AS the nights draw in and temperatures drop, beer enthusiasts are in for a treat.
Eleven pubs across Tameside are part of a ‘Winter Warmer Wander’ Ale Trail.
In total, 65 establishments in Greater Manchester are involved in the annual celebration of festive beers – which runs until Sunday, December 29.
The trail – first introduced in 2006 and held annually until 2019 before returning last year – is organised by the volunteers of Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA, in association with the High Peak, Tameside and North East Cheshire Branch.
People taking part in the trail, sponsored by Robinsons Brewery, can collect stickers from pubs to win prizes and don’t have to be a CAMRA member.
There are plenty of stouts, porters, old ales and barley wines to try, as well as seasonal ales brought out by local brewers especially for the Christmas period – including JW Lees’ Plum Pudding at the Sheldon Arms in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Qualifying beers from independent micro-breweries can also be found in the free-houses participating on the trail in Tameside.
These are the Ash Tree, Halfway House and Tapsters in Ashton-under-Lyne, Silly Country in Droylsden, The Angel in Dukinfield, 3 Drinks Beyond in Gee Cross, Jack’s Bar in Hyde, and Bridge Beers, the Society Rooms and the Station Buffet Bar in Stalybridge.
To start winning prizes, participants must visit 12 different pubs in various areas, drink at least half a pint of a cask-conditioned winter beer in each, and collect a sticker.
Organiser Sue Lightfoot said: “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.
“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.”
Full details and entry forms are available at https://ssm.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=202262.