The Castle, Macclesfield

First visit since its thankful reopening, this is indeed a venerable survivor. Handily placed between the town centre and station, but tucked away in a side street halfway up the hill. It retains a multi-room layout, with the 'main' bar at the front (little bigger than a snug) and a slightly bigger lounge beyond the central servery. Both of these spaces are characterful, but the side room on the other side of the entrance corridor is a real gem, and further seating is available in another larger room at the back. Although it only has three handpumps, these offer real ales in different styles, ranging from the Bosley Cloud pale from Storm Brewing to Red Willow's Feckless bitter (£3.90) and the Wantsum Black Prince from Kent. Excellent place.