Franconian Beer Message Board

Manchester (re Forchheim)
Posted by barry on 2015-11-17 07:22:31
More jovial concurence!  Love the Black Country (actually, Bilston is the birthplace of one of my grandfathers but that aside...) and, of course, it has great similarities with Manchester, both being the product of the industrial revolution.  Main difference is that Manchester is much, much bigger (certainly in population).  Agree with you that Manchester breweries are perhaps struggling to keep up with market trends.  Perhaps struggling is too strong a word - certainly, they are having to adapt by putting out more beers and giving them fancy names.  However, much remains as ever in Holts/Hydes/Robbie/Lees land, with plenty of good, traditional pubs and mild and bitter readily available, albeit sometimes disguised under funny names.

One advantage of going to Manchester rather than the Black Country is that it has a recognised centre and a distinct geigraphical shape, whereas t'other is a bit spread over a number of small towns.  Still, I would recommend a visit to either or both for anyone interested in real ale.

I'm not really that conversant with present day Sheffield, though I believe it is pretty good.  But I do remember the days when you couldn't get a pint of the real stuff for love or money.  Likewise, the smoke: when I emigrated there in 1969, it was all Red Barrell and Starlight, with only Fullers and Youngs (sadly lamented) to break the monoply - and that only if you lived out west, like I did!
 
Followups:
                   Manchester (re Forchheim) by Jason on  2015-11-17 12:40:30
                     Thanks! Manchester (re Forchheim) by Ungespundet on  2015-11-17 12:59:36
                     Manchester (re Forchheim) by barry on  2015-11-18 12:53:10