The microbrewery beneath the Old Abbey Taphouse in Greenheys has a new lease of life formerly titled the Craftsman brewery some new blood are trying their hand at the 100 litre kit.

Chris Buxton and Graham Harkis both enthusiastic home brewers have upped their game to start producing initially for the Old Abbey itself and then further afield with a small bottling operation in their immediate sights. They have named the new operation the Souled Out brewery reflecting the music heavy reincarnation of the parent pub which by the way offers ales from the Brinkburn Street brewery, a rare sight in these parts. When opening times called a preview of the first brew was tried, a smoked stout, although the brew was not quite ready it was very promising indeed.

The brewery continues to trade successfully as does sister brewery Lymm Brewing Company. John Costello is hoping to take more of a back seat in the brewing and running of both breweries. When he does so, he will leave the day to day running to his two sons (Anthony and Jason) along with the rest of the brewing teams.

This year in conjunction with their hop merchants Charles Faram they produced a limited number of experimental brews using brand new English hop varieties.

The experimental brews they did were:

• Experimental # 1, 4%AVG, resinous, grapefruit, spicy
• Experimental # 2, 4%AVG, pear drops, bubblegum
• Experimental # 3, 4%AVG, strawberry, sweet fruit

If any of these brews prove popular they or it may become a regular or seasonal brew.

As you know, they pride themselves in using all English ingredients, and these new varieties have got them very excited!

Chocolate Cherry Mild was awarded bronze in the Champion Beer of Britain North West speciality heat which was held at Chorlton Beer and Cider Festival in July 2016.

Both of the Costellos Bars (Altrincham and Stockton Heath) and The Lymm Brewery Tap are in the Good Beer Guide 2017, this is the second year that all three have got into the Good Beer Guide. Costellos, Altrincham has been in it since 2013, The Lymm Brewery Tap has been in it since 2015, and Costellos, Stockton Heath has been in it since 2016.

Bootleg Brewery Brewster Erin Guy has left the Joseph Holt owned Bootleg Brewery.

It is not known if she will be replaced or whether all remaining production from the Horse & Jockey based brewery will be transferred to Joseph Holt's plant in Cheetham Hill where "Bootleg" branded beers like "Spin Doctor" lager are already produced.