The Brewery Tap, Lymm

I have been wanting to visit the Brewery Tap for a while, and got my chance yesterday lunchtime. There were several older gents in who were obviously regulars and knew each other by name. The barman also knew them by name. Yet despite this, he just seemed a bit disinterested in his role of barman as it seemed to get in the way of his iPhone time. He was not unfriendly, just a little disengaged, and he came across as being a bit bored. There were 7 or 8 pumps split across the two sections of the bar, a mix of Dunham and Lymm ales, and a mix of styles. A chalk board in the back room lists the complete offering. I tried to go for beers I knew I had not had before, rather than ones which I know are old favourites (the Dunham porters and stouts are particular favourites of mine). A half of Stamford Bitter by Dunham (£1.50) was followed by Bridgewater Blonde (£1.45) and both were pleasant and in good nick. On previous visits to Lymm, I have not found the real ale offering in the pubs to be anything to get excited about, so this place was like a breath of fresh air. I would happily go back and sample more of the range. A load of pump clips on the wall behind the bar give an indication of some of the ales they have had on previously. I didn't find the décor to be particularly offensive, though perhaps it has changed since Will Larter's review back in 2013. It was fairly neutral, a mix of seating styles including the half booths that have been mentioned previously (which actually work quite well) and high tables. I think there was some low seating in the smaller front section if I remember correctly. Pork pies by A Ward & Sons were on sale behind the bar (£1.90); I saw one of the older chaps order one and I think he got given some chutney to go with it. Definitely worth a look especially if you like the Dunham and Lymm beers.

Set opposite the foot of the ramp leading up to the Bridgwater Canal, this plain brick building hides a surprisingly modern two-room bar. Features a mix of furniture, including some annoying high tables and a few 'semi-booths' in the back section, with a slightly clinical feel to the decor. There are also several small tables out on the front pavement. A total of seven handpumps are distributed between the two counters, offering two Lymm Brewing beers and five from Dunham Massey in a variety of styles (including the Dunham Dark mild, £2.40).