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A Pub Lover’s Journey Through Congleton, Knypersley & Biddulph
I spent a day exploring pubs and taprooms around Congleton, Knypersley, and Biddulph, each with its own charm and history. From the quirky Wonky Pear with its shopfront roots to Beartown’s lively taproom, I sampled unique local brews like “Lit” and “Bobby Dazzler.” Cosy stops like The Prince of Wales and The Foundry showed how tradition meets community spirit, while newer spots like R&G’s Tap House and HopLab added fresh energy. In Biddulph, On Tap and The Crafty Flanker brought creativity and warmth. Back in Congleton, pubs like Throstles Nest, BarleyHops, and The Queens Head rounded off a memorable tour.
Congleton, nicknamed “Beartown,” started life as a market town and later grew through textiles and silk. The quirky legend of a bear still sticks around, giving the place plenty of character. Just up the road, Knypersley is all about history and nature, with old estates and reservoirs now great for walks. Biddulph, once farmland and later a coal town, is best known today for the stunning Biddulph Grange gardens.
Congleton
The Wonky Pear
My first call in Congleton was to The Wonky Pear. This wasn’t always a bar – it started life as a little shop near the railway station. That’s why it’s got that big front window and a slightly unusual layout, perfect for catching the eye of passing travellers back in the day. Over time, the shop closed, but instead of knocking it down, the building got a new purpose. Now it’s known for its quirky charm and fitting name, while still carrying a bit of its past in the walls. It’s a great example of how old local buildings can be given a second life.
Step inside and you can tell straight away it used to be a little shop. The big front window lets in loads of light, while the space itself feels snug and a bit quirky. There are log burners downstairs for that proper cosy vibe, and if you head upstairs you’ll find a little snug with odd bits of character – old portraits, a Fry’s Chocolate sign, even some antlers over the window. The furniture’s a mix-and-match kind of deal, which just adds to the charm. It’s laid-back, a bit offbeat, and feels like someone’s comfy living room.
On the bar a selection of 2 cask ales, alongside 3 craft keg lines to choose from. I went with “Lit” from Beartown Brewery (aka Bearly Literate). A super tasty American IPA with some fantastic hoppy flavours coming through.
Beartown Tap / The Den
Next is a walk down to Beartown Brewery. This started out in 1994 in Congleton, Cheshire—a town nicknamed “Beartown” thanks to a quirky bit of local legend about a bear eating the town’s last dancing pig. What began as a small, passionate project grew into a brewery known for bold, characterful beers with playful names that nod to its roots. Over the years, they’ve balanced tradition with creativity, brewing everything from classic bitters to adventurous craft styles. Still fiercely independent, Beartown has built a reputation for quality pints and a warm, community feel, making it a go-to name in Cheshire’s beer scene and beyond.
Beartown’s taproom, The Den, is a laid-back spot tucked into the old brewery offices. Big windows look out over the brewing floor, so you can sip a pint while watching the team at work. The feel is warm and welcoming, with plenty of character and no fuss—just good beer in a relaxed setting. It’s the kind of place where you feel at home straight away, whether you’re with friends or just stopping by for a quiet pint.
Drinks wise a selection of 9 keg beers and a couple of cask ales on the bar to choose from. I went with “Bobby Dazzler” from Beartown Brewery. A delicious Session IPA, hoppy, juicy and super tasty.
The Prince of Wales
A short walk brings me to The Prince of Wales. This has been around since about the 1850s, when it wasn’t just a boozer but also sold bread, cheese, and even gave horses a place to stay. Over the years it grew into two side-by-side buildings on Lawton Street, keeping that old-school parlour pub feel. The place has seen plenty of landlords and locals come and go, but its biggest claim to fame came in 2018, when the actual Prince of Wales dropped by for a pint. Not many pubs can say royalty’s been through their doors!
It is a proper cosy spot. Inside, it’s all snug corners, old enamel signs, dark green tiles and a log burner that makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. One side keeps that tiny parlour-pub vibe, the other has a fun “curiosity shop” feel with quirky bits and pieces dotted around. Out back there’s a hidden courtyard, walled in with old red brick and plenty of plants – a real little escape from the high street. It’s dog-friendly, welcoming, and the kind of place where you instantly feel at home with a pint.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales alongside a number of keg options. “Pale Ale” from Joule’s Brewery was my drink of choice. A very clean, crisp and refreshing light pale ale.
The Foundry
Next up is The Foundry in Congleton. This is a friendly pub run by Bollington Brewery, a local brewery that kicked off back in 2005 at the Vale Inn in Bollington. What started small soon grew, thanks to their easy-drinking, tasty beers like Bollington Best and Oat Mill Stout. To keep up, they moved to a bigger site and opened a few pubs, including The Foundry. It’s the place to go for a fresh pint straight from the source, with a relaxed, welcoming feel. Locals love it for good beer, good chat, and that proper community pub atmosphere.
Once a historic building, it’s been given a new lease of life by Bollington Brewery, who opened it as one of their pubs. The space blends old character with a clean, modern feel – high ceilings, exposed brick, and plenty of natural light. It’s roomy but still cosy, with little corners perfect for chatting and larger tables for groups. The mix of traditional pub charm and stylish touches makes it feel both fresh and familiar. It’s the sort of place that looks good without trying too hard.
On the bar a selection of 5 of their cask ales, alongside a range of keg options to choose from. My beer of choice was “Bollington Best” from Bollington Brewing Co. A tasty, malty and well balanced Best Bitter.
R&G’s Tap House
Next was R&G’s Tap House. This opened in 2023, bringing new life to a former shop in Congleton’s historic Market Quarter. The building had served different purposes over the years, from small retailers to everyday services, before being reimagined as a place for locals to gather. The “R&G” reflects its founders, who wanted to celebrate Congleton’s long pub tradition at a time when many old inns were disappearing. Keeping things simple—conversation, community, and character—it quickly became part of the fabric of the town. In just a few years, it established itself as a much-loved spot in the Market Quarter’s evolving story.
Walking into R&G Tap in Congleton’s Market Quarter feels like stepping into a hidden spot with plenty of character. The space stretches out in a tunnel-like shape, with little corners that make it feel cosy and welcoming. Towards the back there’s a room with a dartboard and even some retro arcade games, giving it a playful, old-school feel. The décor is simple and unfussy, more about comfort than style, and people tend to drift into easy conversation.
Drinks wise a selection of 14 keg lines to select from in lots of different styles. I went with “Cowboy Canned Laughter” from Vault City Brewing. A lovely fruit sour packed with blueberries, honeyberries, vanilla and lemon.
Knypersley
HopLab
I managed to have some extra time so went out to HopLab Brewery. This was founded in Knypersley, Staffordshire, in February 2021 by Gareth and Adam Whalley. Starting out in a small industrial unit, the idea was to create something modern, local, and full of character. From its early days, HopLab has built a reputation for creativity and community spirit, quickly becoming known in the area as a fresh and exciting project. Even though it’s still young, the brewery has already made its mark as part of Staffordshire’s growing independent scene, showing how a small idea can grow into something that brings people together and puts Knypersley on the map.
The taproom bursts with colour and creativity. Outside, bold murals of hop plants wrap around the building and even the outdoor bar, setting a playful tone before you step inside. The interior is equally vibrant, with graffiti-style tables, fairy lights strung across the ceiling, and huge wall art of hops twisting across deep purple backgrounds. Green, hop-shaped lamps glow overhead, adding to the theme and making the space feel both fun and distinctive. It’s a mix of street art and industrial charm, creating a lively, welcoming place that reflects HopLab’s energetic, community-driven personality.
It was fantastic to meet Adam today and Ethan behind the bar. Drinks wise a great selection of 8 keg lines, mostly their own beers alongside a selection of cans and bottles to choose from. A great variety of styles. I sampled 3 of their beers, starting with “Nanokid”, a nice well balanced hazy pale ale. Secondly was “Hoppy Daze”, a juicy Double IPA. Finally “Hazy Daze”, a delicious juicy New England IPA.
Biddulph
On Tap
Onto Biddulph and into On Tap. This opened in 2017, bringing something fresh to Biddulph’s High Street. The bar took over a former shop unit at number 83, opposite Wetherspoons, and transformed the space using reclaimed doors, floorboards, and even old gate hinges to create its quirky interior. What started as a small idea soon became a lively community hub, known for live music, events, and its creative twist on the traditional local. Even during the 2020 lockdowns, it adapted with takeaway and online sales to stay connected. Once just another high-street shop, it’s now firmly part of the town’s modern social history.
Inside the feel is stripped-back and welcoming, with raw textures giving it a cool, urban edge. Corrugated metal walls and chunky wooden doors, covered in stickers from past visitors, set the tone alongside mismatched tables and retro chairs. The open front window pulls the High Street inside, making it feel connected to the town outside. Edison bulbs hang from exposed fittings, adding a warm glow that softens the industrial feel. It’s the kind of space where you instantly feel relaxed — unpolished in the best way, full of character, and always ready for a good night.
On the bar a brilliant line up of 6 keg lines showcasing a variety of styles and strengths, alongside a fridge full of cans. I went with a sour from Vault City Brewing. “Finnish Blueberry Pie (Mustikkapiirakka)” is a great mix of blueberries and vanilla.
The Crafty Flanker
Just up the road was The Crafty Flanker. This opened in 2021 on Biddulph High Street as the micro-pub for Front Row Brewery, run by Congleton native Nick Calvert who it was great to finally meet today. A former rugby prop turned brewer, Nick launched Front Row back in 2012 and later transformed a former shop into a cosy, welcoming taproom. The name and theme nod to his rugby roots, with the “front row” spirit carried through the banter and atmosphere. Quickly picking up honours like Pub of the Season and a spot in the Good Beer Guide, the Crafty Flanker has become part of Biddulph life—more like a friendly clubhouse than just a pub.
Walk inside and it feels like you’ve wandered into a mate’s living room that just happens to love rugby. Up front, big windows look onto the high street, lined with bar stools, plants, and little touches that make it feel homely. Head further in and you hit the heart of the place: mismatched chairs, barrels for tables, and a giant rugby stadium mural setting the tone. Flags hang overhead, cushions get passed around, and the feel is relaxed, chatty, and unpretentious. It’s the kind of spot where strangers become drinking friends within minutes.
Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 6 cask beers, mostly from Front Row, alongside 4 keg options and a range of ciders to choose from. I went with “Oh Wot a Punt” from Front Row Brewing in here. A delicious raspberry flavoured pale ale, very refreshing.
Congleton
Throstles Nest
Back into Congleton and first up is Throstles Nest. This was first recorded as a public house in 1832, its name taken from “throstle,” an old word for song thrush. After standing empty for nearly a decade, it reopened in January 2023 following a major refurbishment that added features such as solar panels and a rooftop terrace. The pub quickly regained its place as a valued community landmark, earning recognition for its revival. In December 2023 it received CAMRA’s Newcomer Award, and in July 2025 it was named Pub of the Year by the Macclesfield & East Cheshire branch of CAMRA.
Step inside and you’ll see why its revival has been such a success. The cosy interior glows with warm wood panelling, leather seating, and a classic fireplace that feels instantly welcoming. Upstairs, the rooftop terrace adds a modern twist, with outdoor seating and strings of lights perfect for summer evenings. Behind the bar, friendly staff keep things lively, making it easy to see why locals call it a true community spot again.
On the bar a selection of 6 cask ales, alongside a range of keg beers. I went with “Hop Dancer” from Wigan Brewhouse. A fantastic Session IPA which has been loaded with Cashmere, Mosaic & Citra hops to give some delicious flavours.
Beartown Tap
Next up is a short walk to Beartown Tap. This has roots going back to 1999, when the old Grapes pub on Willow Street was taken over and relaunched as the brewery tap for Beartown Brewery. The pub became the main showcase for Congleton’s homegrown brewery during its early years, helping build Beartown’s reputation locally and further afield. Over time, the Tap changed hands and moved into independent ownership, though it kept close ties to the town’s brewing heritage. It’s since earned recognition from CAMRA and become part of Congleton’s pub history.
Walk inside and you’ll find a snug, traditional pub atmosphere—wooden floors, mismatched chairs, and walls lined with posters and local events. It feels lived-in and welcoming, with plenty of corners to settle into for a chat or quiz night. Out back, “The Pit” beer garden adds a different vibe altogether: rustic timber decking, big benches, string lights, and even a screen for games or outdoor events.
Drinks wise a range of 6 cask beers and 10 keg lines showcasing a variety of styles and strengths to choose from. I went with “Factotum” from Pomona Island Brew Co. A great American Pale Ale, refreshing, easy drinking and very sessionable.
Barley Hops
Next is onto BarleyHops. This started out online around 2011, before Paul and Linda Plant opened a little bottle shop on the corner of West Street and Mill Street in 2013. What began as a small place to pick up interesting beers quickly grew into a friendly hangout, earning a reputation as one of Congleton’s first micropubs. By 2021 they’d outgrown the original shop and moved into a bigger spot on the High Street, taking over the old “Not Just Cards.” The new place added space for live music, games and even an occasional cocktail bar upstairs. In 2024, CAMRA crowned it Winter Pub of the Season.
Inside the feel is modern yet welcoming. Tall wooden tables and metal stools line the big front windows, giving great views of the High Street while letting in plenty of natural light. Exposed bulbs hang from above, adding a warm, industrial touch against the polished concrete floor. The walls are simple and light, decorated with geometric acoustic panels for a clean, contemporary feel. Menus rest on the tables, ready for browsing, and there’s a relaxed buzz that suits both a quick drink or a long chat. It feels airy, casual and designed for easy conversation and community.
Drinks wise a choice of 4 cask ales, 8 keg lines and a real local cider to choose from so lots of choice. I chose to have “Ring O’ Roses” from Eyam Brewery. A very easy drinking Session IPA with a great taste.
The Queens Head
Last up is The Queens Head on Park Lane. This has been part of Congleton life since the 1830s, when the Beerhouse Act made it easy for ordinary folks to open alehouses from their front rooms. What started as a modest beerhouse grew into the pub locals still know today, sitting handy by the station and canal. Over the years it’s been a go-to for a pint, a chat, and a bit of community spirit. In 2018 it nearly disappeared to housing plans, but locals rallied and new owners stepped in. Thanks to that, the Queen’s Head is still very much alive and pouring.
Step inside and you can sense its 1830s beerhouse beginnings. The snug interior, with leaded windows, colourful lampshades, wood furniture and bench seating, keeps that classic pub feel alive. Warm walls, fairy lights, and leafy touches make it welcoming, while the bar remains the heart of the place. Locals gather for pints, board games, or live music, and when the sun’s out the beer garden is a favourite spot for families, friends, and four-legged visitors alike.
On the bar a great line up of 5 cask ales alongside a keg selection. I finished the day with “King’s Ale” from Merlins Micro Brewery. A superb, easy drinking and well balanced Bitter.
Micropub Adventures 