Crewe Dog, Crewe

One of those indoor market venues that the North does very well - a selection of eateries and bars around a shared seated area. Admittedly I was in there at opening on a Friday but I had to have two walk around the stalls before I could find someone to serve me. There were four cask on - and to be honest, the Merlin Gold was a little ropey - hazy, separating head and bits floating in the bottom. Maybe should have gone for the keg Budvar. Lots of variety and probably worth another go.

A stall in the handsome covered food market – seemingly a North West speciality – and is located over to the right-hand side as you enter. Seating is as you’d expect from these places, utilitarian and often of the high tables/stools variety. Mix and match of cask, craft and bottles. My pint of cask Merlin Gold was in good nick (NBSS 3.5) and I was mildly surprised that the place isn’t GBG listed. All the staff in this market appear to be slim young ladies in yoga pants so there’s enhanced aesthetic appeal for the solo male drinker, as I discovered.

Fairly large bar in a market hall containing numerous eateries. The bar can be found about halfway along the right-hand wall as you enter. On our Saturday evening visit, it was well staffed and customers were adopting the annoying habit of queuing along the corridor. Real ales on were Tatton Gold & Red Hot Poker, Track Sonoma & Tom's Tap Mighty Stout. Lilley's Rhubarb Cider occupied a 5th handpull. Craft beers listed were Beartown Massachussetts Ski Club & Panama, Northern Monk Jesus Christ He Is Massive, Siren/Cycle Candour, Roosters Howl, Salt Hop A Salt, Phantom Brie Time Baby & Signature Roadie, alongside a few lagers and pilsners. Seating is by way of long tables and bench seating. It is shared with the numerous food stalls, with food options including pizzas, noodles and burgers. There was also a bottle shop a little further along the right-hand side that seemed to be connected to the Crewe Dog. Certainly a decent addition to the drinking scene in Crewe and not too far from the excellent Borough Arms.

One of a number of food and drink outlets in the (slightly) converted Market Hall. The stalls in the centre have been replaced by bench seating, while those along the two long sides now serve a different purpose (and some, such as this, have been amalgamated into larger units). I found four of the five handpumps in use, offering two Tatton beers - the 'house' Gold and 'guest' XPA (just £2.00 on a Wednesday) - plus Wavelength from Turning Point and Alter Ego's Goth Juice. 12 of the 14 craft keg taps on the bar-back were also in use.

The Crewe Dog occupies a stall within the indoor market. Stalls are on the perimeter with a fair amount of shared seating in the centre of the hall - a mix of bench style and tables and chairs. There is also some seating to the small end of the bar, which I assume is reserved for Crewe Dog customers only, and I managed to grab a seat in this area as the main hall was absolutely heaving on my Thursday evening visit (just before 7pm). Four cask ales plus one cider on the hand pulls plus 14 options on keg. I am not sure if this place is card only but the machine was brought over for payment without asking how I wanted to pay - so just be prepared for the possibility that it is card only. I didn't see any signs so I could be wrong. At the end of the bar there is a fridge with various offerings, plus a 'bargain box' of cans all reduced to £3 each. There appeared to be a pub quiz type thing starting in the market hall, which was rather loud and did dominate the atmosphere - so if that is likely to ruin your visit you may want to check what's on beforehand. Service was middle of the road - neither rude nor particularly friendly - and I'd say this place is worth a visit. Also check the opening hours before you go - doesn't currently open on Monday and Tuesday, and closes at different times on different days.

Facebook page of Crewe Dog - www.facebook.com

Official site of Crewe Dog - salty-dog.co.uk

Facebook page of Crewe Dog - www.facebook.com