Visit to Fylde coast micro provides night to remember
Twenty-eight thirsty Lunesdale CAMRA members and guests made a trip to the Fylde coast to sample the wares of one of the region's newest micros, Lytham Brewery. The group included 13 members of Lancaster University's Real Ale & Cider Society, who will no doubt graduate with Honours when they take their degrees in Cask Ale Appreciation.
Lytham Brewery was set up in August 2007 by father and son duo Andrew and James Booker, soon moving to larger premises on Lidun Park Industrial Estate. But while industrial estates tend to be bland and featureless places, the Bookers' venture is anything but. The welcome from the five-person team was warm, and from the moment we stepped into the bar were made to feel at home on this, the first visit by a CAMRA group to the brewery.
Staff laid on five beers —Amber, Gold, IPA, Dark, and Malcolm’s Triple, a special —which were regularly dispensed into our glasses the moment they were empty. The plain names of the ales could not disguise brews of great individuality and distinction, all created with that loving flair that distinguishes hand-crafted beers from the mass produced sort.
While Head Brewer James finished producing the latest brew, Andrew handled the tour of the premises, providing a history of the company and answering numerous questions on the brewing process.
This food for thought was complemented by yer actual food in the form of substantial steak puddings, peas and red cabbage, before the party set off on the final leg of its Fylde outing —the fine County Hotel where a free pint awaited, and an opportunity to try more Lytham beers.
A most enjoyable evening —such was the verdict on a visit that confirmed that the independent cask ale sector is very alive and fighting fit, and that small local brewers lovingly committed to crafting ales of distinction point the way to the future.
Our thanks to Andrew, James, Dave Atkinson, Carol and Julie for a great night.