How local is local?

I was in Asda Bromborough last week. Whenever I visit a supermarket I always check out the beer aisle. There's usually nothing to attract me but occassionally there is a nice surprise. Anyway, I noticed that the store had a dispay of 'Locally produced' beers.

Cains from Liverpool is certaily local, Holt's from Manchester and Beartown from Congleton is pushing it a bit - at least Beartown is Cheshire, as historically is Bromborough. But hang on! Lancaster Brewery beers classed as local to Wirral? It's 60 miles away by the shortest route and 85 miles along the M6 which is the route most people would take.

What would you describe as local?

Home Alone

It's half term and my wife has taken my daughter plus my wife's mother and sister away for a break in the Lake District. Nothing wrong with that. But what I can't come to terms with is where they are staying. They've booked two night in the Eagle & Child in Staveley. One of the best pubs anywhere and they've gone without me. While I was hard at work today they were drinking Hawkshead beers in the Beer Hall. Even my sister-in-law who deosn't drink beer. Something wrong surely!

Shock horror: Quality newspaper acknowledges existence of beer.

The Independent strangely chose today to publicise brewdog's 'Equity for Punks' finance-raising scheme. Where have they been for the last three months? I suppose any coverage of beer outside the mainstream should be welcomed.

Another question - who has invested £10,000 in the scheme and why?

Younger's to Young's

"Heineken has sold Scots ale brand McEwan’s to independent brewer Wells & Young’s.
The deal also includes the Younger’s beer brand as well as the 17% of the Courage beer brands still held by Heineken.
“This is a significant and major acquisition and secures the future for the much-loved McEwan’s and Younger’s brands,” said Wells & Young’s managing director Nigel McNally.
McNally vowed to give the brands “a new lease of life” with a major marketing investment, while retaining production north of the border."

There had been talk recently of  the revival of Younger's and McEwans cask ale brands. Young's and Wells will no doubt use this aquisition to expand their market into the Scotland and the north of England where Bombardier and Young's ales do not have the same following as they do in the south. They have also obtained brands that will play well in the non-real ale trade.