Two local craft bars, part of the  same business, have made it into the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide. 2024.

The Beer Emporium in Welles Street, Sandbach and the Beer Emporium Bottle Bank in Holmes Chapel are both celebrating after making it into the late guide.  

The Good Beer Guide, which surveys 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker's guide for those seeking the best pints in the nation's pubs.

The Beer Emporium in Welles Street has been in the Good Beer Guide a number of years on the trot and was featured in last year's as we reported here   .

The guide says: "The large window at the front of this welcoming micropub casts plenty of light on those sitting at the tables, and a small room at the rear provides extra seating.

"Five handpumps, normally including a dark or malty ale, are supplemented by four keg lines. Oakham and Ossett ales are often featured, plus local Merlin and Four Priests offerings.

"The knowledgeable staff will advise on the extensive range of worldwide bottled and canned beers on the shelves lining the walls."

This bar/off-licence gets its name from its previous life as a NatWest Bank, as evidenced by the strong room at the rear, which is now used for customers' spirit bottles. A former local CAMRA Pub of the Year, this modern bar has up to four regularly changing cask ales and eight keg lines, with thirds available. Various regular events take place, including visits from a caterer providing woodfired pizzas and 'cheesy Sundays', with complimentary cheese from 3pm.

Meanwhile the guide says of the Beer Emporium Bottle Bank in Holmes Chapel: "This bar/off-licence gets its name from its previous life as a NatWest Bank, as evidenced by the strong room at the rear, which is now used for customers' spirit bottles.

"A former local CAMRA Pub of the Year, this modern bar has up to four regularly changing cask ales and eight keg lines, with thirds available. Various regular events take place, including visits from a caterer providing woodfired pizzas and 'cheesy Sundays', with complimentary cheese from 3 pm."

CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: "The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation's pubs and breweries open and thriving. I'd encourage everyone to use this year's Guide to visit the very best pubs and breweries across the UK and support them for generations to come."