Must-visit Mild Meander

St Helens and Districts branch is raising a pint to one of Britain’s most historic beer styles with a Mild Meander on Saturday 10 May, kicking off at 2pm from the award-winning Cricketers Arms.

The event, which is part of CAMRA’s Mild Month campaign celebrating the beer style, invites ale enthusiasts on a relaxed wander around the town centre, highlighting pubs pouring milds throughout May.

The Cricketers, home to St Helens’ last remaining brewery, Howzat, has brewed a new beer to mark Mild Month, which will be launched at the start of the tour.

Gully Mild (3.5 per cent) is a traditional dark brew made with pale malt, roasted chocolate, oats, crystal, wheat, and East Kent Goldings hops. This rich, sweet, full-bodied ale promises the signature smoothness that has made the style beloved by generations.

“It’s the first time I’ve brewed a mild, so I’m really excited to get it on the bar and see what people think,” said Andy Evans, landlord and head brewer at Howzat.

“It’s a shame mild isn’t seen on many bars anymore in cask or keg. At the Cricks, we’ve always made sure there’s a mild available, and it’s great to see other pubs doing the same this month.”

St Helens and Districts pubs officer Ian Pye added: “We’re so glad to see many of the pubs in our branch supporting Mild Month.

“Mild is an often overlooked and underrated style of beer, and many think it’s just dark ale. However, many of the new milds are brewed in the traditional style but can be light in colour and appeal to those who are not necessarily into dark ales.

“We hope as many people as possible can join us on 10 May as we celebrate the launch of Howzat’s Gully Mild – specially brewed for the event – and try a style of beer they may never have tried before.”

Joining the Cricketers Arms are several other cherished locals, including the Turks Head, Cowley Vaults, Tipsy Tap, Lamb, and Sefton.

Keep an eye out for other venues in the branch area who are not on the mild trail but are superbly showcasing mild throughout May.

For more details on Mild Month, visit here.