Leek
10. The Black Swan
12 Sheepmarket, Leek, ST13 5HW
01538 385803
The Black Swan, or ‘Mucky Duck’ as it is affectionately known is
a traditional pub popular with both locals and visitors. Marstons
Bitter is accompanied by two changing guest ales. The menu
offers a selection of traditional pub favourites and bar snacks.
A beer garden to the rear provides outdoor space in which to
relax during the summer months.
Open: Monday to Saturday 11.30am - 11pm, Sunday 11am 10.30pm. Food Served: Lunch - Monday to Friday Noon - 2.30pm,
Saturday and Sunday Noon - 3.30pm, Evening 5.30pm - 8.00pm
(excluding Mondays).
11. The Wilkes Head
The Wilkes Head,
16 Edward Street,
Leek, ST13 5DS
The Wilkes Head has been a regular
feature in the Good Beer Guide
for the past 13 years. The small
bar features seven hand pumps
offering Whim Ales Hartington
Bitter, Hartington IPA and Flower
Power along with four changing
guest offers.
The pub is well known for its
live music and customers come
from far and wide to see bands and artists perform. The beer
garden to the rear of the pub includes an outdoor bar and stage
area and is home to a number of music events and festivals
during the summer months.
Open: Monday 3pm - 11pm, Tuesday to Sunday Noon - 11pm.
12. Foxlowe Arts Centre
Market Place, Leek, ST13 6AD
01538 386112
LEEK
Real
ALE
Trail
The Foxlowe Arts Centre is a popular cafe, gallery, live music
and cinema venue. The Foxlowe Café is staffed by an extremely
friendly group of volunteers and has a great range of fairtrade
coffees, teas and hot chocolate together with a small selection
of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes the majority of which
are vegetarian or vegan. They also serve a range of bottled beers
from Titanic Brewery and Wincle Brewery.
Open: Everyday 10am - 4pm. The bar is also open Friday
evenings 5pm - 10pm for beers, wines & coffee.
Getting
From North West: Exit M6 jct 16. A500 towards Stoke.
A53 to Leek.
13. Benks
39 Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6DH
01538 382738
From South West: Exit M6 jct 14. A34 to Stone.
A520 to Leek.
An uncomplicated, traditional pub with a large gaming room,
Benks offers Wadworth Henry’s Original IPA alongside two
changing guest beers including offerings from Wincle Brewery
and Staffordshire Brewery.
Open: Monday to Thursday 3pm - Midnight, Friday and Saturday
3pm - 1am, Sunday 3pm - Midnight.
By Rail and Bus
The nearest railway stations are Stoke-On-Trent
(12 miles), Macclesfield (13 miles), Buxton (13 miles).
Frequent connecting bus services are available from
Stoke and regular connecting bus services available
from Macclesfield & Buxton. For more information
contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.
Callender Place, Lingard Street, Burslem,
Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 1JL
01782 823447 www.titanicbrewery.co.uk
Titanic Brewery was founded in Burslem, Stoke on Trent in 1985
with one goal, to produce great beer. The brewery was named
in honour of Captain Edward John Smith, Captain of the world’s
most famous liner, who was born down the road in Etruria.
From humble beginnings Titanic Brewery has grown beyond all
expectations to produce in excess of 2.3 million pints of award
winning fine ale every year however the ethos remains the
same; to brew great beer locally for local people. Tours of Titanic
Brewery take place on the second Saturday of every month.
Joules Brewery
The Brewery, Great Hales Street, Market Drayton
Shropshire, TF9 1JP www.joulesbrewery.co.uk
CAMRA
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale is an independent,
voluntary organisation campaigning for real ale,
community pubs and consumer rights. CAMRA has over
100,000 members across the world over 200 branches
across the UK, enabling members to campaign and
socialise in their local area.
For details on how to join or to find out more about your
local branch contact 01727 867201
Introduction
This trail takes in 13 pubs and bars around Leek, plus
a selection of shops and markets, all offering some
of the UK’s finest ales and beers. The pubs and bars
along the trail all have something different to offer.
Some are traditional pubs in period buildings, others
are modern establishments with a focus on dining
and one is even said to be haunted! All, however
have been selected for their welcoming atmosphere,
comfortable surroundings and of course, the range of
ales available.
All the venues are within walking distance of one
another, however there are so many great places to
visit that you can’t possibly see them all in one trip
so come back again and enjoy your favourite beer in
another of Leek’s excellent pubs. You can be sure of a
warm welcome.
The Joules Brewery
prides itself on natural
brewing, using quality
ingredients and soft
Staffordshire/Shropshire
mineral water. The
brewery concentrates
on producing just 3
beers. The Joule’s Red
Cross trade mark is the
6th oldest beer mark in
the world.
Staffordshire Brewery
2 Harrison Way, Cheddleton, Leek,
Staffordshire, ST13 7EF
01538 361919 www.beerandcheese.co.uk
Staffordshire Brewery have been brewing quality ales and beers
since 2002. All the beers are triple cold filtered and carbonated
to give them characteristic sparkle and taste in the bottle. The
beers include Staffordshire Gold, Danebridge IPA and Double
Sunset and are widely available across Staffordshire. Tours of the
20 barrel plant are available by prior arrangement.
Tolls Farm Barn, Dane Bridge, Wincle, Cheshire, SK11 0QE
01260 227 777 www.winclebeer.co.uk
From North East: Exit M1 jct 28. A38 towards Derby.
A52 to Ashbourne. A52/A523 to Leek.
From South East: Exit M1 jct 23A. A50 towards
Uttoxeter/Stoke. A520 to Leek.
Titanic Brewery
The Wincle Beer Company
Here
By Car
Local Breweries
Wincle Beer Company brews a range of award
winning and innovative real ales in a state
of the art 15 barrel brewery situated next to
the picturesque River Dane. You can sample
the beers in the brewery shop or, for real ale
enthusiasts, join the brewery team for a day
and see what goes into making a perfect pint
of Wincle beer. Contact the brewery for more information.
Hartington Brewery
Whim Ales, Whim Farm, Hartington, Buxton,
Derbyshire, SK17 0AX 01298 84991
Established in 1993, The Whim Ales Brewery’s ten barrel plant
is based in Hartington, near Buxton. Whim Ales are committed
to providing quality cask ales and its award winning beers ales
are widely available across Staffordshire and at selected outlets
further afield. They are always available at the brewery’s tied
house, the Wilkes Head in Leek.
Toft Brewing
6 Tuscan Close, Cheadle, Staffordshire, ST10 1HS
01538 755639 www.toftbrewing.webs.com
Toft Brewing is a one British barrel brewery producing fine hand
crafted real ale. Housed in a converted garage, the brewery
currently produces four ales, Full Toss, Stumped, Nightwatchman
and Inn Swinger. The beers are cricket themed in reference to the
owners cricketting past with Cheadle Cricket Club. Bottled beers
are also available.
Peakstones Rock Brewing Co Ltd
Peakstones Rock Farm, Alton, Staffordshire ST10 4DH
07891 350908 www.peakstonesrock.co.uk
Peakstones Rock Brewing Company brew a range of beers using
only the finest British raw materials, such as Maris Otter malt
and hops from Kent and Worcester. These are lovingly crafted
to produce a range of beers such as Oblivion, Black Hole and
Chained Oak, each with their own individual characteristics.
During spring 2012 Pugin’s Gold was added to the range in
honour of the Victorian Architect. A lot of his work can be seen in
the area around the brewery.
Shops &
Markets
Sample local brewery ales at home with a bottle
or two from the following shops and markets.
A. The Wine Shop
22 Russell Street, Leek, ST13 5JF. 01538 382408
The Wine Shop stocks a good selection of ales including local real
ales from The Wincle Beer Company, Titanic Brewery and Burton
Bridge Brewery as well as an assortment of continental beers. The
Wine Shop prides itself on its comprehensive range of whiskies
and is home to The Queen of the Moorlands Whisky Company
offering its own award winning range of Single Malt and Single
Cask Malt Whiskies. Let the friendly staff demonstrate their in
depth knowledge about the products they sell to help you
make your selection. The shop hosts a number of tasting events
throughout the year and can arrange 48 hour delivery anywhere
in the UK.
B. Leek Fine Food Market
Market Place, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 5HH
The Leek Fine Food Market is held every third Saturday of the
month in the Market Place. Choose from a selection of bottled
beers from Staffordshire Brewery and Flash Brewery. The market
also sells a variety of delicious foods direct from producers
such as home made pies and cakes, locally farmed meats, tasty
cheeses, preserves, artisan bread, honey and mushrooms.
C. Sunday Supplement Food
and Makers Market
Totally Locally’s Sunday Supplement market features over
30 stalls of local makers - food, craft, artisan jewellery and
more. Meet the brewers from Staffordshire Brewery & Wincle
Brewery and take home a selection of their beers. The Sunday
Supplement Market is held on the first Sunday of the month and
many of Leek’s independent shops open for the day too.
Real Ale
Trail
1. The Engine Room
2 Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6HX
01538 370003
Located in the market square in the centre of town, The Engine
Room is a large, family friendly pub offering an extensive
range of beers and ciders alongside an extensive menu of
pub favourites, grills and bar snacks. Regular offerings include
Blackawton Moorland Ale and Bombardier, together with
changing guest ales such as Green King IPA Gold and Jennings
Cumberland.
Open: Monday to Thursday 9am - 11pm,
Friday and Saturday 9am - 11.30pm,
Sunday 10 - 10.30pm.
Food is served till 9pm.
4. The Blue Mugge
6. The Roebuck
17 Osbourne Street, Leek, ST13 6LJ
01538 384450
18 Derby Street, Leek, ST13 5AB
01538 385602
A regular entry in the Good Beer Guide. The Blue Mugge
offers a good selection of keg beers and bitters including
offerings from local and regional breweries. The pub offers
home cooked food in comfortable surroundings and
features live music on Saturdays. ‘The Blue Mugge’ was
named after the present landlord found the original ‘Blue
Mugge’ in the attic. A visitor wishing to join the regulars in
the ‘Blue Mugge Room’ would be informed that he had to
buy the inhabitants of the room a drink, this was a test of
character, as if the person agreed, the occupants would
produce the blue mugge, a glass that was
only a third of a pint.
Open: Monday to Thursday 11am - 3pm and 6pm - 11pm,
Fridays 11am - 11pm, Saturday 11am - 3pm and 7pm Midnight. Sunday Noon - 10.30pm. Food is served
Monday to Saturday Noon - 2pm
This Grade II listed 15th Century coaching
inn boasts an impressive timber framed
frontage and a traditional pub interior
in keeping with the historic town centre.
Owned by Titanic Brewery, The Roebuck
offers a selection of 10 cask ales, the
majority from the Titanic range alongside
others from Everards and Staffordshire
Brewery and a changing guest ale from a
micro brewery. The bar also serves a range
of unusual lagers such as Kozel and Pilsner
Urquell. Helpful and knowledgeable bar staff are always willing
to describe the different styles of beer on offer. The Roebuck also
stocks a range of Titanic Brewery merchandise and a selection of
Titanic Ales in bottles so you can take home a reminder of your
visit. The menu offers a range of fresh homemade pub classics
alongside innovative specials made using local ingredients. Live
music is available every Sunday evening.
Open: Monday to Thursday 10am - 11pm, Friday and Saturday:
10am - Midnight, Sunday Noon - 11pm. Food Served:
Monday - Saturday Noon - 8pm, Sunday Noon - 4pm
8. Den Engel
11 Stanley Street, Leek, ST13 5HG
01538 373751
This Belgian bar offers an incredible range of over 100 Belgian
beers as well as a rotating selection of traditional English cask
ales, including those from Wincle Brewery, Staffordshire Brewery
and Titanic Brewery. The bar specialises in trappist ales but also
offers familiar favourites such as Leffe and Duval. The upstairs
restaurant offers a selection of Belgian and continental dishes.
Open: Monday to Friday 4pm - 11pm, Saturday 11am - 11.30pm,
Sunday Noon to 11pm.
13
12
11
The Blue
Mugge,
17 Osbourne
Street
1
10 9
2
2. The Red Lion
3
7 Market Place, Leek, ST13 5HH
01538 388652
B
8
5
C
6
7
Map courtesy of:
Totally Locally Leek
This 16th century period building conceals
a modern, fresh interior. The Red Lion offers
a selection of beers from Hydes Brewery in
Manchester. Hydes Original is accompanied by
a guest ale from Hydes Brewery and one other
such as Bombardier. The food menu offers
seasonal British dishes and a huge
choice of burgers. Live music features
on the first Thursday of the month.
Open: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10am
- 11pm, Wednesday 9am - 11pm, Friday 10am 2am, Saturday 9am - 2am, Sunday 11am - 9pm.
Food Served 10am - 8pm, Monday to Saturday,
11am - 5pm on Sunday.
4
A
Key to Map
Pub
3. The Cock Inn
Trail
7. The Quiet Woman
19 Derby Street, Leek, ST13 6HN
01538 388013
A pub has been on this site for over 300 years and parts of
the original timber structure are still visible in the front bar.
Now a Joules Brewery pub, the Cock Inn offers Joules Pale Ale,
Slumbering Monk and Blonde alongside one guest ale. Oak
paneling, leather settles and an open fire create an attractive
interior, with a beer garden to the rear for warmer weather.
The menu features a range of homemade dishes created using
fresh, locally sourced ingredients - try a Steak and Ale pie made
using Joules Ale. Drop in on a Friday afternoon and enjoy a free
sausage roll made from pork from the herd of Gloucestershire
Old Spots at the Joules Brewery Farm. The pigs are fed on the
malt husks, a by-product of brewing great cask ale to provide
tasty, organic meat. Open: Monday to Thursday 10am - 11pm, Friday and Saturday
10am - 12pm. Sunday Noon - 10.30pm. Food Served: Tuesday to
Saturday Noon - 8.30pm Sunday and Monday Noon - 4pm.
Shop
73 Edward Street, ST13 5DN
01538 398190
5. The Cattle Market
Fountain Street, Leek, ST13 6JR
01538 528198
The Cattle Market is a traditional town
centre pub located near to the site of
the old livestock market. Marston’s
Burton Bitter and Jennings Sneck
Lifter are always available along with
one changing guest ale. The pub has
a pool and darts room and features
live music on the last Friday of the
month.
Open: Everyday 11am – 11pm
The Quiet Woman is a cosy, traditional pub, offering
Bombardier along with two changing guest ales. The food
menu includes freshly prepared, homemade bar snacks,
larger meals and seasonal specials. Open fires provide a
warm, comfortable atmosphere in the front of the pub
whilst the conservatory area, covering an old courtyard,
provides a light and airy atmosphere beyond. Visitors to
the pub claim to have seen the figure of a woman, said to
be a barmaid supposedly beheaded in the courtyard by
members of a secret society who met there in the late
17th Century. The pub offers live music every Thursday
and Saturday from 9pm.
Open: Monday to Saturday 11am - 11pm, Sunday Noon 10.30pm. Food Served: Monday to Saturday Noon - 2.30pm
and 6pm - 9pm, Sunday Noon - 3pm
9. The Bird
in Hand
17 Market Place,
Leek, ST13 5HJ
01538 386819
Located on the corner of the
historic Market Place, The Bird
in Hand is a small, intimate pub offering Marstons Burtons Bitter
and Jennings Cumberland alongside changing guest ales. The
Bird in Hand also stocks a selection of Whiteways fruit wines.
The beautiful carved oak bar dates from 1889 and was built
by Leek based architects William Sugden & Son who were also
responsible for the design of the Nicholson Institute along with a
number of other notable buildings in the town.
Open: Monday to Thursday 11am - 11pm, Friday and Saturday
11am - Midnight, Sunday 11am - 11pm.
Trail Continued... >