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The Great Rochd’ale’ Winter Ale Trail is making its much anticipated return this November, promising four days of great ale and a lively celebration of Rochdale town centre’s fantastic pub and bars. Organised by Rochdale Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the popular twice-yearly event will run from Thursday to Sunday, November 6 to 9, 2025. Designed to showcase the town’s growing number of traditional pubs, micropubs and bars, the Ale Trail invites visitors to explore 10 participating venues, choose from over 100 ales and ciders, and soak up the sociable atmosphere with family and friends. Each venue on the trail offers its own unique experience, from lively bars to intimate micro pubs, with local and independent breweries providing an impressive range of cask ales. Many venues will also be hosting live music and serving delicious food, to suit every taste and budget, throughout the four-day event. The event also offers a perfect opportunity to view Rochdale’s new large-scale street art. Murals created during the Common Walls International Mural Festival in September are dotted around the town centre, adding an interesting backdrop to the trail. Come down and give it a go Dan Brett, Landlord of The Baum, one of the participating venues, said: “We always look forward to the Ale Trails - they're a great opportunity to showcase our local venues and breweries and shout about the fact that we have one of, if not the best, towns for cask ale in the country. “Cask ale is much more than just pints of bitter, it's a unique part of our national identity and I'd really encourage people to come down and give it a go.” Complete the full trail Participants are encouraged to collect a stamp at each venue in a special Ale Trail booklet. Those who complete the full trail will be rewarded with a limited edition Ale Trail t-shirt. Also, by sharing photos of your drinks and stamps on social media, you could win a £50 voucher to spend at one of the participating pubs or bars (terms and conditions apply). A winner will be selected each day of the Ale Trail. One of the best destinations for beer in the North Paul Ambrose, Rochdale Town Centre BID Manager, said: “The Ale Trail was created to let locals - and visitors from further afield - find out for themselves why the town centre is one of the best destinations for beer in the North. “This growing event is only possible due to the award-winning bars and pubs, which continue to offer a warm welcome, and the great ale offer is backed up by knowledgeable and friendly staff. “The trail always proves popular and is a fantastic way for people to discover their new favourite venues while supporting the local hospitality scene.” The venues taking part The Flying Horse Hotel The Regal Moon Hogarths Rochdale Our Gracie’s The Baum Wakey Wakey Brew Co. Empire Rochdale The Pint Pot The Lucky Duck Moody Blue Find out more The Ale Trail takes place from Thursday to Sunday, November 6 to 9, with the majority of the venues open all day. Whether you’re an ale enthusiast or just looking for a fun day or night out with family and friends, it’s an experience not to be missed. The event is organised by Rochdale BID and supported by the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Keep up to date at: facebook.com/RochdaleAleTrail Alcohol is only available to people aged 18+. Participating venues follow the Challenge 25 policy, so you may be asked for ID when purchasing. Please drink responsibly. Do not drink if you are pregnant.
