I spent the day exploring some of St Helens’ pubs, and each one had its own feel. I kicked things off at The Royal Alfred by the station – proper old-school and full of history. The Turks Head was a highlight, packed with character and brilliant beer. Next door, The Cowley Vaults felt instantly welcoming, like somewhere you could lose track of time. Back in town, The Lamb Inn had that relaxed, cosy feel, while The Tipsy Tap was a newer, easy-going spot. The Cricketers Arms stood out with its on-site brewery – really impressive. I ended at Skew Bridge Alehouse and Beer EnGin, both small, friendly, and great for a quiet pint.
Category Archives: Brewery Taps
06/12/25 – Havering and Brentwood
A relaxed wander through Essex and London’s beer spots, starting in Upminster where the Taproom’s laid-back vibe set things off nicely. Each stop had its own personality — the friendly Hop Inn in Hornchurch, Gidea Park’s cosy front-room feel, and Brentwood’s farm brewery festival with plenty of good chat and great beer. The Peasants’ Revolt added a fun mix of history and warmth before I finally rolled into the Euston Tap, tucked inside its quirky little stone lodge. By the end, it all felt less like a planned trip and more like drifting from one good story to the next.
15/11/25 – Berwick-Upon-Tweed
I travelled from Newcastle to Berwick with Zac for my first visit in years. I stopped at Bear Claw Brewery in Spittal, enjoying their relaxed taproom and sampling all four beers on. Back in Berwick I visited The Curfew, Atelier, Barrels Ale House, Foxtons, the Brown Bear, the Free Trade and the Pilot Inn. Each place had its own character, from historic pubs to creative modern spots, and I enjoyed a different beer in every one. It was a full, relaxed day wandering between great pubs, trying excellent ales and taking in the town’s charm. A thoroughly enjoyable trip.
08/11/25 – Chorley and Adlington
I had a great time exploring the pubs around Chorley and Adlington. In Chorley, I dropped into spots like The Bob Inn, Flat Iron, Ben’s Tap, Shepherds Hall Ale House, Riley’s Taproom, The Shed & Garden, Baaa 38, Ronnie’s Bar, Nelipots, Inn the Dog House and Malt ’n’ Hops. Each place had its own vibe — friendly people, good beer and plenty of character. Then I headed over to Adlington, where I visited The Old Post Office, Inn the Dog House and The Retreat. Every stop was relaxed, welcoming and full of great local brews — the perfect way to spend a day out.
18/10/25 – Lancashire Beer & Buses – South Ribble
The South Ribble Beer & Buses day paired classic buses with pubs across Leyland, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall amongst others. Free vintage services ran lunchtime into early evening, creating a relaxed, community feel while linking more than twenty venues pouring quality cask and craft beer. The Merseyside Transport Trust, founded in 1970 to preserve regional bus heritage, ran this event with lovingly restored vehicles. Highlights included Hopworks, Bar 47, Beer Box, Withy Arms, venues along Liverpool Road in Penwortham, and welcoming stops in Lostock Hall and Leyland. A friendly route for real-ale fans, transport enthusiasts, and anyone up for a wander.
08/10/25-09/10/25 – Nottingham
Two days in Nottingham trace a pub crawl through history and beer. From the Vat & Fiddle’s Castle Rock tap roots to Brew Tavern in the old Cabman’s Shelter, venues blend canals, lace-market heritage and sandstone caves. Highlights include Canalhouse’s warehouse, Ye Olde Salutation Inn with caves, and Canning Circus stalwarts Sir John Borlase Warren, Falcon Inn and Organ Grinder. Interiors swing from snug nooks to airy, brick-and-beam spaces. Cellars, courtyards and roof terraces abound. Pints range from classic bitters to hazy pales and zesty sours—local, guest and collaboration brews poured with easy warmth. Across the city’s welcoming beer scene.
27/09/25 – Rochdale and Littleborough
I spent time exploring Rochdale and Littleborough’s pubs, each full of history, character, and great beer. From the Victorian charm of the Cemetery Hotel and the lively Flying Horse, to the mill-turned-brewery Twisted Mule and award-winning Baum, every stop offered something unique. I enjoyed cosy micropubs like The Pint Pot, Our Gracie’s, and The Lucky Duck, alongside landmarks such as Moody Blue and Bull on the Brow. In Littleborough, I discovered the heritage-rich Red Lion, welcoming Hare on the Hill, and scenic Moorcock Inn. Along the way I met passionate brewers, sampled local ales, and experienced true community spirit.
20/09/25 – Preston Pub Festival
I had a great time at the Preston Pub Festival, checking out loads of different pubs around the city. Each place had its own vibe, from the old-school charm of The Old Vic and The Black Horse to the laid-back feel of the New Continental and the modern buzz at Plug & Taps. The beers were brilliant too – highlights for me were Portergeist from Theakston, Arable Pastures from Fell, and Eating Fresh Fruit from Rivington. I even stumbled across some hidden gems like PLAU and Winedown. Overall, it was a fun weekend of good pubs, good beer, and good company.
13/09/25 – York
I spent the day exploring York’s pubs, bars, and drinks spots, each packed with history and character. I started at York Tap in the old station tearooms before heading to both House of the Trembling Madness venues, each quirky in their own way. I sampled rum at Villains Rum, browsed gin at York Gin, and visited unique pubs like The Blue Bell, Golden Ball, and The Falcon. Stops like Brew York, Market Cat, Valhalla, and Spark showed off York’s modern craft scene, while places like Pivni, Walmgate Alehouse, and The Ackhorne oozed old-world charm. A perfect mix of history, atmosphere, and great drinks.
06/09/25 – Congleton, Biddulph and Knypersley
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.
Micropub Adventures 