The three-day exploration of the Fylde Coast included visits to various breweries, micropubs, and pubs in locations such as Cleveleys, Blackpool, and Lytham. Highlighted establishments featured diverse selections of cask and keg beers, showcasing unique flavours and atmospheres.
Category Archives: Brewery Taps
27/09/24 – Lake District
Today I headed to The Lake District, I visited several unique pubs and breweries, starting with The Crafty Baa in Windermere, known for its eclectic décor and impressive drink selection. Next, I explored The Watermill Inn in Ings, home to Windermere Brewing Company, offering a delightful variety of ales. In Kendal, I discovered Lakes Brew Co, Bowness Bay Brewing, The Factory Tap, Indie Craft Beer, Handsome Snuff Bar, The New Union, and Fell Bar. Each venue showcased distinct atmospheres and exceptional beers, including pale ales and IPAs, making for a rich and enjoyable experience in the local brewing scene.
14/09/24 – Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour
Today, I find myself returning to Chesterfield to participate in the Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour organised by Shaun. Renowned as both “The Heart of Industrial England” and “The Gateway to the Peak District”, Chesterfield originated as a Roman fort at the fringes of the Roman Empire, benefiting from excellent transport connections that facilitated its development into a thriving market town during the Middle Ages. The tour will guide me through several pubs, including one that is currently closed, each rich in history and narratives. It promises to be an exceptional experience that I wholeheartedly recommend if the opportunity arises.
07/09/24 – Louth
Today, my journey leads me to Louth, a charming Georgian market town commonly known as the “Capital of the Woods.” This town is located at the foot of the Wolds, where they meet the Lincolnshire Marsh. The River Lud meanders softly through the town, and the Greenwich Meridian line is indicated on Eastgate. During my visit, I had the opportunity to explore four breweries and brewery taps, in addition to a variety of scenic and historic pubs. I concluded my day in Grimsby with a visit to “Docks Beers.”
31/08/24 – Huddersfield and Brighouse
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.
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.
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.
Micropub Adventures 