Runcorn Bridge at sunset

Halton

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Haltons Got Talent!

Thursday 12 May 2016

One of the most difficult (but pleasurable!) decisions facing Halton CAMRA is to select its annual Pub Of The Year (POTY). The choice is democratically made, but a number of factors come into the decision. These include whether the pub has a community focus, whether the real ale has been of a consistent high quality throughout the whole year and the ambience/ welcome received.

In 2015, the Prospect in Weston Village was a very deserved POTY winner, and besides quality real ale, the home cooked food and real fire make a very welcoming environment. The competition for the 2016 award was very close run. Three strong candidates all polled equally for second place; The Lion in Runcorn – a deservedly popular traditional pub near the railway station, the historic Norton Arms in Halton Village and the Ring O Bells in Daresbury that is awarded “Locale” status due to the commitment shown in sourcing local real ales.

However the “first past the post” for 2016 and a deserved Pub Of The Year winner is the Eight Towers in Weates Close, Widnes. The pub has two sides – a large bar where sport is popular and a large seated side where food is served. A good size outdoors area is very popular in the summer months. Six real ales from the Marstons range are served (4 regular beers & 2 changing guests) and through tastings made throughout the year the real ales have been found to kept be in good condition. That a pub in a non town centre location in Halton, can support such a choice of real ales is a testament to the managements skill in looking after the real ales and to building up a thriving trade. The pub raises monies for charity, hosts fairs for children and has a community focus.

If you are passing, give the Eight Towers a visit –in an area where real ale has not always thrived, it certainly is a beacon showing what can be achieved!