Brewers in Rochdale have teamed up to create a new beer celebrating the town’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
The cask ale, named ‘Signo’ is now in pubs and bars across Rochdale, with bottles also set to be available in the coming months.
It’s a 4.5% golden ale, brewed with all British ingredients and described as having a sweet flavour with hints of peach and apricot, along with a gentle citrus vibe and a subtle herbal note to finish.
The first pints of Signo at the Wakey Wakey Brew Company in Rochdale.
With a nod to Rochdale’s heritage, the beer’s name ‘Signo’ was inspired by the town’s Latin motto featured on its coat of arms - ‘Crede Signo’ which translates as ‘Trust in this sign.’ The strapline ‘Confidence and trust in culture’ accompanies the name on pump clips and marketing, reflecting Rochdale’s year in the spotlight.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, visited the Wakey Wakey Brew Company in Rochdale to help launch the new beer and meet some of the brewers involved, along with a representative from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Rochdale Development Agency and Rochdale Business Improvement District (BID) who have supported it.
Councillor Sue Smith with (left to right) Leanne and Anthony Jones (Wakey Wakey), Domenico Iannidiaardi, (Twisted Mule Brewery and Tap House), Jon Duffin (Camra Rochdale Oldham and Bury), Eloise Gettings (Twisted Mule Brewery and Tap House)
Councillor Smith thanked the local brewers and said:
“Rochdale has always been a place where innovation and partnership thrive and already this year’s cultural celebrations have really brought that to life. This collaboration between local brewers, sharing their expertise, passion and creativity to craft a new exclusive ale in honour of our status as Greater Manchester Town of Culture certainly captures the essence of Rochdale’s vibrant cultural identity.”
‘innovation’
Anthony Jones, from the Wakey Wakey Brew Company based at The Flying Horse Hotel, added:
“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.”
Brewers who have joined forces to make the special edition beer are Wakey Wakey Brew Company, Twisted Mule Brewery and Tap House, Brid’s Cross Brewing, the Serious Brewing Company and Whitworth Valley Brewing.
Signo takes 10 hours to brew, followed by a fermentation time of 4 to 5 days then 2 weeks’ conditioning.
Councillor Sue Smith at the launch of the new beer at the Wakey Wakey Brew Company in Rochdale.
The new beer is available in:
- Wakey Wakey Brew Co Pop-up Tap
- The Flying Horse Hotel
- The Baum
- The Pint Pot
- The Lucky Duck
- The Cemetery Hotel
- The Hare on the Hill
- The Moorcock
- Twisted Mule Brewery and Tap House
- The Old Post Office
- The Hopwood
- The Red Lion (Whitworth)
- The Cap and Whippet
- Middleton Cricket Club
More are being added every week.
Rochdale is Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025/26. The award by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority highlights the creativity and diversity of one of Greater Manchester’s towns, putting a spotlight on remarkable art, culture and heritage across the region. Rochdale’s year is building on the town’s rich cultural history and international reputation as the home of the co-operative movement with more than 35 arts organisations bringing together an ambitious programme of festivals, exhibitions, events and performances.
The Signo project was supported by UK Shared Prosperity Funding and Rochdale Town Centre BID.
Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture is being delivered by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) in partnership with the borough’s arts community, supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Arts Council England.