New menu at 3 Joseph Holt Brewery pubs can enjoy classic lasagna with a distinctive northern twist

Lovers of Manchester’s famous Joseph Holt beer can now enjoy their favourite ale with a twist of Italy at the brewery’s Blackpool pubs.

The brewery which owns three Fylde pubs - Half Way House, Tavern at the Mill and Water’s Edge in St Annes has unveiled its new winter menu and which now features a `Handcrafted Beef and Joseph Holt Golden Ale Lasagne`.

This local version of a classic Italian dish puts the brewery’s much-loved Two Hoots golden ale at the heart of the recipe, with the award-winning beer used to flavour the rich cheese sauce layered through the pasta dish.

By bringing together two much-loved favourites, the new lasagne offers a distinctly Manchester twist on a classic Italian comfort food.

Brendan Corder, food development manager at Joseph Holt: “As a brewery producing a range of award-winning ales, it made sense to draw on our knowledge of their distinctive flavours and quality and incorporate them into some of our dishes.

“We also like to innovate, and as lasagne is not traditionally made with beer, we decided to use our Two Hoots golden ale to enhance this already much-loved Italian classic as it adds a subtle sweetness, gentle maltiness, and light hop notes that complement cheese without overpowering it.”

Other ale-inspired mains on the newly released menu include Joseph Holt beer battered fish and chips and Jolly Hog beer braised sausages. On the small plates section options include Stilton and Joseph Holt Trailblazer mushrooms – button mushrooms cooked in Joseph Holt`s Trailblazer stout and a creamy stilton sauce.

Trailblazer , which beat Guinness by an 85% to 15% margin in a blind taste test, also features in a BBQ pulled pork and mature cheddar loaded jacket potato.

The new menu, which is available at all Joseph Holt food houses, covers a range of tastes and cuisines including new additions such as Korean BBQ Pulled Pork and Asian Slaw brioche, as well as Beef Bourguignon. New small plates include Beef and Bean Chilli Loaded Jacket Potato and Mac and Smoked Pancetta Cheese small plate.

Eating in UK pubs from traditional pub grub to gastro-pub dining is hugely popular with about one in three Brits visiting a local pub monthly and young adults dining out weekly

Adds Brendan: “We often hear from our customers how much they enjoy eating out in one of our pubs, where the cosy atmosphere and familiar surroundings make for a relaxed, informal environment place to have a meal. With winter approaching, our delicious, warming menu, including dishes perfectly complemented by our own beers and ales , is sure to hit the spot when enjoying a meal out on a cold winter’s evening.”