A platform for real ale

4:51pm Thursday 1st March 2007

Did you know that Mill Lane, in Macclesfield, Cheshire is the actual historical location of the Road to Damascus! I can see you now shaking your head in disbelief, your religious views shattered into smithereens. But I can verify that it in a pub called the Sun Inn (Mill Lane, Macclesfield) whilst supping a pint of Robin Redbreast (4.5%) that a bolt of light filled with incredible concepts and perceptions engulfed my mind.

It has always fascinated me that despite the claim that this fine invention called the internet, which reaches out to the known universe, no one has felt compelled to actually to write anything about Macclesfield's drinking heritage. It was time that someone did and I decided that someone would be me. But, I needed a starting point, this was going to be my first blog and I wanted to make an impression. As Macclesfield is a relatively small town compared to Stockport I thought it would be a bad idea to cram as many Macclesfield pubs in one article, I think that you don't really get the feel of a pub if you describe it in just one line. Therefore after mulling over I decided to begin with my very own local of locals, the one and only The Railway View' (Byron's Lane, which is just off London Road as you go towards, Macclesfield Town Football Club, the pub is just over the brow of the hill, you cannot miss it), The Railway View is blessed with two real fires, one of which is contained in a stove like contraption that is almost guaranteed to lose you some weight if you dare to sit near it. The first thing you clap eyes on when entering the pub will be two pool players pitting their wits against each other in a titanic struggle between man and cue ball. Above them is a wide screen television, which is ideal for watching football matches from the safety of your seat. The pub is decorated with beer mats and bar clips from various decades a sure reminder of Sue and Graham Calvert's dedication to real ale. There is also a Tourist Information Blackboard' whereon is chalked the pronouncement of the many events that will take place over the coming months, such as Casino Royale Night (where we all Bond together), Mexican Night (we all stand up and wave at each other), Hawaiian Night (the limbo competition is a must) and also a March beer festival (8 bar pumps and 16 real ales!!!!).

A stride across the slate floor and will you find yourself at the bar and what a bar it is. Six glistening. yep!! SIX ever changing, glistening bar pumps which pour the nectar of life such a Howard Town's -Monk (4%), Pure Gold (3.8%,), Derwent Brewery - Whitwell & Mark Ale (4.4%), Titanic - Full Steam Ahead (4.4%), Archers - Barking (4.2%) and Moor House - Blond Witch (4.5%). It's enough to make you stand and stare in wonder at such a collection of fine throat refreshers. All of the beers are kept in superb condition and Monday nights (except bank holidays) the price of a pint is only £1.60. (WOW!) If you are one of those types who don't know their Arizona from their Hobgoblin there are resident experts (especially Mick who has a diploma on the subject) on site to guide you through the tough decisions that you will need to make when choosing your ale. As well as pool, The Railway has darts, dominoes and card games to entertain you and if you are really lucky Daddy Graham' may challenge you to a game of chessall it needed was an swimming pool and the Olympics would been held there. It is a great shame that this friendly great pub is not in the Good Pub Guide, an injustice if ever there was one, but with support from the real ale community Sue and Graham will get the recognition they both deserve and the Railway View will be included in the next edition.

Till next time Kenny (The Vizier of Beer)