May 2025. Reddish.
Mrs RM, Blackpool Jane and I had done Reddish Ale justice, and now eyed up a second entry in the Manchester Beer Book.
Bottle Mill was tucked away in the glorious red brick of Holdsworth aka Reddish Mill,
alongside gyms, Thai boxing and child care.
But could we find it ? Well, only after asking several bemused office staff, and sending Jane up to the top of the chimney.
Oh, there it is…
Not open, of course, since Facebook said it would be.
No problem, as across the road sits a typical looking suburban Holt pub.
Never heard of the Grey Horse, and in truth it’s not as delightfully unspoilt as your Salford/Eccles/Droylsden Holt halt,
a bit neat and tidy and family friendly if you’ve been to Weaste.
But they still love Phil Golden here,
and so do I. And Jane has to admit this is a fine example of a beer,
even if there’s no chocolate fudge imperial stout on the bar.
Actually, the lone Bitter is gorgeous, rich and chewy (NBSS 3.5+), and I’m delighted that night to read Opening Times and see it’s their Pub of the Month.
Worth a trip out on the 203 to visit Holt Bitter at its best.
retiredmartin 
One of Manchester’s delights is chancing upon a Holts pub which ends up being the Highlight of the Day.
Like fifteen months ago seeing from t’tram the Halfway House at Droylsden and stopping off there on the way back from Ashton.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Despite having once been a regular there, and it being the only pub within walking distance that still has cask beer, I rarely go to my local Holt’s house now as it’s gradually been gentrified and the prices increased, but I’ve drunk there a few times this month watching United’s ultimately unsuccessful attempt to win a European, or indeed any, trophy this season. Although it might not be as hoppy a beer as it once was, Holt’s is still by far my favourite bitter of the ones produced by the four family owned breweries in Greater Manchester.
LikeLike
Mattew, its not just me then that thinks Holts Bitter has been dumbed down. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, widespread opinion amongst longtime Holt’s drinkers (I had my first pint of it in 1989), although obviously strenuously denied by the brewery. I still enjoy drinking it and it’s still hoppier than Robbies, Hydes and Lees.
LikeLike
…yes, that mill definitely is reddish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Although it looks like many North Manchester and Salford Holt’s pubs, it is actually a former Boddington’s pub, originally built by Clarke’s Brewery just down the road in Reddish. They also built the even more ornate George & Dragon in Heaton Chapel.
LikeLike
Thanks.
I’m sure I went to a Boddies pub in Reddish years ago (Wheatsheaf ?).
LikeLike
No, never any Boddies further up into Reddish.
LikeLike
A bit of research shows it was 25+ years ago Boddies at the Three Crowns (later Cosmopolitan) in Heaton Norris but next to ASDA Reddish which confused me.
LikeLike