April 2026. Wigan.
Another weekend, another trip to Manchester, but this time for a rare Saturday gig. Not that the lack of football means Piccadilly is any quieter, Platform 14 showcasing the nation’s favourite train beers.
Perhaps.
A change from a train at Platform 14, toward Blackpool rather than Liverpool, though you wouldn’t notice the change from the hen party trade.
Another change at Bolton, where there’s time to admire the 3rd class waiting rooms,
and a neat little art exhibition.
And then you’re in Wallgate, as always emerging blinking into the eternal Wigan sunshine, wondering whether you turn left or right.
My last two Greater Manchester GBG newbies are both brewery taps. Ugh !
But the Brewhouse, tucked down an unprepossessing alley off Churchgates,
looks interesting, has a terrifying staircase, a gorgeous smell of hops (or whatever it is they put in beer),
and a winning collection of Casino memorabilia to go alongside the cute vinyl themed beers.
The California is cool, and crisp (NBSS 4) and £3.40 a pint. It’s just like the early days of micros.
Goodness knows what the AFC Wimbledon fans make of £3.40 pints;
they’re focused on getting a win to secure their League 1 status, though the ones who only leave with 20 minutes to kick-off are clearly putting pubs before football.
Your soundtrack is R.E.M. rather than Tobi Legend,
but this is still a mini classic in a town of classic pubs.
Just remember you can’t dance like you could at seventeen. Be careful down those stairs.
retiredmartin 