The Church Inn, Hockley

Visited early evening, Saturday 31 July 2010, with a couple of other seasoned real ale drinkers.

The surroundings in the bar were very basic; there were about half a dozen other punters typically drinking lager. There were a couple real ales on tap and we decided to try the Timothy Taylor Golden Best. This is one of the last of the true Pennine light milds, this amber coloured beer makes a refreshing session ale, and it has a smooth and creamy flavour.

On this occasion the way the beer was served, the temperature of warm tea, with all 3 pints having little or no head. All 3 pints tasted sour. I tried asking for a replacement and was offered the same pint poured into a �fresh� glass. The licensee then said that several other drinkers had tried the barrel on the day without complaint, which is unlikely considering the location which is deserted on Saturdays.

No one should ever risk drinking in this establishment, it has no redeeming features.

We walked 100 yards along the road to the Lord Clifden, a wise decision.

2 Aug 2010 11:15