A CRAFT beer micro bar has opened today, Friday, in Warrington Market.

Andy McKnight and his partner Alison Ramsden have launched The Real Ale Shack with the idea of introducing beers to Warrington that you might not find in many of the pub chains.

The couple are serving a constantly rotating selection of four seasonal ales and craft beers on draught as well as three craft ciders and lagers.

There will also be up to 30 different varieties of bottles and cans with an emphasis on Warrington and Cheshire breweries.

"It's a passion," said Andy, a member of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

"My dad's always been into his beer and when my family used to go on hikes around Lancashire and the Lake District we would always end up in a pub.

"There's nothing like a pint after a long walk. I like the frosty morning walks where you go somewhere and then afterwards you have a drink in a pub with a roaring fire."

It is also a complete change of career for Andy, who was previously a thermal imaging engineer.

The 52-year-old got fed up of the long commutes to London and got the idea for the bar after helping out Steve Simms, who runs Great Ale at the Market at Bolton Market, for six weeks.

"I went to learn the trade and how to look after the cask ales," added the Leigh resident.

"We looked at shop units and at Bury Market and Leigh Market before settling on Warrington and hopefully the future is to move into the new market.

The small bar, between PJ's Jewellers and Paul's Homewares, has room for about 28 people but there is also a seating area outside.

The style of The Real Ale Shack may also catch your eye which Andy describes as 'industrial rustic'.

He said: "There's a bit of steam punk with the lights above the bar and I made the other lights myself from an exhaust pipe from a wagon and a women's belt."

The bar itself, meanwhile, is made from reclaimed scaffolding boards.

Andy, who likes blonde beers, pale ales and craft ciders, added: "Most of the work I've done myself with the skills I've picked up from a lifetime of DIY."

The bar will be open six days a week but will only serve beer until 4.40pm. The idea is for it to be a resting spot for shoppers but you can also buy bottles and gift packs of beer to takeaway.

"I'm also looking at getting flagons so people can buy takeaway draught beer as well," Andy said.

Andy is already serving beer by 4Ts brewery, based in Latchford, and is in talks with Coach House Brewing Company in Howley.

He added: "CAMRA has quite a following for micro bars like these so it will be good for networking and I've already been in touch with the Warrington and Cheshire breweries.

"Someone said to me the other day: 'CAMRA does not need to keep going – it's already achieved everything it set out to do'.

"It's done so much it's unbelievable. You can get beer with espresso or chocolate in it now.

"There's so much variety out there and we will rotate all the beers. As soon as a barrel has gone we'll put in a different one."