Tom's Tap, Crewe

Typical micro-brewery tap in a light industrial unit, and in this case just over the West Coast Main Line from the town centre. However, despite the rather uninspiring surroundings, it was doing good business early on a Wednesday evening. With 30+ of their own and guest beers and ciders available, the choice was huge, but with no handpumps, it is anybody's guess whether any of these are real ale from KeyKegs. However, I certainly enjoyed my Dark Mild (£3.60).

Official site of Tom's Tap - www.tomstap.co.uk

Facebook page of Tom's Tap - www.facebook.com

Visited on Friday just after 5pm. No cask ales but a massive selection of keg taps are on the back wall - too many to take in - although this is mitigated by screens in both rooms showing the menu. The menu is also available via their web site (https://www.tomstap.co.uk/home/on-the-bar/) which can be handy for planning your next drink without having to crane your neck at the rotating menu on the screens. There is also a fridge containing bottles and cans. Their own beers feature, of course, plus a decent number of guests including ciders. There are two payment points at the bar, one is card only and the other is cash and card. When I went up for my second drink I was asked if I wanted to set up a tab if I was staying for a few, which I thought was a nice touch. Clipboards on the tables have a list of what events are coming up and details of meet the brewer events and food vans etc. At the time of my visit there was a street food van outside but I think it depends what day you go and the traders may well rotate (that was certainly the impression I got from the "what's on" information). There are two rooms plus a large outdoor area and a marquee. Music was playing with a raised area in the second room hosting large speakers and a DJ deck, which I felt was a little unusual for a brewery tap, and the music was a bit heavy rock / metal for my taste but nonetheless was not too intrusive. There is a single basic toilet, as is typical for this kind of setup. I'd happily go and give it another look.

Facebook page of Tom's Tap - www.facebook.com

Official site of Tom's Tap - www.tomstap.co.uk