Special brew helps pub mark a special event

CHEERS . . . (from the left) joint landlord Craig Wilkes, Dave Moran from JW Lees, Ken Holt and Peter Alexander, both from CAMRA, and joint landlord Dave Devine

MORE than 40 dedicated fans raised glasses of special ale when one of Saddleworth’s most historic pubs celebrated a landmark achievement.

The centuries-old Cross Keys in Uppermill marked its 40th consecutive appearance in the Campaign for Real Ale’s Good Beer Guide — one of only seven pubs in England to claim the accolade.

To commemorate the event, landlords Dave Devine and Craig Wilkes were presented with a 40-year certificate by Peter Alexander, chairman of the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of CAMRA.

And Middleton Junction-based brewery J W Lees brewed a special Cross Keys bitter to mark the occasion, with drinkers supping two free pints each.

Mr Alexander praised the current and previous licensees for maintaining the pub’s high standard, adding: “It’s a fantastic achievement.”

Dave and Craig said they were proud to receive the award, and thanked the previous landlords and all customers who have made the pub a success.

CAMRA was in its infancy when the Cross Keys first appeared in the guide with the short description: “Picturesque moorland pub built in the 17th century. Yorkshire range and flagged floor retained in one room”

The current entry is rather more comprehensive...