Following the successful launch of the inaugural Maidenhead Ale Trail last October, I am pleased to announce that this popular event will take place this year between 4 October and 15 November.

As a long-time resident of Maidenhead, I am keen to promote some of the fine real ale pubs in my hometown. Last year, I invited eight pubs to take part. This year, I am hoping to include a further four pubs, provided they meet the MAT criteria, including serving two or more real ales in good condition. This year’s Maidenhead Ale Trail will include the following pubs, stretching from Taplow to Cox Green.

1. Hall & Woodhouse Taplow, Mill Lane, SL6 0AA No.15 Carousel Bus.

2. The Lord Grenfell, 22 Oldfield Road, SL6 1TW.

3. The Bear, 8-10 High Street, SL6 1QJ.

4. The Maiden's Head, 34 High Street, SL6 1QE.

5. The Hand & Flowers, 15 Queen Street, SL6 1NB (TBC).

6. A Hoppy Place, Unit C, Trinity Place, Park Street, SL6 1TJ.

7. Maidenhead Conservative Social Club, 32 York Street, SL6 1SF.

8. Off the Tap, 105 High Street, SL6 1EA.

9. The Craufurd Arms, 15 Gringer Hill, SL6 7LY.

10. The North Star, 91 Westborough Road, SL6 4AP (TBC). No. 3 Carousel Bus.

11. The Barley Mow, Cox Green Lane, SL6 3EW (TBC). No. 7 Thames Valley Bus.

12. The Thatched Cottage, Cannon Lane, SL6 3PE (TBC). No. 3 Carousel Bus.

The launch party will be held at the Craufurd Arms on Sunday 4 October (1:00pm–4:00pm). At the pub, Maidenhead Ale Trail leaflets will be available for collection and will also be distributed to pubs in the Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead area with Issue 3 of Pubs & Pints. If you have any promotional items or prizes suitable for the charity raffle at the closing party, please do get in touch at ku.gro.armac.mws@namriahc.

The closing party will be held at the Maiden’s Head on Sunday, 15th November, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Mark Newcombe, Chair & Pub Protection Officer, Campaign for Real Ale, Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead Branch, 07715 551070