Press Release: Putting the real ale trail on the map

‘A talented artist has designed and illustrated Ale trail map and guide to the town’s real ale pubs. Abby Taylor was approached by Stockton BID (business improvement district) to produce an illustrated ale Trail to the real ale pubs in the town.

Abby was asked by BID to produce the new map and guide “with a little more flair” to tantalise prospective drinkers. She said: “ I was tasked with producing 11 original illustrations of the pubs around Stockton, from cheerful town centre pubs and vibrant little bars, to the beautiful micro pub is tucked away in the town’s Cultural Quarter.”

Abby added: the illustrations represent Stockton as a true haven for those of us who enjoy a great pint of ale. I had the pleasure of visiting each of these pubs to take reference photographs for the illustrations. Eleven may sound like rather a lot but you don’t have to try them on a single day!

She designed the foldout Ale Trail Map, along with a beautiful brand identity for the trial itself, including a striking logo, and a pattern featuring bottles and pints of ale.

Stockton BID manager, Jason Maxwell, said the commission came out about as previous versions of the ale Trail had done the job, but were lacking in visual appeal.

He said: “Stockton has a growing reputation for micropubs and I wanted to do something to support them, so we decided on the Ale Trail. It was first done a few years ago, I wanted it brought right up to date with a cool twist - so commissioned Abby. I am really proud of what we are put together and I think the pubs like them too. “

Anyone wanting to pick up a copy of the Stockton Ale Trail, should just pop into any of the 11 pubs on the trail: The Golden Smog, The Thomas Sheraton, The Storytellers, Lucifers, Musiclounge, the Georgian Theatre, Hope & Union, The Wasps Neat, Ivy House, The Sun Inn and The Royal Oak.

Abby has previously worked with BID on replacing the George and Dragon illustration in Stockton’s Green Dragon Yard and producing illustrations for the renovated Globe Theatre on the High Street.’

-Article by Ian Monaghan for Stockton & Billingham Life