Northern pub group launches crisp butty menu with 7-course crisp tasting option
The menu is split into sections, with choices like "crinkle cut classics", "not crisp butties", "combo butties" and a "special sharing platter", consisting of seven different courses of crisps - dubbed their "7-course tasting menu".
A Northern pub group has launched an epic crisp butty menu that includes a 7-course crisp “tasting menu” option.
Beerhouses Pubs group, whose pubs include the Stalybridge Buffet Bar inside Stalybridge rail station, put together and costed the menu after their followers voted in their masses for it on Twitter.
The idea was first floated at the end of June – now it’s coming to fruition for one week only, starting today, July 12.
Well we made a menu and you wanted it*. So now it's been costed, chefs trained and stock ordered. The Crisp & Not Crisp Butty menu will be live in @Stalybuffetbar and @WestRidingLRR from Monday for one week only.
The menu is split into sections, with choices like “crinkle cut classics”, “not crisp butties”, “combo butties” and a “special sharing platter”, consisting of seven different courses of crisps – dubbed their “7-course tasting menu”.
Rest easy, it’s all going to be on thick white bread with “lashings of Lurpak” – let’s be honest, none of this artisanal bread works as well when it comes to creating the holy grail of crisp sandwiches.
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For the “crinkle cut classics” section, Seabrooks crisps appear to be an imperative choice with the menu clearly stating: “Seabrooks crisps obviously”. A choice of flavours, meanwhile, includes plain, salt and vinegar, cheese and onion or Canadian ham.
The “not crisp butties” go down the maize snack route and have the potential to cause a few disagreements this week. That said, there are some iconic childhood favourites featured here – with filling choices including pickled onion Monster Munch, Bacon Fries, Scampi Fries, Wotsits or salt and vinegar Squares.
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That said, though, if you really want to push the boat out then you obviously have to spring for the 7-course crisp tasting menu.
Comprised of hot pork scratchings, poppadoms with dip, Monster Munch, Bacon Fries, Scampi Fries and two bags of Seabrook, it’s priced at just £7 – talk about the ultimate crisp feast.
And if it goes well I'm already experimenting on a second version with Nik Naks, Wheat Crunchies, McCoys, Roysters, Quavers, Onion Rings, Space Raiders, Snyders Jalapeno pretzels and Frisps.
Last but not least, we have to talk about the “Combo butties” – all of which have their own special combinations inside.
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A “mighty meaty” option features Canadian ham Seabrook and Bacon Fries, whilst a “Surf and Turf” combines Scampi and Bacon Fries in one.
“Cheese and Bacon” combines Bacon Fries with Wotsits, whilst “Double cheese and onion”, looks like it’ll pack a punch, filled with Monster Munch, Wotsits and cheese and onion Seabrook crisps.
Speaking on Twitter, a spokesperson for the brewery added “[if the menu goes down well] I’m already experimenting on a second version with Nik Naks, Wheat Crunchies, McCoys, Roysters, Quavers, Onion Rings, Space Raiders, Snyders Jalapeno pretzels and Frisps.”
It’s good to see the humble crisp butty finally getting the shine it so deserves. Now we just really hope that Beerhouses Pubs introduce a beer pairing menu to go alongside it next.
The Crisp & Not Crisp Butty menu will be live at both Stalybridge Buffet Bar & Beerhouse and Dewsbury’s West Riding Beerhouse from Monday, 12 June for one week only. Crisp butty prices start from £2.25.
Super League ‘Rivals Round’ fixtures confirmed, with two big North West clashes
Danny Jones
The Betfred Super League (BSL) ‘Rivals Round’ games for 2026 have been confirmed, with two big regional clashes coming in time for the spring.
Returning for 2026, the annual meeting of multiple teams coming up against their fiercest and most historic rivals will land on round seven of the calendar over the traditional Easter weekend.
Despite the competition having sadly lost Salford Red Devils following their forced relegation, local rugby fans will still be glad to see the borough of Wigan, as well as neighbouring Cheshire and nearby Merseyside clubs, coming up against each other in what is a highly anticipated fixture on the calendar.
Announcing the now fully confirmed matches this week, the total of seven matches are set to be played between Friday, 3 April and the following Sunday, 5 April.
In the Super League’s own words, there are few gameweeks more box office than the Rivals Round – “where the games mean more, hit harder and have the ability to divide towns and families.”
After the inaugural edition of the modern round in 2021, this year saw the division record a best-ever attendance of 86,080 across a six-match period, and with an extra game being played next season, we’re expecting more ground to be broken.
“The most intense and historic rivalries will go head-to-head with huge crowds anticipated, emotions running high and everyone expected to bring their A game”, say the BSL.
Huddersfield Giants v York Knights – Saturday, 4 April
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity – Sunday, 5 April
One of the most notable exclusions among the slate, of course, is that of Salford Red Devils, as various players and staff members continue to leave the club during this increasingly concerning and deep period of uncertainty.
Salford supporters have given a clear response following the decisive drop in IMG gradings:
Although they are now longer in rugby league’s premier domestic tier, Salford are still expected to take part in the Challenge Cup tournament, which begins in January.
Betfred and the RFL revealed the most recent ties on Monday, 24 November, with the Devils due to face either Royal Navy Rugby or Hammersmith Hills Hoists in the second round.
Meanwhile, with the new campaign kicking off in February, rugby fans will only have to wait a couple of months to witness the upcoming instalments in the various rivalries.
Safe to say it’s going to be a spicy Easter break.
A Greater Manchester campaigner is calling on the government to get rid of VAT on energy bills
Danny Jones
With the colder months now well and truly upon us, a local campaigner is calling on the UK government to scrap VAT on energy bills across the country.
The nation is still in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, and besides grocery shopping, business rates and eating out still climbing, one of the biggest hits to the wallet continues to be at home, thanks to the cost of gas and electricity.
With that in mind, and as we approach the ever-challenging festive period when purse strings feel tighter than ever, industry expert and Bolton-born entrepreneur Corin Dalby is making a fresh push for crucial aid and urging Brits to put digital pen to paper.
Sharing the petition link on social media – which has been taken up by more than 42,000 people online – Dalby is asking others who believe domestic residents deserve a much-needed let-off to sign the Change.org document and help scrap VAT on energy bills in the UK.
Introducing himself and the idea in the description beneath the petition, the Greater Manchester native writes: “My name is Corin Dalby, and last year I successfully campaigned for hospices in the UK to receive an extra £100 million of government funding, with the support of 37,254 signatures.
“Now I’m calling on the Government to axe the 5% VAT we are all forced to pay on our energy bills.”
Dalby, 56, is the co-founder and CEO of non-profit energy company, Box Power CIC (community interest company), and has seen significant money from FCA fines go towards palliative care facilities since December last year.
Pointing out that the current energy secretary and former Prime Ministerial candidate, Ed Miliband, has previously hinted that his party would be open to this possibility, he goes on to add: “It’s vital that we hold them to this, to bring some much-needed relief to millions of households.”
While the initial goal aligned with the hope of getting enough signatures to put this bill forward in time for the most recent Labour budget (revealed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday, 26 November), the initiative could still provide vital support this winter – especially for those worst off.
As mentioned, the 2025 autumn statement has now been shared publicly following some early leaks, and despite including positives like a lift on minimum wage, as well as benefit increases, there have been much bigger reactions to aspects such as the hits being taken by pensioners and more.
The 2025 autumn budget has been largely underpinned by raising taxes by an estimated £26 billion.
If anything, the announcement has made the plea from Dalby and those in agreement more poignant than ever – and there are, indeed, plenty of people in his camp.
Sharing his most recent update back in October on social media, Corin said: “Overjoyed to see 20,000 signatures in just 3 hours.
“Scrapping the 5% VAT will directly save every hospice [an area he’s already successfully advocated for in the past], house and care home in the country, so who will help us to knock this out of the park and help the most vulnerable in our country and quickly smash 100,000?
“If you wish to help make a difference, please support this petition by just adding your name and [circulating] to like-minded contacts and repost this if possible.”
If you agree with the petition, you can sign via the official Change.org link right HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
12th July 2021 
