Happy Hours for singer in pub cycle tour

Former Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton is planning a cycle tour of England to promote cycling and traditional pubs - and he's looking for venues to play in.

The composer of ditties including Song For Whoever and Rotterdam will set off from the Rovers Return pub, on the Manchester-based set of Coronation Street, in May. In a Kraftwerk-style approach to touring, he'll do 720 miles by bike, reaching pub venues across the north and midlands in time for a pint and a few tunes.

Even better, the ex-Housemartins frontman will also encourage fans and locals to cycle to gigs – as part of the aim is to promote cycling as the greenest form of transport.

“I’m looking forward to pedalling around the country to promote cycling and the British pub,” said Heaton.

“Both are very close to my heart. I’ve been cycling all my life and the British pub has provided most of my favourite stop-off points.

“It saddens me to hear about so many British pubs closing on a weekly basis so I want to do all I can to get people back to their local.”

Real ale society CAMRA has welcomed the idea. Senior marketing manager Tony Jerome said: “This fun and unique way of supporting and promoting the traditional English village pub is just what the pub industry needs with more than 50 pubs closing every week.”

Heaton is looking for pubs in a 10-mile radius of: Rochdale, Congleton, Much Wenlock, Stratford Upon Avon, Thame, Tutts Clump, Godstone, St Neots, Wisbech, Skegness, Beverley, Otley, Burnley and Manchester.

If you would like to propose a pub email: pedalsandbeerpumps [at] sjmconcerts.com