It’s here!  Bolton Beer and Cider Week is upon us.  Running from Friday 7th to Sunday 16th July, we are celebrating all that’s good in Bolton’s beer, cider and pub scene.

Just a reminder that there is no Branch Meeting this month.  The next one is Thursday 3rd August at Northern Monkey Brewery Tap, Chorley Street Industrial Estate, Bolton at 7.30pm (Doors open at 7.00pm)

Pub Passport

We’re launching our pub passport during Bolton Beer & Cider Week to showcase a selection of some of Bolton’s great and diverse pubs, all serving great real ales or real ciders. You can download and print off your passport or pick one up from the participating pubs. 

Between 7th and 30th July choose one or more routes on the passport, visit each of the pubs, buy a beer or cider and collect a sticker.  Each completed route makes you eligible for one entry to the BBCW Prize Draw taking place on 3rd August.  

If you visit during Bolton Beer & Cider Week, you’ll find many of the pubs running events.  Most of the pubs are part of CAMRA’s LocAle scheme, serving beers from the local area, and often from the town’s own wonderful breweries.  CAMRA members also benefit from discounts in some of pubs, including The Robert Shaw and The Spinning Mule (both accepting members vouchers), Ye Olde Man & Scythe and Tails and Ale (both offering discounts to members at certain times) and The Ainsworth Arms where you can present your passport and get your first pint for £2.50 any time Monday to Thursday!

Bolton Beer & Cider Week Events

We have encouraged pubs, clubs and bars to run their own Bolton Beer & Cider Week events.  Not all are organised by the Branch but we hope members can support them as much as possible.  Some confirmed events during the week are:

Friday 7th July & throughout BBCW23 at The Brewery Bar, Horwich and The Brewery Tap, Westhoughton

The two Blackedge Brewery bars will be hosting a joint launch of two brand new beers (in keg format!).  All week there will be several ciders in addition to the usual eight, with promised exclusive choices. 1/3rd tasting paddles are available, as are a choice of 1/3rd and 2/3rd glasses. At the Brewery Tap, there will be a charity raffle for a 5L bag in the box of cask ale.

Starting 7th July –  Battle of the Beers at The Spinning Mule

The Spinning Mule are engaging in a Battle of the Beers. One of their managers has picked a cask ale, a customer will and Bolton CAMRA will.  CAMRA’s opening choice is already made and will be a very locally brewed cask beer. All of the ales will go on together, first to finish will be the winner and will be on sale for 1 full month. After that they will go again for the foreseeable future.

Friday 7th – Saturday 8th July  Sausage and Cider Festival at Northern Monkey Bar, Nelson Square, Bolton. 

The festival starts at 12pm with live music from 7.30pm.

Saturday 8th July – Bowling Tournament at The Kings Head in Deane

The Kings Head has one of the last pub greens in the town.  This will be a fun afternoon event for all and there is a small play area for children. Bowls, basic instructions and a convivial atmosphere are provided. In case of rain we will retire inside for indoor pub games. Meat & Potato Pie and excellent locally-brewed cask beer will be available. To pre-book please email beerciderweek@bolton.camra.org.uk to be guaranteed afterplay pie & peas for £2.50.

Sunday 9th July – Hogan’s Guided Cider at B33R@33, Lee Lane, Horwich

Hogan’s Cider are offering a Guided Cider tasting. This event is now SOLD OUT!

Wednesday 12th July at 8pm – Special presentation to The Beer School, Westhoughton 

Greater Manchester CAMRA Regional Cider Pub of the Year ‘Commended’ as Bronze Runner Up in 2021, 2022 and 2023.  Some special ciders will be available.

 Saturday 15th July – Annual Rivvy Beer Walk 

From Blackedge Brewery Bar in Horwich to Rivington Brewery Tap.  This is our most popular social event of the year, where you can enjoy some of the area’s greatest beers and finest countryside in one day.  Start the walk at 1.30pm from the Brewery Bar (open from 1pm).  It is approximately 2 miles of ‘easy’ walking on level but mostly off-road paths.  We will be stopping en route at the Rivington Club where Abbeydale Beers are usually available alongside food and other refreshments.  Food is also available at Rivington Brewery Tap. Well-behaved dogs and children are welcome at all venues.

Summer Pub of the Season 2023

The branch is currently taking votes for the Summer Pub of the Season.

Voting can either be done online or in the Branch meeting on Thursday 3rd August at The Northern Monkey Brewery Tap.  Only one vote is permitted. Please try to visit all of the nominated pubs before voting.

The deadline for online voting is midnight on Wednesday 2nd August. Online voting can be done on the Members page.  

These are the 4 pubs which have been nominated

The Greyhound, Bolton

Hen & Chickens, Bolton

Kings Head, Deane

Thomas Egerton, Bromley Cross

Branch Socials

Saturday 29th July 2023 – Chorley

We have cancelled the planned visit to Torrside Brewery because of the train strike. This trip will now take place on 9th September.  Instead we will be having a trip to Chorley which we can travel to on the bus. Details to follow on the website.

Bolton Branch Update