Fancy a pint with an alpaca? Of course you do.

Two Sutton businesses have teamed up for an unforgettable Saturday afternoon.

The Hanging Gate had been shut for three years until Hillary Spokes and James Schofield rescued the pub. Now, they are creating unique experiences such as this weekend's, to attract people to the gorgeous country pub.

Macclesfield Alpacas and The Hanging Gate pub have embarked on a collaborative venture aimed at boosting their visibility and attracting more visitors to their remote locations.

From 3pm to 5pm this Saturday July 13, Sutton business Macclesfield Alpacas will visit Higher Sutton business The Hanging Gate pub.

The pub is closely located to both The Gritstone Trail and Macclesfield Forest. It also boasts amazing views of Macclesfield, Manchester and the Welsh Mountains.

Situated amidst the serene English countryside, both establishments face the challenge of drawing customers due to their secluded settings.

But their rural location is also part of their appeal, for both alpaca farm and country pub.

The Hanging Gate is one of the highest pubs in England. It is popular with walkers, and is perfectly situated for such, with the views and the mere fact that a footpath runs through the pub's beer gardens.

However, rather than succumbing to the isolation, they have joined forces to create a unique experience that blends the charm of alpacas with the hospitality of a traditional English pub.

Hillary Spokes, one of the co-owners of The Hanging Gate, acknowledges the difficulties they face: "In a word, tough. "We struggle."

Stuart Murray, co-owner of Macclesfield Alpacas, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the need for innovative approaches to increase footfall with his competitive scene of alpaca farmers. For instance, they have just launched 3 new activities to take part in the experience.

Macclesfield Alpacas also sell products from their alpaca wool.

"We offer alpaca Walking and a combined walking/feeding experience as well as just doing a quick 30-minute tour of the farm," he said.

"There's a lot of Alpaca farms out there," said Stuart.

Macclesfield Alpacas is home to over 120 alpacas, and host a tea party-themed alpaca feeding experience, which they will promote at this weekend's event. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Their solution? A day filled with the perfect combination of adorable animals, breathtaking views, and delightful tipple.

Macclesfield Alpacas feeding experience is already themed around the Great British tradition of afternoon tea, so it isn't that farfetched to be bringing alpacas to another national tradition of a pub as well.

Stuart is looking forward to the forthcoming event: "It's a perfect combination of cute animals and spectacular views and drinks."

The alpacas will be stationed in the car park area adjacent to the pub's seating area at the front, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors to interact with these gentle unique creatures.

The pizza menu. What are you ordering? (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"So they'll be out in the beer garden, enjoying the view," said Stuart.

What to expect from the event? The pub will consist of as Stuart succinctly puts it as "Alpacas and pints."

There is pizzas for veggies and carnivores.

In addition, The Hanging Gate even offering a delicious sourdough pizza to feed your hunger pangs.

"We will be serving sourdough pizza from 3pm until 8pm or [when they] sell out," said Hillary.

Stuart and Kim Murray's Sutton farm is home to over 120 alpacas.

Hillary's readiness to create a special afternoon working with another local business should not come as a surprise, as the pub's drinks features lots of local favourites like Macclesfield's Forest Distillery, Wincle Brewery, and Storm Brewing Company.

And the best part? The alpaca pub event is free to attend, all you have to do is to pay for your drinks, crisps, pizza at the bar like you would with any pub.

And once you are done meeting the mammals, the pub is cosy inside too.

Just zen out, enjoy the alpacas company, as well as the views as far as the eye can see, in an idyllic location like no other.

This partnership represents more than an event, but as inspiration to all independent businesses, to join forces with an innovative idea, for mutual benefit. Wouldn't it be great more small businesses worked together like this?

The pub is situated at Meg Ln, Higher Sutton, Macclesfield SK11 0NG.

And if this event wasn't enough novelty for you, The Hanging Gate is also one of just two pubs known to Macclesfield Nub News in the local area that serves Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone Beer.

What's more, The Hanging Gate is also a football-free zone the following day.

Both pub and alpaca farm are just down the road from one another, so it was a no-brainer to team up.

To find more about Macclesfield Alpacas, please head to their website. Or read this Nub News article. The Hanging Gate also has a website.

Macclesfield Alpacas can be followed on Facebook, as can The Hanging Gate.

Coincidentally, Macclesfield Alpacas also has a public footpath going through it!