet stout then Black Stag is for you!" Another tasty Peak Ale, and quite possible my favourite so far - delic

  The brewery: "Bowland Brewery started life as a microbrewery on the edge of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making a selection of beers named after the scenery and wildlife of this picturesque corner of Lancashire.......As the reputation of Bowland Brewery cask and bottled beers spread, demand increased from further afield requiring a relocation to larger premises at Holmes Mill." The beer: "Our top flight ale! A stunningly refreshing beer filled with soft citrus and peach flavours. A delight on its own and a great companion for chicken and pork dishes." Nice drop this, I didn't find the citrus incursion too overpowering. One for warmer days. 4.5% A.B.V. October 2022 

The brewery: " "In 2003 Robert and Debra Evans had a carefully prepared plan – sell the house, uproot their family, leave secure jobs and set up a microbrewery in the Peak District…..Chatsworth suggested he took a look at Cunnery Barn on the Chatsworth Estate, the barn buildings were in disrepair but the potential was obvious; the perfect location for a microbrewery had been discovered. Two years later and after many hurdles including planning, electricity, drainage, renovation, finance and resident barn owls, the first beer had been brewed and the owls had a purpose built nesting box – no other barn owls in Derbyshire have accommodation so grand!” The beer: "....is a bold and hoppy IPA, similar in strength to the original beers exported to India with a modern citrus twist." Bold it certainly was, not my favourite style of beer but quite enjoyable on a warm day. October 2022.

The brewery: " In the heart of Shropshire, our 17th Century brewery holds tradition in the highest regard, which is why our legendary ales are made the traditional way, using only the finest ingredients to give each one its own unique Three Tuns Brewery flavour." The beer: "A most traditional brown ale, Best is richly hopped and smooth throughout. Crafted with all English hop varieties, enjoy a pleasing bitter-sweet finish from one of our signature ales. Authentically brewed, this distinctive velvety beer is one to remember." A nice enough drop this though having got used to stronger ales it didn't taste that rich. A good session beer though and one I'd like to try on hand pump. August 2022.

The brewery: "When we bought The Old Bull’s Head pub in 1999 it came with a boarded up brick building at the rear that was referred to by the estate agents as “a two storey outhouse”. Imagine our amazement after the purchase when we finally entered the building to find three magnificent wooden fermenting vessels and other brewing equipment going back years. We love running pubs but there had never been any plan to brew our own beer until this great find. It took a few years to set up and we have had a lot of mistakes to learn from too but in 2004 beer started flowing again from the Gornal brewery." The beer: "A full bodied, well rounded premium bitter, amber in colour, clean in taste. Fruit hop aroma leading to a pleasant, dry rewarding finish." My last beer before heading home and a good 'un to finish with. More of a winter drink as the name suggests than a hot summers evening but I enjoyed it very much all the same. August 2022.  

The brewery: "Our story began in 2006 with a dream to rekindle the brewing industry in Ludlow, Shropshire. The medieval town had enjoyed a long tradition of brewing until the closure of the Ludlow and Craven Arms Brewery in the 1930s. Launching Ludlow Brewing Company in a disused maltings buildings in Corve Street, it was clear to founders Gary and Alison Walters by 2008 that the business had outgrown the premises. Gary and Alison were given a fantastic opportunity to move the brewery to a derelict Victorian railway shed (built in 1857), off Station Drive, which they sympathetically renovated." The beer: "Our flagship ale is a full-bodied soft and creamy golden pale ale. It packs wonderful flavours and aromas of citrus and tropical fruits – lemon, pineapple, papaya." The last night of my trip coincided with my birthday and my companion had arranged for a meal at the Roe Deer near Wordsley. Despite an impressive range of beers this was the only one I hadn't trie

The brewery: "In the heart of Shropshire, our 17th Century brewery holds tradition in the highest regard, which is why our legendary ales are made the traditional way, using only the finest ingredients to give each one its own unique Three Tuns Brewery flavour." The beer: "Our award-winning Stout is an old-fashioned dark stout; smooth and creamy to taste, with a bittering finish. Whole bodied with depth and texture in every sip, prepare for some seriously mouth-watering character to transport you back. Delicious, but then so have all the beers I've tried whilst in this neck of the woods. Procured along with a few others during a visit to the Halfpenny Green wine estate. August 2022.  

The brewery: " Bewdley Brewery was established in 2008 in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside, set alongside the River Severn.  We are the first brewery in Bewdley since 1912..." The beer: "  Severnside Stout is brewed using a complex blend of six different malts, with chocolate and smoked malts for depth of colour and distinctive flavours, malted oats give an enriched body with roasted barley for an enhanced finish. Bramling Cross hops give flavours of blackcurrant and spice, with subtle bitterness." It always nice to taste something local when away and whilst I didn't get to visit the town itself, I paused at the station whilst on the Severn Valley Railway.  Another lovely drop, though perhaps a tad fruitier than I prefer for a stout. August 2022.

  The brewery: "We are an award-winning independent family brewer based in Dudley, West Midlands. Celebrating 106 years this year!" The beer: "A Dark amber premium beer with robust malty overtones and a bitter sweet full bodied taste. Brewed using the Finest English Maris Otter Malt and Goldings hops this big, beautiful malty monster is an industrial strength beer at it’s best." Yep, tasty stuff this indeed, a lovely combination of flavours.  August 2022

The brewery: “Hobsons Brewery is an independent local brewery founded in the Shropshire town of Cleobury Mortimer by Nick Davis and his parents back in 1993. Taking retirement in 2000, Nick was left at the helm and today employs a close-knit team of 22 people to run one of the largest breweries in the county.” The beer: “A beer that really delivers, it’s rich and smooth with flavour notes of vanilla, treacle and roast malt leading to a velvety chocolate finish….Splendid with a sticky toffee pudding or sweet treat.” A long weekend in the West Midlands saw another opportunity for ‘research’ and this was certainly a good one to kick off with. Very tasty indeed. Bottle conditioned so needs to be poured carefully.  4.8% A.B.V. August 2022. Related entries.

The brewery: “Bathams have become a family born to brew, with the  sixth generation now involved in creating and serving a legendary beer of the Black Country…..The company has continued to expand from that day in 1882 when Daniel Batham senior became the landlord of the White Horse in Cradley Heath. We think he would be proud to know that 137 years later in 2019 that Batham’s would be operating 11 pubs and supplying many more throughout the Black Country and beyond!” The beer: “A straw-coloured bitter which initially seems sweet, but a complex dry, hoppy taste soon predominates.” A little paler than I had in mind for a best bitter but it was nonetheless a nice drop and accompanied a great Sunday roast too. The King & Castle , Kidderminster. August 2022 “

The brewery: “Conceived during a Sunday afternoon pint, David Edwards brewed his first batch of Nemesis in May 2005. The brewery now produces 9 different real ales regularly in our 4.5 barrel plant based in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The beers take their names from the surrounding area as the brewery looks out across Dimmingsdale Wood, home of the Chained Oak towards the village of Alton.“ The beer: “A dark award winning beer brewed with chocolate malt that always impresses.” My first of the day at the CVR and impress it certainly did. A fabulous day all around with some heritage railway action, lovely scenery and some awesome ales too. The Churnet Valley Railway Rail Ale Trail July 2022.

The brewery: “Conceived during a Sunday afternoon pint, David Edwards brewed his first batch of Nemesis in May 2005. The brewery now produces 9 different real ales regularly in our 4.5 barrel plant based in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The beers take their names from the surrounding area as the brewery looks out across Dimmingsdale Wood, home of the Chained Oak towards the village of Alton.“ The beer: “A ruby coloured beer with a smooth fruity flavour.” A tad too fruity for me to be honest but otherwise a tasty pint. The Churnet Valley Railway Rail Ale Trail July 2022.

The brewery: “Flagship Beer was launched in 2016, and has gone from supplying just The Ship & Mitre to national distribution…..We brew small batches, just 620 litres a time, to ensure the beer is freshest. Most of our beer is grain-to-glass in less than a month.” The beer: “Dry Irish stout, with plenty of roasted, toasted richness.” Not my favourite of the afternoon - there was some stiff competition - but very pleasant nonetheless. 4.5% A.B.V. The Churnet Valley Railway Rail Ale Trail July 2022.

The brewery: “Sandstone Brewery has helped to restore a traditional craft to the town of Wrexham. Commissioned in late 2008, the 4-barrel plant is situated in a former explosives manufacturing unit on Wrexham Industrial Estate, it has also been infested with Dragons since time immemorial. Well, at  least since the beer arrived.” The beer: Nothing on their website about this one but found this online: “Made from a careful blend of seven malts to create a truly unique flavour. Hidden depths of rich flavours including caramel, chocolate and a slight coffee note.” Delicious, the flavours were all there even though I’d had quite a busy day ‘researching’. The Churnet Valley Railway Rail Ale Trail July 2022.

The brewery: “In May 2014 we opened our brewery tap, the Old Volunteer in Carlton Square, Nottingham. The pub has nine real ales on hand pull, four of which are Flipside brewery beers with five regularly changing guest beers….After a lot of thought about a name for a brewery we came up with Flipside, a reference to the coin collecting hobby of our head brewer. This also provides the theme for the names of the beers which are loosely based around coins and currency, apart from when we can’t resist using the word "flipping"!” The beer: “A traditional dark brown best bitter. Strong malt flavours complemented with good bitterness and gentle hop flavours. At 4.6%, a popular beer for the bitter lover.” Couldn’t agree more, very tasty, even in plastic. The Churnet Valley Railway Rail Ale Trail July 2022.

The brewery: “As an authentic micro brewery we know the value of producing small batches of traditional beers that showcase the best of traditional British beer, from best bitters to pale ales we have beers that everyone loves to drink.” The beer: “This dark ruby red ale celebrates the malt with a dark caramel and chocolate base, balanced on a blend of European hops. Aromas of soft fruit, chocolate and toffee play around the taste of berries.  A great beer to have with your Sunday dinner.” This was a busy day ‘research’ wise but I very much enjoyed this. A lovely combination of flavours. 4.6% A.B.V. Black Lion , Consall Forge, Staffordshire. July 2022.

The brewery: “Based in the heart of Stockport for over 181-years, owning a collection of around 260 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West and North Wales, Robinsons is one of the most respected names in British brewing and innkeeping.” The beer: “This is the stuff of Cheshire legend (The Wizard of Alderley Edge), combined with 5 English hops, pale, wheat and magical crystal malts. The result is Wizard, a mythical amber ale with a spell-binding fruity, zesty palate…and a tantalising hint of blackcurrant.” Not my favourite style but it was well kept and went down well on a warm evening The Wilbraham Arms , Alsager, Cheshire. July 2022.

The brewery: “Long before the days of scientific analysis and the invention of the saccrometer, Ale Conners, who collected taxes for the Crown, needed to check the strength of the beers brewed. They would pour some of the beer onto a barrel top, sit on it for a while, and, depending on how sticky they felt it to be when they stood up, they were able to assess it's alcoholic strength and impose the appropriate duty. Worsted, cord and even moleskin trousers failed to withstand this onerous duty. Thus leather britches were worn by all the Ale Conners and they became the mark of their profession.” The beer: Nothing on the website but found this on the ‘net: "Mid-brown in colour with a fresh hoppiness flavour, and a bitter sweet lingering finish.” Nice drop this although a tad hoppy for me. Refreshing though. 4.6% A.B.V. Nice pub with good value food too. The Bulls Head , Smallwood, Cheshire. July 2022.

The brewery: “Since starting in October 2010, Great Corby Brewhouse has been a very enjoyable and hands-on experience. Great Corby Brewhouse uses the finest ingredients to create a classic range of core beers, we have a small dedicated team who take care and pride in producing our ales.” The beer: “Classic copper coloured ale with a soft caramel palate rounded off with fine English golding hops".” Another good honest bitter here - nothing fancy but tasty - a great session ale. 3.8% A.B.V. July 2022. Related entries .

The brewery: “We are a small, co-operatively owned micro-brewery based in the beautiful village of Hesket Newmarket in the north of the Lake District National Park. We have been producing fine real ale ever since we started in 1988; we are now Cumbria’s oldest surviving micro-brewery. Our brews are loved by locals and visitors alike; to such an extent that the brewery became co- operatively owned in 1999 to prevent its closure or sale to a larger enterprise.” The beer: “A traditional stout brewed with a blend of dark malts including lots of chocolate. Complex flavours of coffee, liquorice and cocoa are tempered by using malted oats to smooth out the sharpness. Hopped with a simple bill of English hop varieties to give a delicious bitterness resulting in a classic stout.” Another gorgeous stout from my time in the North Lakes. It’s taste belied it’s relatively modest strength. 4.0% A.B.V. July 2022

The brewery: “We have been producing world-class beverages in Burnley for 150 years” The beer: “Summoned by the witches, this mystical beast prowls in the shadows, stalking its prey, ready to pounce. A bold, malty amber beer with spice fruit notes and crisp fruity aftertaste.” Nestled in the shadow of Pendle Hill, Moorhouse’s beer names give a nod to the legends, folklore and the witch trials held in 1612. A nice drop this thought that fruity finish was a little too prevalent for my awkward taste buds. Enjoyable though. 4.9% A.B.V. July 2022. Related entries.

The brewery: “Cumbrian Ales is a craft brewery lying on the shores of Esthwaite Water at the southern edge of Hawkshead village in the English Lake District. Established in 2003 our beers are all produced with care and pride using the wonderful Lake District Fell water.” The beer: “Delicious amber bitter with a distinctive flavour from the combination of malts and American Cascade hops.” After all the big dark guns on my trip to the North Lakes this initially seemed a little lifeless but I rapidly grew to like it. It’s this sort of beer that brought me back to ale after years of drinking lager after all. A very pleasant good honest bitter. 3.8% A.B.V. July 2022. Related entries.

The brewery: “….in 2006 the brand new Ulverston Brewing Company made its home in the old winding machine shed of the Diamond Pit in Lindal…..Demand grew and grew and finally they decided to take the plunge into full-time brewing –  well it’s full time for Anita at the moment, with Paul fitting in the deliveries and everything else when he finishes the day job!” The beer: “A pale, slightly spicy, refreshing golden beer, initially brewed to celebrate the unveiling of the Laurel and Hardy statue in 2010. Undoubtedly a top quality beer if not my favourite style. the hint of spice was different though. 3.9% A.B.V. July 2022.

The brewery: “Cumbrian Ales is a craft brewery lying on the shores of Esthwaite Water at the southern edge of Hawkshead village in the English Lake District. Established in 2003 our beers are all produced with care and pride using the wonderful Lake District Fell water.” The beer: “A robust dark ale brewed with generous amounts of Maris Otter, Crystal and Chocolate malts together with all English hops.” Another delicious dark ale from the North-West though not my favourite - but then the competition has been pretty hot on this trip. 4.3% A.B.V. July 2022. Related entries.

The brewery: "At Saltaire we’re passionate about how we make our beer – it’s the only way we know how. We don’t compromise on quality. Truly independent, we’ve been making internationally award-winning beer this way since 2006." The beer: “This classic stout’s creamy smoothness and roasted malt flavours will leave you wanting more.” Another lovely drop from Saltaire though their Triple Chocolate stout just tops it for me. 4.2% A.B.V. July 2022 Related entries.

The brewery: “Millholme Country Hotel was purchased in 1987 by the Coulthwaite family who dreamed of opening a traditional Lakeland inn, and ultimately, an on-site brewery. Developments soon began and The Watermill Inn was born, with the doors opening in 1990. Alan and his son Brian’s further aspirations were achieved in 2006 when they launched the Windermere Brewing Company.“ The beer: “Come over to the dark side”, this is a well balanced stout beer with fruit , a malty flavour that has a dry bitter aftertaste to finish.A dark , powerful “may the force be with you” beer.” Yep, another tasty stout from Cumbria. They know how to brew good stouts up here. 5.0% A.B.V. July 2022.

The brewery: “Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery Co Ltd was established February 2009…….After many months of planning and preparation, the brewery was finally installed by Porter Brewing Company and is situated at the Old Station Yard, Kirkby Lonsdale.” The beer: “A powerful yet smooth stout brewed with chocolate and black malts, and just a hint of roasted barley. Pale malt and liquorice to show through.” Another good ‘un from the gang at KLB. Exceptionally smooth and didn’t taste as strong as it was. 5.5% A.B.V. July 2022. More from this brewery . More from this area.