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Started as a dull morning as made our way to Blackpool North to board the direct Avanti West Coast Train to Warrington Bank Quay.
The Hop Emporium
Arrived into Warrington Bank Quay and the first call of port was Warrington Market. Last time I visited here in 2018 the bar was in the opposite side of the market and called “The Real Ale Shack”, the market has been renovated and the bar is now at the Food Court side of the market and named “The Hop Emporium”.
The bar had a great range of beers on including a couple brewed for the bar. I went with the Bitter which turned out to be a good choice.
Modern Day Monks – Brewery Tap
Our second call was a bit of a walk from the first, out the other side of Warrington Central station and not far from the Warrington Wolves Rugby League ground. Situated on an industrial estate, after a bit of walking around we found the bar/brewery.
Was really impressed with the look inside (it wasn’t what we expected from the outside). A good range of their own brews alongside a few guests (4Ts – Warrington and Tiny Rebel – Wales)
The Firkin Tap
Back into the town centre now and into The Firkin Tap, situated just over the road from The Looking Glass – Wetherspoons which is up for sale. Last time I visited the other Wetherspoons in town was up for sale.
Very busy in here for a Saturday afternoon, bar had 3 Cask Ales and a number of Keg Beers. I went for Southern Cross by Weetwood Ales – a local Cheshire Brew from Kelsall.
Lower Angel / Hop Co
We had been recommended to visit the Lower Angel (just up from the Firkin Tap on the same road). Very local pub but with 6 cask ales on. The Liquid Light – Ramble On was delicious. Nice to see some unfined beers in smaller pubs.
Onto Hop Co, another recommended pub. This one was all keg/craft beers. Lovely setting inside with walls covered in old VHS Tapes. Average selection of craft beers.
9 Gallon
Just around the corner from Hop Co was 9 Gallon, another small micropub with a square bar in the centre of the room (not something you often see in small bars). 3 Cask Ales on from Sheffield, Clitheroe and Staffordshire. Went with the “2 Brave Men” from Morton Brewery.
That was all the bars/pubs I had planned to do in Warrington visited. Had a bit of time spare when got back to Warrington Bank Quay so nipped for a quick half in The Pattern Arms, opposite the railway station. After visiting here years ago, I was very disappointed how the bar looked now and the drinks selection. Quickly finished here and onto the station for our train to Preston, and a change at Preston to get to Poulton-Le-Flyde
Rhythm & Brews
Off at Poulton-le-Flyde and headed around to Rhythm & Brews on the main street. Small bar here with cask and keg beers on. I went for the Cross Bay cask beer, ive always enjoyed beers from this brewery.
Layton Station
A slow walk back to the train station to find a train back to Layton. To say this stops just outside Blackpool North, theres not a lot of trains stop here (and ive never been off the train there myself).
CASK Micropub
A 10 minute or so walk from the station to the CASK Micropub in Layton. Really impressed with this one. 4 cask ales on, all from good breweries and a couple of keg beers alongside a Helles and a Pilsner.
Was busy inside at this time in the evening but noticed when approaching the bar there was a covered and heated outdoor seating area. Went and sat out here and its brilliant – no wind, buttons to turn on heaters and lots of seating and lighting.
That was the day finished, just had to walk to the bus stop for the bus back. Great day overall!
Micropub Adventures 