DRINK lovers came together to sample craft ale from across the North West at the Old Links Beer Festival.

People flocked to the event at the Old Links Golf Club over the weekend to try out a range of beers from Bolton and the Greater Manchester area.

The cask and keg line-up, chosen by Bolton-based pop-up beer bar company Tap and Pin, featured brews from favourites Track Brew Co, Blackjack Brewing Company and Epicurus, alongside the likes of Arbor, Wild Beer Co, and Siren.

Nick Taylor, co-owner of Tap and Pin, said: “We started on Friday night, went on until Sunday and it was absolutely packed.

“It was amazing and really successful. A lot of people came along and tasted the beer that we had brought from local suppliers.

“We had people from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) turn up so they were all critiquing the beer.

“We have had a great atmosphere all weekend and everyone has been enjoying themselves.”

Mr Taylor said the company had been trying to keep the drink selection local to Bolton and was pleasantly surprised with the amount of breweries in the town.

He said: “There have traditionally been a lot of breweries across Manchester but more have been setting up in Bolton, which is great.”

As well as promoting local craft ale, the event was aimed at raising the profile of the golf club, which is based in Chorley Old Road.

Mr Taylor said: “The Golf club is a fantastic venue. I think it has been a very successful event and a lot of people have been asking about the facilities at the club. It’s been a great weekend.”