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.
Category Archives: Cheshire
09/08/25 – Shrewsbury
A vibrant pub tour showcases historic venues like Cromwell’s Tap House, a Grade II listed site with a cosy mix of old and new. Three Fishes, a smoke-free pioneer, offered a quaint atmosphere with traditional décor. The Nag’s Head, with Tudor charm, featured a 14th-century hall, while the Henry Tudor Inn combines medieval history with modern comfort. House of Grain maintained its industrial roots post-renovation. Cross Foxes preserves brewing heritage, while Masonic Arms balances tradition with modern touches. The Prince of Wales celebrated community ties through a bowling green. Lastly, RAD Beer and The Chester Station Tap Room highlight craft offerings and revitalised spaces.
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.
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.
25/05/24 – Three Counties Rail Ale Trail
An attempt today to do a “Three Counties Rail Ale Trail”, covering Cheshire, Derbyshire and Greater Manchester. A return ticket to New Mills (2 stations here) from the Manchester direction was my ticket for the day. Started out at Disley visiting “Malt Disley”, a short train journey to New Mills Newtown and a few minutes walk to “Torrside Brewing”. Headed into New Mills visiting “Torr Vale Tap”, “The Cheese Wheel” and “Beer Shed”. Next was onto Marple visiting “The Samuel Oldknow”, “Bevi”, “Dig Inn” and “Traders”. Romiley next to drop into “Hop Haus” and “The Crafty Vendor”, before (for completion) to Bredbury to visit “The Steelworks”.
12/02/22 – Warrington
Started as a dull morning as made our way to Blackpool North to board the direct Avanti West Coast Train to Warrington Bank Quay. The Hop Emporium Arrived into Warrington Bank Quay and the first call of port was Warrington Market. Last time I visited here in 2018 the bar was in the opposite sideContinue reading “12/02/22 – Warrington”
Micropub Adventures 