Written by Mrs Beer Blog...
So it's a cold but bright Sunday morning in January and Mr Beer Blog and I are looking for something to pass a couple of hours, when I spot a tweet from Wilson Potter Brewery saying that they're at Stalybridge Farmer's Market. Now, I grew up in Stalybridge, and to be honest, it breaks my heart to see what a sorry state the town centre is in these days. Thirty years ago, when I was no more than a twinkle in my Dad's eye (honest guv!), Melbourne Street was graced by an abundance of independent shops. There was a bakers, a butchers, a couple of greengrocers. We had a sport shop, a toy shop, Tetlow's stationers, several florists, a record shop, Smithies newsagent, and the very famous tripe shop, to name but a few - all gone! Apart from, rather randomly, the tripe shop, who'd a thought that little gem would still be trading in the social media age!!
So it's a cold but bright Sunday morning in January and Mr Beer Blog and I are looking for something to pass a couple of hours, when I spot a tweet from Wilson Potter Brewery saying that they're at Stalybridge Farmer's Market. Now, I grew up in Stalybridge, and to be honest, it breaks my heart to see what a sorry state the town centre is in these days. Thirty years ago, when I was no more than a twinkle in my Dad's eye (honest guv!), Melbourne Street was graced by an abundance of independent shops. There was a bakers, a butchers, a couple of greengrocers. We had a sport shop, a toy shop, Tetlow's stationers, several florists, a record shop, Smithies newsagent, and the very famous tripe shop, to name but a few - all gone! Apart from, rather randomly, the tripe shop, who'd a thought that little gem would still be trading in the social media age!!
Anyhow, I digress... There has, however, been some very limited regeneration in Stalybridge. They've tidied up the canal and the Farmers Market is in Armentieres Square on the second Sunday of every month, where Amanda and Kathryn from Wilson Potter have a regular pitch. We went with the intention of buying three beers for our "Manchester Beer Off"', but after a sample or two, couldn't choose - we came away with six, well why wouldn't you.?
Well, Wilson Potter blog to come then... I've got a good feeling about these ales. Ladies who know how to brew and aren't frightened of lugging 18s into a van are my sort of girls..