Best Microbreweries Supplying Real Ale in Stafford
Stafford boasts a thriving real ale scene supported by an impressive selection of nearby independent microbreweries. This guide highlights the top local breweries providing cask and real ales to traditional pubs, micropubs, and venues across Stafford, outlining their standout brews and connection to the area's beer culture.
Slater's Ales
Based directly on the outskirts of Stafford, Slater’s Ales is the town’s quintessential hometown microbrewery. Established in 1995, this family-run operation brews a wide range of cask ales delivered directly to local establishments, as well as their own bar in the town centre. Notable cask offerings frequently spotted on handpulls across Stafford include Slater’s Premium (a classic English bitter), Western American Style Pale Ale, and Queen Bee (a golden ale infused with honey).
Lymestone Brewery
Located just seven miles north in the neighbouring canal town of Stone, Lymestone Brewery is a major supplier of real ale to Stafford venues. Founded in 2008 in a historic brewery building, Lymestone focuses on traditional brewing methods using local ingredients. Popular ales found in Stafford free houses include Stone Bitter, Stone Dead (a dark, rich stout), and Stone the Crows, a robust ruby ale.
Titanic Brewery
While based slightly further north in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Titanic Brewery plays a foundational role in Stafford’s real ale community. In addition to supplying free-house venues throughout the town, Titanic operates one of Stafford's most celebrated ale venues, The Sun Inn on Lichfield Road. Titanic's flagship ales, including Plum Porter, Steerage bitter, and White Star pale ale, are staples across Stafford's cask scene.
Joule's Brewery
Situated along the Staffordshire-Shropshire border in Market Drayton, Joule's maintains deep historical roots in Staffordshire brewing. The brewery supplies cask ales to affiliated taphouses and partner venues across the county. Local drinkers frequently encounter Joule’s Pale Ale, Slumbering Monk, and their flagship Blonde across local pumps.
Peakstones Rock Brewing Co.
Operating out of the Staffordshire Moorlands, Peakstones Rock produces traditional, handcrafted ales that regularly feature as guest beers in Stafford’s independent pubs. Known for beers such as Black Hole, Churnet Valley Bitter, and Oblivion, the microbrewery provides classic, malt-forward cask choices favoured by Stafford real ale purists.
Staffordshire Brewery
Situated in Cheddleton, Staffordshire Brewery has grown from a small setup into one of the county's primary independent producers. Their cask products frequently make appearances on rotators in Stafford venues. Popular options include Staffordshire Gold, Blacksmiths Bitter, and Moorland Bitter.
Where to Experience Local Cask Ales in Stafford
These regional microbreweries supply real ales to various specialist venues across Stafford, including:
- The Sun Inn: Known for extensive cask offerings featuring Titanic and local guests.
- The Market Vaults: A traditional pub offering rotating guest pumps from Staffordshire independents.
- The Picture House: A central venue featuring regularly changing cask ales from regional microbreweries.
- The Bird in Hand: A community favourite known for supporting independent local ales.