The Beer Emporium, Sandbach

Despite there being a number of excellent pubs in Sandbach, this micropub/bottle shop was easily the highlight. As you enter, you are immediately drawn to the shelving down the left-hand side containing the bottled/canned beer selection, to be consumed on the premises or taken away. On the right-hand side is the bar itself with a number of handpulls at the window end and blackboards listing the real ale and craft beer choices. Seating is limited to a small area of 2 or 3 tables in the window, stools at the bar or a further small room at the rear. The owner was really friendly and after patiently waiting whilst I deliberated as to what I'd have and answered a number of my questions about the beers, he was unmoved when I highlighted that I'd only ordered a half, as he'd poured a pint. The 5 handpulls were carrying George Shaw Old Ale, Pentrich No Kind Words, Ossett Mosaic & White Rate & Four Priests Murgy Strait. Craft beers were Salt Jute & Akat, Time & Time Rat Park & Azvex Future Landscapes. There is no real cider here, but I was perfectly happy with my choice of the Old Ale, which was my favourite beer of the day by some distance. In fact, I would go as far as to say that this was the best example of this style of beer that I have encountered. It left me wishing that I'd taken the full pint originally poured!

Visited on Tuesday evening. A small crowd around the bar with four small tables to the front by the window. Bare boards in the window area and a basic unfussy tiled floor from there to the rear. Pump clips everywhere! A very pleasant atmosphere and relaxing environment to enjoy a drink. I spotted five hand pulls with four being available at the time of my visit. The cask line-up consisted of Rookery Wood, Salopian Spectrum, Twisted Wheel Speed Wobble and Abbeydale Contraption. The Speed Wobble was my ale of choice, and it was bloody gorgeous. £1.85 for a half. A massive selection of cans and bottles on the shelves on the left hand wall. Appears to be dog and child friendly, as both were present at the time of my visit. Well worth a visit!

A pleasant micropub. Similar to a lot in that there are lots and lots of bottled beers on display and lots and lots of pump clips adorning the walls. All wooden interior with the bar having 5 handpumps with one dispensing cider. Beers from Deva, Merlin, Blue Monkey and Castle Rock. Beer related books are available to peruse.

Official site of The Beer Emporium - www.thebeeremporium.com

Official site of The Beer Emporium - www.thebeeremporium.com