The High Flying Highlights of the Leek Ale Trail

Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2018

The High Flying Highlights of the Leek Ale Trail

 

"There is no such thing as a bad beer. It's that some taste better than others." - Billy Carter

If you love your beer and you fancy breathing in some fresh country air, an afternoon tackling the CAMRA-backed Leek Ale Trail is the activity for you.

With 13 pubs neatly packed into this quirky little market town, all serving a top selection of local brews, Belgian beers, and craft ales from across the country, you can't go wrong.

Of course, tackling 13 public houses in one session is a little ambitious, so to help you navigate the trail without having to be carried home in a wheelbarrow, here are some hand-picked for your drinking pleasure...

AnchorThe Roebuck

One of Titanic Brewery's finest local pubs, The Roebuck has a firm selection of regular favourites including Plum Porter and Iceberg as well as a rotating choice of guest ales. Expect a warm welcome as you settle into your booth and enjoy a pint or two. Oh, and The Roebuck’s hearty pub grub is tasty, not to mention filling - the perfect pre-session stomach liner.

AnchorThe Cock Inn

Waltz across the road and pull up a pew at The Cock Inn. This Joule's pub boasts some of the finest real ales in town and its cosy interiors are sure to make you feel like you're stepping back in time. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is top notch, and you can even buy a jug to take away with you to enjoy at home later.

AnchorBenks

Benks is understated and simple but its no-frills vibe makes it the perfect place for a spot of quaffing and chatting at the bar. The bar staff are always on-hand to offer beer recommendations, and they know how to serve a decent pint too. The guest ales are sourced locally as well as from UK brewers both big and small, and if you like sport, there's always something on the box.

Beyond the Pale

This quirky boozer recently benefited from a £10,000 refurbishment and it shows. Once a tile shop, now Beyond the Pale  wouldn't look out of place on Shoreditch High Street, but despite its trendy decor, you’ll get nothing but a warm Staffordshire welcome here. The pub sells delicious off-the-beaten-track beers from some of the country’s best micro-breweries plus a fine selection of signature cocktails - and its bustling atmos is sure to get you in the party mood.

AnchorThe Wilkes Head

Announced Staffs Moorlands Pub of the Year in 2014, this award-winning ale house is a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. Dating all the way back to the 1700s, The Wilkes Head is packed with character, and its rustic style makes it an ideal spot for a little late night boozing and banter. It's Whim beers are out of this world, and the guest options never fail to impress - a must visit Leek pub.

AnchorWow, what a choice. We hope you have fun and if you do find yourself out on the Leek Ale Trail, share you pictures with us on Twitter.