Saturday 14 May was warm and sunny as members of the High Peak Tameside & NE Cheshire branch of CAMRA, joined by a small party from Stockport & South Manchester, took the train to Chinley for a
special presentation to cellar manager Barney Hanna at the Old Hall Inn. It’s only a short walk from Chinley station down to Whitehough and the Old Hall, and its sister pub the Paper Mill across the road. Both pubs are known for the quality of the cask beers. This is down to the sterling work of Barney, who is an all-round beer enthusiast, and the award was in recognition of his efforts.
He started at the Old Hall as a bartender in 2017 but was promoted to cellar manager the following year. He explained to Opening Times: “When I first started, I had very little experience of cellar work but
quickly developed a passion for serving well-conditioned cask beer the way it should be. I’ve enjoyed learning about the history and how it’s developed over the years, and I love learning about new styles, but I’ve still got a soft spot for traditional cask best bitters and ESBs.” During the lockdowns, Barney also started home brewing and now runs a full-mash kit, and kegs his beers. He has a long-term ambition to start his own brewery, too. He has already been to Torrside in New Mills to brew a special beer for the Old Hall.
In addition, both pubs have benefitted from significant investment over the past couple of years. At the Old Hall, the large garden now features big stretch tents for a combination of outdoor and under cover drinking (see our Beer Gardens feature on page 19). Meanwhile the Paper Mill has been extended into a neighbouring cottage to include another drinking area, and also displays of beers and wines to take away. The Paper Mill also has a delightful hidden beer garden at the back.
Source: High Peak, Tameside & NE Cheshire News