Here’s to the old slapper
The Freshield is not one of my regular haunts, being a little out of the way. But the chance to meet the brewer of Bolton’s Bank Top beer and sample some of his ales persuaded me to board the rattler and make the very pleasant five-minute walk from Freshfield Station.
The pub, which is on Massam’s Lane, is a charming, old worlde sort of place with lots of nice antique furniture, wooden floors, comfortable seats and superb range of guest beers.
I’d like to say something about what the brewer had to say about his ales, but alas, gentle reader, I found my knee stuck to the bar as the evening passed in good conversation with Camra members Ian and Julie, landlord Gareth and local heart-throb Andrew Ashcroft.
The ales were hit and miss, in my opinion, the best being Flat Cap – a hoppy, golden beer with hints of orange in the taste.
Someone standing at the bar told me that the beer had originally been called Fred’s Cap after chimney toppling flat-cap wearer Fred Dibnah.
Apparently the widow Dibnah heard about the brew and contacted the brewery asking for royalties, prompting them to rename the beer and pay for new pump clips and advertising.
However, there is no truth to the rumour that revenge was a motive in naming their next two ales Gold Digger and Old Slapper.
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Fred was a gentleman. I remember a few years ago, setting up for Bury Beer Festival, Fred was across the road doing some chimney work. He spotted us preparing to put a banner up and quick as a flash was across, saying “don’t bother lads, I’ll stick it up for you” or words to that effect. He did too, in a trice and then nattered to us for a few minutes before resuming work. A very decent guy!
Tandleman - July 4, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Fred was indeed a legend and would have loved havinga beer named after him. Pity his widow wasn’t quite as good natured. Still a decent beer, though.
Tyson - July 7, 2008 at 6:55 am