Good Beer Guide 2022: CAMRA's top Cheshire pubs

CAMRA have published the 49th edition of the best-selling The Good Beer Guide, with contributors encouraging readers to support their local pubs and breweries in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Of the 69 pubs that are listed across Cheshire, 10 of them are new additions to the guide this year while there is one new brewery, Hush Brewing in Little Leigh.

While last year’s edition of the Guide captured data pre-Covid, the 2022 edition shows the ramifications of 18 months of lockdown had on the industry.

CAMRA has been calling on the Government to go further with its support package for pubs and breweries, to help mitigate the damage done to a sector in recovery, and still scarred by extended closures.

The Guide, which surveys 4,500 pubs across the UK, is considered the definitive beer drinker’s guide to the very best pints in the most picturesque and friendly pubs.

Despite being hampered by lockdowns and restrictions in the early part of this year, thousands of independent volunteers have worked together to compile this year’s entries, helping to identify significant trends and themes locally and nationally.

CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: “After the struggles of the past 18 months for the industry, it is great that The Good Beer Guide figures are showing the resilience of pubs and brewers in the face of strife – a national increase in brewery numbers after they dipped last year for the first time, as well as over 500 new pub entries.

"This is great to see, especially coupled with the news from the Government’s latest Budget, including the announcement of a new, lower rate of duty for draught beer and cider.

"However, the industry is still vulnerable in the aftermath of Covid-19 lockdowns.

"Breweries still face issues around costs of goods, lack of business rate relief and silence from the Government on Small Brewers’ Relief reform.

"We are calling on the Government to make sure the new draught duty rate applies to containers 20L and up so that all our small and independent brewers can benefit."

Here are some of the venues featured across our patch that you might want to try:

Barnton Cricket Club, Broomsedge, Townfield Lane

Serving Sharp's Doom Bar and three changing beers, the pavilion is arranged into two distinct rooms, with a patio that overlooks the cricket field.

A popular beer festival is held in July each year.

Davenham Cricket Club, Butchers Stile, Hartford Road

The second cricket club to feature in the guide this year, serving four changing beers sourced locally.

This family oriented club is a community facility in an idyllic village setting, with extensive seating in front of the pavilion.

Bottle Bank, London Road, Holmes Chapel

This bar/off-licence derives its name from its previous existence as a NatWest bank and has four changing beers.

It is also a former CAMRA branch Pub of the Year.

Rose & Crown, King Street Knutsford

The historic inn was built in 1641 and is a pub full of charm, with a black and white exterior and leaded stained-glass windows.

There are two changing beers, both sourced locally.

White Bear Hotel, Wheelock Street, Middlewich

This 17th century coaching inn was comprehensively restored in 2011 and serves a variety of real ale, with four changing beers sourced locally.

The pub is also renowned for its food and there is a alfresco patio.

Church Inn, Church Lane, Mobberley

Grade II listed 300-year-old pub is the sister venue of the nearby Bull's Head.

It has its own house beer (Tatton) named in honour of the Mallory of Everest, who was born in Mobberley.

Baron's Lounge, Witton Street, Northwich

Situated close to Barons Quay, this two-storey microbar was converted from a charity shop in 2018.

It has four changing beers, all sourced locally.

Salty Dog, High Street, Northwich

Another former town centre shop that was converted in 2017.

Renowned for both its wide beer selection and live music, it serves Tatton Gold as well as three changing, locally sourced beers.

Brewhouse & Kitchen, Swan Street, Wilmslow

Since opening in 2016, this brewery diner has established itself as a key destination pub in the town.

The four cask ales, all brewed on the premises, and have locally themed names, such as Bollin Ruby and Lucky Sam.

The Good Beer Guide 2022 is now available from the CAMRA shop HERE and there is an updated app version available for download on both iOS and Android device.

CAMRA members can order the guide at a reduced rate of £12.00 + p&p.

You can become a member and help save pubs for just £28.50 a year by visiting - join.camra.org.uk.