THE landlord of The Cricketers Arms says it is "exciting times ahead" as the pub launches its own brewery.

The pub on Peter Street, which was named CAMRA National Pub of the Year in 2017 and was also a finalist the following year, has earned a strong reputation for its real ales.

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Now it is looking forward to adding the next stage of its business after launching its own brewery called Howzat.

Located on site it will brew beers at the pub which will go on sale in the pub and to be sold elsewhere.

St Helens Star:

Andy Evans (right) with Cllrs Martin Bond and David Baines (left)

"We first decided to plan things for this about two or three years ago," said Andy Evans, who took over the Cricketers with wife denise in 2013 when the pub was a boarded up building.

"It seemed like it was a natural progression for the pub. It has been a long project.

"I remember when I did the brewing course in June 2017 for the first couple of days I felt like I was in the wrong room because I'm always more of a hands on practical person, but since I have been doing the brewing I'm going going by my course notes and everything clicks and I understand it all."

Along with its main bar the pub also features its Boundary Bar at the back, with the Howzat brewery the latest stage of the business.

"Now we've got it here and the test brews have been brilliant and we are over the moon with it, it is very exciting times ahead," added Andy.

Having initially planned to develop several of the pub's core range, the first tests went so well Andy has decided to go ahead with an additional Wicketkeeper Range featuring "different limited edition beers" as well.

St Helens Star:

Andy Evans with council leader Cllr David Baines

"We are just about to start selling out to other pubs," added Andy.

"I would like one day to be in another pub with people having a pint and hear them passing their comments on the beer.

"It has been a big investment and a lot of effort to get to this stage.

"There are lots of challenges ahead and the aim in future is to get a young apprentice and train them up and make a career out of it."

The Cricketers Arms is hosting its Autumn Festival from today until Sunday, November 3 with a beer and cider festival taking place from Boxing Day until New Year's Day.