CONGLETON'S own brewery opens the doors to its first pub next week to pave the way for a new era for local ales.

The Beartown Tap is to open on November 12 following the conversion of the former Grapevine bistro in Willow Street.

The pub has been created by the Beartown Brewery at a cost of £120,000, and is to be managed by Stephen King and his wife Julia.

The pub's name was chosen to reflect the history of the town, and brewery director Steve Watts said local people were eagerly awaiting the opening.

''Many people have been asking when the pub is due to open, and because it's aimed at Congleton people they are looking forward to it,'' said Mr Watts.

''We are targetting people who appreciate a good point of real beer, and we will be selling quality ales at reasonable prices.

''We are looking at the Beartown Tap as the start of something big, and hope it will be the first of many Beartown pubs.''

The pub will feature a bar, lounge and snug on the ground floor, with a games room above, and is due to be officially opened next Thursday by a well-known local person.

The Beartown Tap will stock five Beartown ales, Bearskinful, Bear Ass, Kodiak Gold, Polar Eclipse and Black Bear, as well as a German pilsner and bottled Belgium beers.

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