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.”
Author Archives: scottspencer001
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.
27/07/24 – Congleton
Today, I headed to Congleton, situated in Cheshire. Congleton earned the nickname “beartown” due to the popularity of bear baiting during Elizabethan times. I will be meeting Mikey and other individuals from “Beartown Brewery” for a tour of several pubs in the town, many of which will be participating in Congleton’s “Big Beer Weekend” featuring tap takeovers, meet the brewers events, and more.
19/07/24 – Gloucester, Newport and Caldicot
Starting in Gloucester, recognized for its historical significance as the burial site of King Edward II and Walter de Lacy, I embarked on an excursion. After exploring a few brewery establishments in Gloucester Docks, I then proceeded to visit two Micropubs located in the city centre. Subsequently, I made my way to Newport and Caldicot, where I had the opportunity to visit three breweries and a Micropub.
18/07/24 – Bristol #2
During several excursions to Micropubs and Independent Pubs in Bristol, renowned for landmarks such as Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and Banksy’s Street Art, the city has also served as a pivotal location during the exploration of Europe and the establishment of trade networks in North America. Noteworthy attractions include the picturesque Wapping Wharf, now housing M Shed, and delightful boat tours along the River Avon with views of the SS Great Britain.
17/07/24 – Weston-Super-Mare and Nailsea
Today, I began my day with a visit to Weston-Super-Mare, a coastal resort that dates back to the Victorian era and boasts the second-highest tidal range globally. I began my journey at the Black Cat Micropub, then proceeded to Fat Head Brewery & Taproom, Brit Bar, and Fork N’ Ale. After a brief train ride to Nailsea & Bacwell, I took a leisurely stroll into Nailsea, a town rich in history that was once renowned for the Nailsea Glassworks established in 1788, supported by the nearby coal mines. This glassworks was considered a major player in the UK’s glass industry. During my visit, I stopped by Nailsea Micropub.
6/7/24 – Darlington and Shildon
I commenced the day in Shildon, renowned as the Cradle of the Railways, where the world’s inaugural steam-powered public railway was established. My visit included a stop at George Samuel Brewery. Subsequently, I proceeded to Darlington, distinguished in the 18th century for its linen manufacturing and as the place where the first Quaker was granted a seat in Parliament. Throughout the day, I explored various establishments in the town dedicated to real ale and craft beer.
29/06/24 – Chesterfield
A day out in Chesterfield, home to the “Crooked Spire”. The lead tiles used to cover the spire’s timbers (Over 32 tonnes of lead tiles) created such a heavy weight that the timbers simply couldn’t bear the strain, and twisted alarmingly. Visited a number of Micropubs, Brewery Pubs and Independent pubs throughout the day.
Micropub Adventures 