Hare & Hounds

The Hare & Hounds is at Holcombe Brook, Ramsbottom. Many years ago, it was a failing S&N pub with two insipid beers on, and some nefarious clientele. Along came Andy & Lynn, and along with real ale (and a zero drugs policy) they brought success and stability to this slumbering giant. More and more handpumps were added and regular beer festivals became part of the local drinking calendar. Soon the H&H became the undisputed no 1 pub in Bury and a deserved regular in the GBG. Fast forward several years, and Andy & Lynn departed for fresh fields.

Without them the pub quickly slid back into its old ways and went through a succession of lacklustre managers. Then, A&L make a welcome (some would say inevitable), return. Soon there are 10 handpumps dispensing many wonderous ales, which means I can forgive Andy being from Yorkshire AND a LIverpool fan. The pub recently had a refurb and looks all the better for it. The "Dogs" usually requires a session on its own, but with a promised meet later, 4 pints was the limit today. Ulverston Stout Ollie (4.3%) was a good starter. Rather light in body for a beer of this type, it nevertheless delivered an easy-drinking mix of roast and bitter chocolate. Equally good was the Roosters YPA, but even better was Phoenix Spotland Gold, which had sublime hoppy tones. Also top notch was Durham (always good beers) White Amarillo.