We got up very late, missing breakfast, and had to hurry to get checked out by 11. Since the train doesn’t stop until 12:15, we wandered into town, and stopped at the New Inn. The manager, Dave, treated us very well. Castle Eden made a great breakfast brew, and the Welsh Bitter was nothing to sneeze at. Real Toasties to go with the Real Ale. There was a handpump clip for Kimberley Classic hanging on the wall. I pointed out to Dave that the real Kimberle Classic was the one sucking down the pints of Real Ale. Dave promply removed the metal logo from the wall, and presented it to Kim, along with half a dozen pub towels, and assorted glasses. I was beginning to like this place, but it was time to catch the train. Dave says have another pint, and he’ll give us a ride to the station. He didn’t have to ask me twice! Eventually it was time to go, so Dave left the patrons in the bar, and drove us to the station, arriving two minutes before the train.
We transferred at Shrewsbury to the train to Crewe. We had a long stop there, so we frequented the Signals Bar. Imagine your favorite Real Ale at the train station. Somehow this could only happen in England. Stones Best Bitter had great hop bitterness. Youngers Tartan Special seemed to contain for water that was really necessary, but to each their own. From Crewe, we caught a train to our destination of the day, Warrington, to visit Karen and Ian.
Kim has been wanting to visit the Royal Oak in Disbury for many years to sample their world renowned slection of cheeses. So we made the trip to Didsbury,about 20 miles up the read, with Karen and Ian to check it out. After some consternation, we manged to find the town of Didsbury, and the Royal Oak as well. We we wery disappointed to find out that they only serve cheese for lunch! Real Ale they have all day: Marston’s Bitter has a good balance, Marston’s Pridewood was sampled by Kim, and the Martson’s Pedigree was smooth. Cheeseless, we headed down the street to The Albert Inn, where we sampled Hydes Anvil, a light bodied Manchester brew. We went across the street to The Squire, a trendy pub according to Karen. The Theakston’s Bitter was grainy, Theakston’s XB smooth. We then moved counterclockwise around the intersection to Nelson Inn. The Websters Bitter has a good bitter aftertaste. Being quiz nite, there was no where to sit, so we moved to the remaining pub at the intersection, Dog and Partridge. This is the place we have been searching for. A large real ale selection, live music, and lots of character. Spitfire: hops it’s got, body it lacks.