Branch News

Greater Manchester Concessionary Bus Pass Trial

Throughout November 2025, TfGM are running a trial so that older and disabled concessionary TfGM pass holders can travel on buses before 9.30am for free. The trial is just for travel on bus, and does not include tram or train. The trial will also allow pass holders to use the Bee Network’s night buses.

Greater Manchester Area Pub of The Year 2025

It is with pride that we announce our very own POTY, the Fox and Pine in Oldham has been crowned as the Greater Manchester Area Pub of the Year. The runners-up were Sherringtons in Wigan and B33R@33 in Horwich. Unfortunately the Fox and Pine did not win the North West Regional competition which was won by The Cumberland Arms, Alston (Cumbria).

Branch Pub of the Year 2025

Our Branch Pub of the Year for 2025 is the Fox and Pine for the fourth straight year. It was also Oldham Pub of the Year

Rochdale POTY - The Flying Horse

Bury POTY - Irwell Works Brewery Tap and Broad Street Social (joint first)

Branch Magazine

Our Branch magazine "More Beer" is produced quarterly. The most recent issue is shown here. Click the image for the online version.

For previous issues go to the Branch Magazine page.

Good Beer Guide 2027

Selections for the next GBG (2027) will commence on 1st November 2025.

Greater Manchester Club of the Year 2025

We are extremely proud to announce that our Branch Club of the Year, Dobcross Band and Social Club, was judged to be the Greater Manchester Area Club of the Year. Furthermore, after going through to the North West Regional round, it was awarded Runner-Up! Well done to all at this vibrant and community focussed club. Presentations were held at the club in early August 2025. See full details on our Clubs page. Clubs

Social Media

Catch up on our recent activity and other pub/beer related matters & join in the conversations. Click the logos to visit our Social Media pages.

National News

Fresh Ale & Handpump Hijack Campaign

For generations, a handpump on the bar has been a sign of quality. Where cask is well kept, consumers can be sure of a spotless cellar, well-trained bar staff and a commitment to offering the best of UK brewing. Now, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) – one of the world’s largest brewery conglomerates – has resorted to misleading consumers by hijacking the handpump to serve its “Fresh Ale” product. CMBC says this is “preserving the beloved hand pull ritual that delivers the traditional theatre of serve that ale is famed for”. CAMRA believes consumers deserve better than CMBC play acting at serving cask – a product they claim to champion while closing breweries and removing cask lines from bars. Our handpump hijack campaign calls on brewers to be proud of all their whole range of beers by serving them in a way that won’t mislead their customers. Read more, including How to report Fresh Ale if you see it, on our Campaigning Locally page Campaigning locally

Good Beer Guide App

Notice of shutdown of Good Beer Guide App

Following the launch of the CAMRA website, which includes free access for members to Good Beer Guide information, the GBG app will be closed for all users. Members will have free access via the website and non-members will be able to subscribe for 99p per month. During the week commencing 18 August, no new customers will be able to purchase the app and when existing users’ renewals come up they will not be able to renew. The GBG app will remain functional for the next 12 months so any access will remain for existing users during the full term of their subscription.

WhatPub website

The WhatPub website is no longer being maintained, and will be closed down in the not too distant future.

Users may have noticed that there has been for some while now, an option to switch to the new CAMRA website. It is recommended that users familiarise themselves with it. It has some really useful functions, like scoring beers, updating pub/club information, searching for beer festivals and even creating your own “trip” such as a tour of pubs. Why not give it a go now? CAMRA National website: National CAMRA