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.
Category Archives: Brewery Tour
10/10/25 – Batemans Brewery Tour
Batemans Brewery, founded in 1874 by George and Susannah Bateman in Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, began in a converted windmill by the River Steeping. From humble origins — with Susannah brewing in their kitchen and bartering beer for local produce — the family built a legacy of “Good Honest Ales.” Over five generations, Batemans has stayed independent through wars, industrial change, and even a dramatic 1980s buyout to prevent corporate takeover. The brewery’s windmill remains its iconic symbol, now home to the “Theatre of Beers” visitor centre. Today, Batemans continues blending tradition with innovation, celebrating over 150 years of family brewing.
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.
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.
12/08/25 – Gosport, Portsmouth and Surrounding Area
A day exploring various beer venues in Portsmouth and Gosport, starting with Powder Monkey Brewing Co, established in a historical naval gunpowder store. I highlight the vibrant atmosphere of each location, including The Powder Monkey Taphouse and 33 Green Bottles, both rich in local history. Casemates Studios & Café, a converted fort, now combines coffee, live music, and community spirit. Urban Island Brewing Co and The Drayton Tavern emphasise community engagement with unique brews, while The Portcullis Taphouse showcases a new brewery. The exploration concludes at The Fossil Thief, a café-bar blending history with craft beer culture.
09/06/25 and 13/06/25 – Newton St Cyres and Barnstaple
Here I visit several notable pubs and breweries in Devon, starting with The Beer Engine in Newton St Cyres, which is a historic brewpub offering a variety of on-site brewed ales and a cosy atmosphere. I continue to The Reform Inn in Barnstaple, known for its rich history and role in reviving local ale production. The visit to Beer Matters highlights its community focus as a micropub with a relaxed vibe and a selection of cask ales. Finally, Hanlons Brewery in Half Moon is noted for its award-winning ales and inviting setting, providing hearty food options. Each venue showcases local brewing traditions and charm.
10/06/25 – Penryn and Falmouth
Today I explore several pubs and breweries in Penryn and Falmouth. I begin with Verdant Brewery, established in 2014, known for its innovative hop-forward beers and community engagement, followed by Seven Stars, which blends historical brewing traditions with modern craft. The Front pub, steeped in maritime history, and The Seafood Bar, a cosy venue pairing seafood with Verdant beers, highlight local culture. Falmouth’s Seaview Inn, recently revitalised by Verdant, maintains its historic charm. Further visits include Beerwolf Books, a unique pub and bookstore, and The Moth & The Moon, showcasing evolving pub culture with an inviting atmosphere.
22/02/25 – Birmingham (Jewellery Quarter)
I check out a bunch of historical pubs and breweries in Birmingham, shining a light on their cool stories and what they offer. Kicking things off at The Jewellers Arms, which dates back to the mid-1800s, each spot really shows off the rich history of the Jewellery Quarter. Places like The Lord Clifden, Rose Villa Tavern, The Red Lion, and 1000 Trades bring lively vibes, local beers, and cosy décor. I also dive into some innovative breweries like Burning Soul and Rock and Roll Brewhouse, focusing on how they connect with the community and their creative brews. Every place has its own unique vibe, drawing in both locals and visitors with a variety of ales and tempting food options.
08/02/25 – Chesterfield Beer Festival and Dronfield
The Chesterfield Beer Festival, hosted at the historic Winding Wheel Theatre, showcases a diverse range of UK beers and offers delicious food options. The festival promotes local and further afield brews and features talks, including one on haunted pubs. Nearby, Drone Valley Brewery stands out as the UK’s only community-owned brewery, involving locals in brewing and profits reinvestment. The Coach & Horses pub, with a long history dating back to 1795, maintains its welcoming charm and features a selection of Thornbridge beers. Other local spots, like The Beer Stop and The Underdog, contribute to a thriving craft beer culture in Dronfield, enhancing the community experience.
01/02/25 – Bakewell and Sheffield
Bakewell, a historic market town in Derbyshire dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era, features landmarks such as the Bakewell Parish Church and a 13th-century bridge. It’s famous for its Bakewell pudding, created accidentally in the 1800s, and a strong brewing culture exemplified by Thornbridge Brewery, founded in 2005. The brewery utilizes a historic Burton Union system for fermentation, enriching its beer flavours. Local pubs like the Joiners Arms and The Peacock emphasize community and craft beers. Bakewell’s vibrant history includes events like the Militia Riots of 1796 and unique stories tied to establishments, enhancing its charm and appeal.
Micropub Adventures 