In some parts of the country it is sometimes said that the fight to save quality cask ale has been won! That may be true there but in Halton the fight to save real ale is very much still needed and ongoing!

Currently in Halton, 31 pubs serve cask ale. Although this has increased as a percentage of the total number of pubs, it is still less than half.

What can be done! Firstly we have to use our local pubs and give them our business if they are to survive. Beyond this, I try to help my local CAMRA branch and enjoy doing this. One thing I do is carry out pub surveys to make sure the details and photos on “Whatpub” are up to date. Recently, I carried out a survey of the Beechwood in Runcorn. What a fantastic pub! Sports themed at one end, very community focused (they even sponsor a local football team!), a comfortable raised seating area and complemented by 2 real ales being served. The pub is now awaiting a refurbishment. A local estate pub but very well worth a visit!

Another activity I assist with is delivering the Out Inn Cheshire magazines on the Widnes side of the Mersey. Amongst other pubs, I normally deliver to the Four Topped Oak, Church View, Premier (Wetherspoons), the Crown and the Eight Towers. Each has a good selection of real ales, is very welcoming and has a long and successful track record. In each pub, I check out what real ales are on sale, see if anything has changed and if possible have a pint whilst visiting! There are many worse jobs!!

If you are passionate about saving your local and tasting quality cask ales, yes – use them, but if you want to take it a stage further come to a branch meeting and support your local branch!