Rochdale brews up cultural pride with new beer launch

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 09:33

By David Murphy

Councillor Sue Smith at the launch of the new beer at the Wakey Wakey Brew Company in Rochdale with (left to right) Leanne Jones (Wakey Wakey), Jon Duffin (CAMRA Rochdale Oldham and Bury) Anthony Jones (Wakey Wakey) coun

A new locally brewed ale is pouring into Rochdale pubs to mark the town’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

Rochdale’s brewing community has joined forces to create ‘Signo’, a golden ale designed to celebrate the town’s year-long spotlight as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture 2025/26.

The 4.5% cask ale, which features sweet peach and apricot notes with a gentle citrus and herbal finish, is already available in venues across the borough. Bottled versions are expected in the coming months.

Brewed using 100% British ingredients, the name ‘Signo’ is derived from Rochdale’s Latin motto ‘Crede Signo’, meaning ‘Trust in this sign’. The beer’s branding carries the strapline ‘Confidence and trust in culture’, tying into the town’s cultural celebrations.

The collaborative brewing effort brought together five local producers: Wakey Wakey Brew Company, Twisted Mule Brewery and Tap House, Brid’s Cross Brewing, Serious Brewing Company, and Whitworth Valley Brewing.

Wakey Wakey Brew Company’s Anthony Jones, based at The Flying Horse Hotel, said: “The spirit of collaboration which Rochdale is famous for is alive and well and it’s been great to see local brewers working together to create this new beer, something memorable for residents and visitors.”

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, officially launched the ale with support from the Rochdale Development Agency, Rochdale BID, and a local Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) representative. She praised the initiative as a reflection of Rochdale’s “vibrant cultural identity”.

Signo takes ten hours to brew, followed by up to five days of fermentation and a fortnight of conditioning. Pubs and venues now serving it include The Flying Horse Hotel, The Baum, The Pint Pot, The Lucky Duck, and Twisted Mule Tap House, among others, with more being added each week.

The project has been backed by UK Shared Prosperity Funding and the Rochdale Town Centre BID.

Rochdale’s Town of Culture year is being led by Rochdale Borough Council and the Rochdale Development Agency (RDA), supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Arts Council England. It will feature events from over 35 local arts organisations, focusing on festivals, exhibitions, and performances throughout 2025/26.