CORONATION Street beer – it’s official.
From next month fans will be able to sup a Corrie pint, a nice chap at ITV told me today.
But there’s a catch.
The “quality draught ale” will only be available in the chain of pubs run by Manchester brewer JW Lees.
ITV has signed a new license which allows the brewer to create and distribute the 4.2 per cent cask ale.
You’d have thought Newton & Ridley might be quite bitter about this development.
But it seems not.
Back in the glory days of the now long gone Granada Studios Tour, you used to be able to buy all manner of Corrie merchandise.

I’ve still got some Rovers’ beer glasses in the kitchen, though the beer mats were, sadly, taken by the mice.
Did the Tours’ shop also sell little bottles of beer?

I’m sure Flaming Nora or someone else nearest the bar will be able to refresh my memory.
As with all such corporate announcements, this one came adorned with statements from both sides.
Although we can only guess what Betty would make of these two hot pots:
JW Lees managing director William Lees-Jones said:
“We’re delighted to have signed this deal. Coronation Street is one of the most famous streets in the world. With our shared Manchester heritage, we’re excited to be teaming up with them to provide a premium quality draught ale which will be as complex and robust as a good Corrie plot line.”
While Gustavo Antonioni, Commercial Brands Director at ITV Global, no less, comments:
“We are dedicated to innovating highly engaging brand extensions that resonate with the core values and history of our television shows. We’re looking forward to bringing more quality products to life for our programmes’ fans.”
Personally, my hopes are pinned on Becky Granger’s favourite quality product.
A three litre £1.99 bottle of Thunderclap cider, with a cheeky hint of corner shop marker pen.
Coronation Street Blogs
Corrieblog
Coronation Street: Flaming Nora
JW Lees & Co