Stockport County collaborates with local brewery to launch club’s own beer

Building on the success of its new fan zone, Stockport County have created its very own ale. The League Two side have joined forces with local brewery Thirst Class Ales based in nearby Reddish to create the unique brew, which fans can snap up exclusively from County Courtyard.

The partnership represents the club’s first official collaboration with the brewery since it started to sell their beers at the start of January - further cementing the club’s commitment to working with local suppliers in Stockport. A single hopped mosaic ale, standing at 4.8% vol, the County Pale Ale includes flavours and aromas of mango, stone fruits, and berries.

Last November, the club announced plans for County Courtyard, a new fan zone which would cater for up to 1,500 fans before and after matches. Signed off by Stockport Council just before Christmas, the fan zone has been designed to bring supporters together, while also hopefully easing congestion around the ground as attendance numbers grow.

Read more: Some of the best food you can get in Stockport comes in a cup

The dedicated fan zone features three shipping containers and is covered by a canopy style stretch tent in the same colour as the club's famous royal blue strip. County Courtyard also features a small stage for local music acts to perform for football fans pre-match or listen to player interviews.

Food wise, a host of fan favourites are currently on offer in the fan zone, including craft beers, award-winning pies, and street food from around the world. Now, to compliment the launch of its ale, a new pie has also launched at County Courtyard. The County Steak & Ale pie is a three-party collaboration between Stockport County, Thirst Class Ale and award-winning, pie makers Great