Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA’s Winter Warmer Wander, the great North West ale trail, is now under way, running until 29th December.
The trail, involving 65 pubs across Greater Manchester, is sponsored by Robinsons Brewery. Participants can collect stickers from pubs to win prizes.
From Altrincham to Ashton, Stockport to Stalybridge, and Manchester to Marple, there will be plenty of stouts, porters, old ales, and barley wines available to try.
Several pubs on the trail, including the Arden Arms, the Red Bull, and the Blossoms in Stockport, and the Three Tunnes in Hazel Grove, will be offering Robinsons’ multi-award-winning barley wine, Old Tom, which this year is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
There will be an opportunity to enjoy the seasonal ales brought out by local brewers especially for the Christmas period. These include Holt’s Sixex and JW Lees’ Plum Pudding. Although the Plum Pudding is not normally available until the end of November, the pubs on the trail will have it available from the middle of the month.
You can also expect to find qualifying beers from independent microbreweries in the many freehouses participating on the trail. One of these is the current Greater Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Year, the community-owned Northumberland Arms in Marple Bridge. Pubs new to the trail this year include the Victoria Tap in Manchester, Wine and Wallop in West Didsbury, and the Steel Works in Bredbury.
Pints make prizes
To start winning prizes, participants must visit 12 different pubs in various areas, drink at least a half a pint of a cask-conditioned winter beer in each, and collect a sticker. This will entitle drinkers to claim bottles of beer, including one of Old Tom.
Collecting 24, 36, or 65 different stickers will entitle one to claim clothing featuring the Winter Warmer Wander logo, as well as bottles of beer, and entry into a draw for a case of 12 bottles.
Full details and entry forms can be found on the Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA website. Alternatively, pick up a copy of the free November/December Opening Times magazine in local pubs, which has details and an entry form.
“Winter Warmer Wander provides a bit of fun in the run-up to Christmas, and gives you the chance to visit familiar haunts and experience new watering holes, as well as win prizes,” said organiser Sue Lightfoot.
“The number of excellent winter ales to be found in local pubs is astonishing, and I’m sure you will find something to tickle the taste buds.
“Our pubs have had a rough few years, so please go along and support them, and celebrate with wonderful warming seasonal beers from the best independent breweries.”
