The day commenced in Huddersfield, the birthplace of British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, where a statue commemorating him stands prominently at the Railway Station. This town is also renowned for its pivotal role in the establishment of Rugby League in 1895 and its significant textile industry. Today, I participated in the “Huddopoly” event, which highlights independent venues across Huddersfield, and I explored a few additional locations. On my return journey, I made a stop in Brighouse, celebrated for the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, one of the most distinguished brass bands in the United Kingdom. During my visit, I explored four venues, enjoying a diverse array of pubs, taprooms, café bars, and micropubs throughout the day.
Monthly Archives: August 2024
24/08/24 – Abergele and Rhyl
My journey commenced in Abergele, a town located just inland, characterized by its hills adorned with Iron Age forts and its historical significance as a Roman trading hub and marketplace. During my visit, I explored “The Hoptomist” Micropub. Subsequently, I proceeded to Rhyl, a well-known seaside destination celebrated for its sandy beaches. My exploration in Rhyl began with “Tafarn Fach” Micropub, followed by a visit to “Cob & Pen” pub, conveniently situated a short distance from the bus station.
24/08/24 – Wrexham
A Saturday evening trip over to Wrexham, known for its football team, Wrexham Football Club. Founded in 1864, the club is one of the oldest professional teams in the world. Whilst here I visited three places starting with “Magic Dragon Brewery Tap”, onto “The Drunk Monk” and lastly newly opened “Rough Hands Tap”.
23/08/24-24/08/24 – Llandudno and Conwy
I started the day in Llandudno on the North Wales coast. It is known for its 19th Century Pier and the cliffs of Great Orme headland with the 1902 tramway that travels to the summit. There is a great selection of Micropubs alongside a brewery tap here. Onto nearby Conwy, a walled market town. A complete castle stands here and is home to Britain’s smallest house. 4 visits here ranging from a converted bank, Micropub, traditional ale house and wine shop.
23/08/24 – Colwyn Bay, Penryhn, Rhos-on-Sea and Llysfaen
oday, I visited several locations in North Wales, including Colwyn Bay, Rhos-on-Sea, Penrhyn Bay, and Llysfaen. These areas are renowned for their beautiful beaches and various attractions. I explored a selection of micropubs, craft beer shops, and brewery taps situated along this coastal region.
21/08/24-22/08/24 – Chester
A journey during the August bank holiday weekend centred in Chester. Chester boasts the most intact city walls, the oldest racecourse, and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in the United Kingdom, in addition to a millennium-old Cathedral featuring Europe’s most exquisite medieval carvings. Throughout two days, I explored various pubs, craft beer bars, micropubs, breweries, and additional establishments, all elaborated upon below.
22/08/24 – Mold
Today, I find myself in Mold, a town renowned for its bustling street markets that occur biweekly, as well as its well-frequented Farmers Market. This location has served as a market hub since the 12th century, following the construction of a castle by the Normans. I explored two micropubs during my visit, beginning with the “Mold Alehouse” and subsequently proceeding to “The Beer Lab.”
17/08/24 – Stalybridge, Ashton-Under-Lyne and Droylsden
My day commenced in Stalybridge, a town renowned for its historical significance as one of the pioneering centres of textile production during the Industrial Revolution, notably with the establishment of a water-powered cotton mill in 1776. In 1995, it earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records for hosting both the longest pub name, “The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn,” and the shortest, “Q” Inn. I explored three pubs in Stalybridge before proceeding to the nearby town of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Once primarily recognized as a mill town, Ashton-Under-Lyne has transformed into a vibrant market town, where I visited five distinct pubs. I concluded my day in Droylsden, where I enjoyed my final two pub visits.
11/08/24 – Lytham
oday, I find myself in Lytham on the Fylde Coast, renowned for hosting the prestigious Royal Lytham and St Annes golf course. My day commenced with visits to the “Lytham Windmill” and the “Lytham Lifeboat Museum.” Following these explorations, I proceeded to three nearby establishments for beer, beginning with two that were new to me: the “Lytham Bierhuis” and “Northern Monkey,” before concluding my journey at “The Craft House.”
03/08/24 – Buxton and Chapel-en-le-Frith
Today, I spent the day in Buxton, a town situated at an elevation exceeding 1000 feet, making it one of the highest market towns in England. It is renowned for its therapeutic spa waters. During my visit, I explored several pubs, micropubs, and taprooms, including some operated by the local Buxton Brewery. I concluded my day in nearby Chapel-en-le-Frith, often referred to as the “Capital of the Peaks,” where I visited a delightful micropub.
Micropub Adventures 