Two Sandbach drinking places have made it into the coveted CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2023 – for the second year running.

The Old Hall and the Beer Emporium both made it into the 2022 guide and it has just been confirmed that they have made it into the 2023 edition – CAMRA's 50th edition.

The historic Old Hall, Sandbach

The Good Beer Guide, which is published annually by CAMRA, helps beer lovers take a barometer of the local beer scene.

Compiled by thousands of independent volunteers, it helps identify significant trends and themes locally and nationally. 

Both the Sandbach entries are delighted to be included in the 2023 guide.

Oliver Holmes, Assistant Manager at the Old Hall said: We're a good, old-fashioned traditional pub.

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Oliver Holmes, assistant manager, Old Hall

The Old Hall in High Street is a Grade 1 listed building believed to date from 1656.

"All our managers have cellar training and we pride ourselves on what we do," said Oliver.

"We serve good cask ales combined with modern gins and spirits."

The Beer Emporium in Welles Street is also delighted to be included in the 2023 guide.

"The local branch of CAMRA comes in here on Thursday nights. We couldn't be happier to make it into the guide again," said manager Liam Bridle. 

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The Beer Emporium in Welles Street, Sandbach

In nearby Middlewich, the White Bear Hotel has made it into the guide as well.

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: "For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK's breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country.   

"The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry.

"We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers. 

"Whilst we experienced a boom in the brewing industry over recent years, it's clear that the effects of COVID-19 and subsequent cost of living and cost of goods crisis has been keenly felt.

"I'd encourage everyone to use this Guide to seek out the very best examples of pub excellence and support these locals by visiting them." 

The Good Beer Guide is sponsored this year by Cask Marque.

Paul Nunny, Director of Cask Marque said: "Cask Marque has sponsored the Good Beer Guide for a number of years, because it is important that we recognise great pubs with a CAMRA endorsement.

"Fifty years of actively supporting our industry is a great achievement and coincides with Cask Marque championing beer quality for 25 years."