This summer’s Pub of the Season award from the Trafford & Hulme Branch took place at the Swan with Two Nicks on 16^th July. Sixteen Branch members attended and the presentation to the licensee, Ann Amphlett, was made by Beverley Gobbett, Chair of the Branch. The award was in recognition of the range and quality of the beers, for which the Swan was voted into the current GBG for the first time. During Ann’s 3 year tenure the number of cask ales available has increased from 3 to 7.  In particular, the Branch wishes to recognise Ann’s strong support for the nearby, newly-established Dunham Massey Brewery and its brewer John Costello. Typically, 3 of his beers were available on the night: Big Tree, Stamford and the latest Little Bollington Bitter. Ann also supports another local micro-brewery, Coach House of Warrington, who provide the house beer named after the pub. Also permanently available are Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and a stronger beer, often Abbot Ale.

When it was first brought up, a day in a brewery seems like a dram (sorry dream, Freudian slip?!) for any real ale fan, but would it be like in reality?

The invitation from Dominic Driscoll of Marble Arch Brewery sounded promising “just turn up “ he said. “Wear the most waterproof boots you’ve got, rigger boots should be fine.” Ok. Not quite so confident now.