Beartown

Spindle Street, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1QN (01260 299964) Website

Founded in Congleton - known historically as 'Beartown' - in 1994. Its website tells how, when it was granted its charter in the 13th century, the town numbered among its top citizens an ale taster and a bear warden, the former for quality control and the second to procure fighting bears. The beers have a certain theme.

Regular beers: Bear Ass (4%), Bearskinful (4.2%), Black Bear (5%), Brown Bear (3.9%), Goldie Hops (3.5%), Kodiak Gold (4%), Polar Eclipse (4.8%), Wheat Bear (5%)

Seasonal beers: Ambeardextrous (3.8%, summer), Blarney Bear (4.8%, March-April), Bruin's Ruin (5%, November-January), Extra Claws (6%, Christmas), Santa's Claws (4.5%, Christmas)

Specials: Bearfaced Rye (5%), Bearly Literate (4.5%), Ginger Bear (4%), IBA (4.8%), Pandamonium (4.5%), Strawberry Bear (4.5%),