Raise a Glass to Tradition: ‘Mild Meander’ to Celebrate Classic British Ale 

PRESS RELEASE 

25 April 2025 

For immediate release 

Raise a Glass to Tradition: St Helens and Districts CAMRA Launches ‘Mild Meander’ to Celebrate Classic British Ale 

The St Helens and Districts CAMRA branch is raising a pint to one of Britain’s most historic — and underrated — beer styles with a special ‘Mild Meander’ on Saturday, 10th May, part of the Campaign for Real Ale’s nationwide ‘Mild May’ campaign celebrating mild ale. 

Kicking off at 2pm at the award-winning Cricketers Arms — crowned St Helens and Districts CAMRA Pub of the Year 2025 — the event invites ale enthusiasts on a relaxed pub wander around the town centre, highlighting pubs that are proudly pouring milds throughout the month of May. 

The Cricketers Arms, home to St Helens’ last remaining brewery, Howzat Brewery, have brewed a brand-new beer to mark ‘Mild May’, and it will be launched at the start of the Mild Meander. Gully Mild (3.5%) is a traditional dark mild brewed with pale malt, roasted chocolate, oats, crystal, wheat, and East Kent Goldings hops. This rich, sweet, full-bodied ale promises the signature smoothness that has made the style beloved by generations. 

“It’s the first time I’ve brewed a mild, so I’m really excited to get it on the bar and see what people think,” said Andy Evans, landlord and head brewer at Howzat Brewery. “It’s a shame mild isn’t seen on many bars anymore — in cask or keg.  At The Cricks, we’ve always made sure there’s a mild available, and it’s great to see other pubs doing the same this month.” 

Ian Pye, Pubs Officer for St Helens and Districts CAMRA, added: 
“We’re so glad to see many of the pubs in our branch supporting Mild May. Mild is an often overlooked and underrated style of beer, and many think it’s just dark ale. However, many of the new milds are brewed in the traditional style but can be light in colour and appeal to those who are not necessarily into dark ales. We hope as many people as possible can join us on 10 May as we celebrate the launch of Howzat’s Gully Mild — specially brewed for the event — and try a style of beer they may never have tried before.” 

Joining The Cricketers Arms in this celebration of cask culture and beer heritage are several cherished local venues, including: The Turks Head, Cowley Vaults, Tipsy Tap, The Lamb, and The Sefton — each serving a selection of the best milds available. Keep an eye out for other venues in our branch who are not on the mild trail but are superbly showcasing mild throughout May. 

Originating in the late 18th century, mild ale was historically a drink for workers — easy-drinking, flavourful, and brewed for refreshment. Today, while the style has faded from many pub lineups, it remains a cornerstone of British brewing history, delivering deep malty character, subtle sweetness, and hints of chocolate, caramel, and coffee.  

Milds tend to be lightly hopped compared to pale ale and are usually low in alcohol; strong mild ales used to reach six or seven per cent abv, but very few such beers are still brewed. Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild, brewed to a pre-World War I recipe, is a rare example of a strong Mild (6.0% ABV). 

This year’s Mild Meander aims not only to revive interest in mild but also to support local pubs and promote community spirit and inclusivity. 

Join CAMRA and your local publicans on Saturday, 10th May, for an afternoon of flavour, tradition, and shared appreciation for the humble mild.  

ENDS  

 

Notes to Editor:  

• St Helens and Districts CAMRA comes under Merseyside and Cheshire region and currently has over 700 members. It is a not-for-profit organisation made up of volunteers who campaign for quality real ale, cider and perry in thriving pubs across St Helens and surrounding areas and advocates pubs and clubs as social centres in the local community and promotes the benefits of responsible social drinking. 

 

• Branch meetings usually take place on the 4th Wednesday of the month. The meetings are informal and fairly short and are a great way to have a general catch up with local brewery, pub, and social news – always held at local pubs that serve real ale.