This was a guest at a pub I visited tonight. I have to say that it was excellent, and the "appley" taste reminded me a bit of Taylor Landlord, one of my favourite beers. If it had been in a blind tasting, I would have given it high marks.
It's a Boddington's pub, and the Boddies I also tried - whilst still not being a classic - seemed to have more body and flavour than it had before they increased the strength. It'll be interesting to see what it tastes like when (sadly, not if) InBev close Strangeways and get the beer brewed by Hydes.
Brian