'Prairie Schooner'? Were the owners playing a game of Scrabble when deciding on a name, I wondered…read more After an online search out of curiosity, I found it's actually the nickname for those horse-pulled covered wagons you see pioneers riding on in Wild West films. I was still perplexed as to why a micropub and bottle shop in suburban Urmston chose it as their moniker, but I suppose it's memorable. Anyway, I digress. Though it looks fairly compact from the outside, when you step through the door you find it actually stretches back quite far, with a 'drinking parlour' towards the back behind the bar (which has a small number of pumps serving cask ale and cider). They also have perry, wine, Prosecco, whisky, small-batch gin and old-fashioned soft drinks made by independent producers. When I asked the friendly proprietor he mentioned that they also do quiz nights, tastings, DJ sessions and Bring Your Own Vinyl nights. To the side, they have a decent selection of American, European and local bottled beers on the shelves to take away. Some are fridge-chilled and ready for drinking. This place is only four miles from my home in Sale; if it was within easy walking distance I'd be in here far too frequently.

First time here tonight. Really enjoyed the chilled out atmosphere. Did the quiz which was pretty…read moretricky. Beer choice is extensive when taking into account bottled beer. On tap guests were very nice also. People were friendly. Would definitely go back her for a drink and would just as comfortable on my own having a beer reading the paper as I would with friends. Very nice.

There comes a time in every young adult's life when they realise they're simply not a student…read moreanymore, and your standard 3 for £12 plonk or multipack beer from Bargain Booze ain't going to cut it. You need something special. Why, you're a grown-up, you've a good job, you pay bills, you rent your own place, you're in a proper relationship and you're having people over. You want these people to have something a bit different to remember your soiree by. Well thank you Carringtons for shouldering that responsibility. Walking around this shop is like being six again and cooing over the Pick 'n' Mix at Woolworths, only this time you know how much everything costs because you're paying for it yourself. Yep, the rush of guilt from tugging on Mum's hand and whinging at her way back then comes soaring over again. Anyway, during my first introduction to Carringtons, I had a request that was both specific and vague in equal measure. I needed local beers, European beers, some nice Prosecco and a good gin. I had bugger all to worry about in the very capable hands of Rosco. He immediately packed up a couple of bottles of Prosecco into a box for me, took me round the shop pointing out some great beers, and when it came to the gin he said, 'Can you come tomorrow or do you need this for tonight? We've got a Brockmans delivery coming and that's great gin.' I was most certainly free the next day, and any yelper who made it to the Yelp Summer Stunner (http://vimeo.com/28057905) will know how amazing that is. Thanks to the introduction from Carringtons, we brought Brockmans to the Manchester masses! They've a spot in Didsbury Village too, and they're certainly the place to go if you love your Brewdog beers (I know several Mancunians who do). The service is great, the staff are knowledgeable and they love what they do. Can't say fairer than that for a great independent booze specialist!

If you're tired of smart price vodka and wine in cartons just labelled 'Australian Red Wine' then I…read morecan definitely recommend a trip to Carringtons. Stocking a range of boutique beers, handpicked wines and high-end spirits there is something here to suit all tastes. It may be a little bit pricey, as has been noted, but for that special occasion, gift or even a little treat for yourself (Just a couple of well-deserved bottles of Konig Ludwig Weissbier) Carringtons is perfect. The staff are knowledgeable about what they're selling - I know because I once worked at an off licence at home and I had absolutely no clue about what I was selling. I can sense the genuine opinion in their voice. They're not pushing three for twos or trying to make you buy lager by the case, they are happy to make recommendations according to your budget and personal taste. They run wine tastings and even a blog, how many branches of Threshers or Bargain Booze do you know that can say that.

So, after years of nothingness, Sale FINALLY has its very own craft beer bottle shop; and my fellow…read morelocal beer geeks rejoice! Our closest ones had been in Urmston, Chorlton or Alty. Tucked right at the back of Traders Outlet (which is a hub of local indie businesses under one roof), they may be small but they still have a pretty decent selection of cans and bottles to take away. The owner is just starting out, so if business does well they'll likely expand the range or (I'm hoping) get their own unit locally with enough room to install a few kegs and open a tap house! You can contact them on Twitter (@Artisan_Ales) and if they don't have a particular beer in stock, they'll do their best to source it and let you know. It's great to be able to have a true, independent place to buy my beers from to enjoy at home - I'll support them for as long as my liver allows me :) Tip: they accept card payments and provide cardboard bottle carriers if you're buying several beers.

This new warehouse in washway rd opened recently and specialises in classic wines, vintage…read morebordeaux, champagne and malt whisky. The company were in the wholesale business for 150 years before branching into retail and this is their second retail outlet.There is a nice carpark located next to the warehouse .The wines are displayed by country and incentives like 3 for 2 apply to some. The Cloudy Bay from New Zealand is worth a mention .

"Glory Glory Man United, Glory Glory Man United, Glory Glory Man United, and the reds go marching…read moreon, on, on!" (sung out of tune, loudly, and along with fifty other lads, all singing slightly out of time with each other, topped off with a bit of slurring) If you want to sing like that, you'll need a beer inside you, and where better to get it than an off licence dedicated to the champions of England, Manchester United. Situated moments from Old Trafford Football Stadium is United Off Licence, vending cans of beer and cider for the road, to get you ready for the big game. Whether you're a seasoned Old Trafford-goer or a visitor to this wonderful stadium, The Theatre of Dreams, you'll probably want to make a quick stop off here. Beers are not cheap, but they're ice cold, and you wont get a cheap beer around the ground on match day. The row of shops that it's a part of is part of the Old Trafford experience, including as it does, United souvenir shops and take-aways and off licences all dedicated to Manchester United Football Club. So make sure you pay it a visit. "U.N.I.T.E.D, United are the team for me, with a nick nack paddy whack, give a dog a bone, why don't city politely leave off and make their way home"