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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.
Stalybridge Buffet Bar
The first call of my day is in Stalybridge, specifically at the Railway Station’s “Stalybridge Buffet Bar.” This establishment is among the few remaining original Victorian Station Buffet bars in England, with its structure dating back to the station’s reconstruction in 1885. Although it has undergone several refurbishments, many of its original characteristics have been preserved, with the conservatory being a later addition. Notably, it received a Railway Heritage Award in 1997, and a plaque commemorating the replica of the “Stalybridge Station Clock” was also installed in that same year.
The interior of the bar is adorned with an extensive collection of railway and historical memorabilia that decorate the walls throughout the establishment, which consists of four distinct rooms.
Today, there is an impressive selection of beers available, featuring 10 cask options—one of which, as noted by a follower, is consistently gluten-free—alongside a keg lineup comprising 8 varieties. The range includes a diverse array of styles and strengths. I commenced my tasting with a cask beer from a new brewery to me, “Courier Brewing Co,” located in Manchester. The beer, titled “Truth Be Told,” is a delightful hazy pale ale. I then sampled another offering from them, created in collaboration with Edinburgh’s “Closet Brewing,” named “You, In Weird Cities,” which is a tart and refreshing sour beer infused with strawberry and mango. A tempting selection of fresh pies is also available at the bar, which sounds quite appetizing.
Check out the Transpennine Real Ale Trail which starts here.
Ol’s Bier & More
A brief stroll to the heart of Stalybridge leads me to “Ol’s Bier & More, an exceptional bar and bottle shop that has been operating since 2021. In 2022, the establishment expanded to incorporate the storeroom at the back, resulting in a distinctive and inviting seating area. Today, I received a very warm welcome.
The bar offers a selection of three keg beers, with two available at all times and the third serving as a guest keg. Today, the guest keg features Super 8 Cherry, a delightful Cherry Wheat Beer. I opted for the guest cask beer from a new brewery to me, “We are Wolf Brewing,” based in Oldham. Their “West Coast Pale” is a smooth and flavourful pale ale. Additionally, there is an excellent assortment of cans and bottles in the fridges, available for consumption on-site or for takeaway.
Bridge Beers
The next establishment is Bridge Beers, a great combination of a Micropub and Bottle shop that features the offerings from the local brewery, Bridge Beers, which commenced operations in 2016. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a modest seating area that leads to the bar on the left and a selection of bottled beers on the right. An upstairs lounge provides additional seating options. The walls are covered with lots of brewery history and memorabilia amongst other items. A great warm welcome from David and several regular patrons.
The bar features a selection of ten gravity-dispensed beers, with four currently available and the remainder to be introduced shortly. Patrons can enjoy a variety of options, including a Golden Ale, Pale Ale, Bitter, and Stout. I commenced my tasting with “Down Under,” an Antipodean Hopped Golden Ale that is light, flavourful, and refreshing. For my second beverage, I chose “Rakou,” a delightful single-hopped extra pale ale.
My subsequent call was intended to be at “The Cracking Pint,” located just a few doors away, which was scheduled to open at 1 PM. However, at 1:25 PM was still not open so I decided to take the bus to the nearby Ashton-Under-Lune.
The Nico Ditch
My initial destination in Ashton-Under-Lyne was The Nico Ditch, an elegant bar previously a leather goods store. The establishment features outdoor seating on both sides and additional seating on the upper level. Upon my arrival, I received a warm welcome.
I was offered an enjoyable array of eight-keg beers alongside a cask beer. I chose the cask beer from Beartown Brewery, located in Congleton. The “Best Bitter” is a superbly flavourful traditional English Bitter that is rich in taste.
Hoppy Daze
“Hoppy Daze” is located next door and has recently opened this month. It is encouraging to observe a new bar thriving and attracting patrons. The establishment features a seating area on the lower level as well as a spacious outdoor terrace at the front, with intentions to open an upper level in the future. I was greeted with a warm and friendly welcome from the staff behind the bar.
The bar boasts an impressive selection of 12 keg lines, 2 cask lines, and multiple refrigerators stocked with bottles and cans. I went with a sour beer from Cambridgeshire based Pastore Brewing and Blending. “Mjni Crema Strawberry”, a session sour described as a strawberry limeade ice cream float sour. Really tart and full of flavour.
Browtons
The third visit in Ashton-Under-Lyne was to Browton’s. This establishment first opened its doors in 2012 as a bottle shop and was awarded an on-licence in 2015. It is a charming single-room bottle shop and bar, complete with outdoor seating at the front. I received a wonderfully warm welcome upon my arrival.
It was great to discover a locally brewed beer on tap, complemented by an impressive assortment of bottled and canned options. I chose “The Wizard” from Juggernaut Brew Co, a new brewery for me. This exceptional hazy IPA is double dry-hopped with Citra and Mosaic hops, imparting a wealth of delightful flavours.
Tapsters
My next visit is a brief stroll to “Tapsters”, which originally operated as a pram shop before transforming into a pub in 2018. Upon entering, one is greeted by a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere, with the bar situated on the left side. At the back of the establishment, there is a charming courtyard and beer garden. A nice wonderful warm welcome from behind the bar and a few of the regulars.
The choice of real ales available is great, showcasing selections from multiple local breweries along with one from Stoke. I opted for a beer from Bridge Beers, located in Stalybridge. The “Yakima Valley” is a delightful and hoppy pale ale that utilizes a combination of premium American hops, imparting exceptional flavours to the brew.
To The Moon and Back
“To The Moon and Back” was my final visit whilst in Ashton-Under-Lyne. This spacious micro bar, situated on a corner, features a large indoor seating area alongside excellent outdoor seating. It is owned by Jason, the proprietor of Juggernaut Brew Co, who extended a warm welcome during my visit and was great chatting with him.
The bar offers an outstanding variety of keg beers, showcasing diverse styles and strengths, in addition to a selection of cask beer. Furthermore, there is an impressive array of cans and bottles available for consumption on-site or for takeaway. I opted for “Cerulean” from Edinburgh-based Holy Goat Brewing. A fabulous mixed fermentation sour with blueberries, tart, fruity and delicious.
The Silly Country
A brief journey on the Metrolink tram leads me to the neighbouring area of Droylsden. My initial stop here was at “The Silly Country” (a nickname for Droylsden). I had visited this establishment several years ago, and I was pleased to find that it continues to offer a wonderful open-plan bar with ample seating both indoors and outdoors, making it an ideal spot in pleasant weather. I received a warm welcome and experienced prompt service, despite the busyness of the establishment.
The venue boasts an excellent selection of cask and keg beers, as well as ciders, complemented by various cans and bottles. I went with a cask beer from Nottingham based Bang the Elephant Brewing Co. “Get Shronky”, a easy drinking and tasty session pale ale.
The Snug
My final visit is to “The Snug”, located just across the street. This excellent micropub, which opened its doors in 2023, was previously a charity shop. The interior boasts a charming traditional style, featuring a patterned ceiling, tiled flooring, and numerous wooden elements. I was greeted with a delightful and warm welcome.
They provide an array of two-cask beers, one of which is obtained from the nearby Bridge Beers Brewery, which I chose. The “Mumbai” is a delightful golden ale, characterized by a robust hoppy flavour and a refreshing quality.
Micropub Adventures 