Stockport Pubs

It has now been established (I think) that Martin is ticking the pubs in Matt’s book (Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs & Bars). I’m just passively ticking in his wake. Tonight’s midweek Manchester Matt mission was taking us to Stockport, which I’d been hearing good things about.

The weather was acceptable for the time of year upon leaving Manchester. It was a lovely day with a nice breeze. I sauntered down to Oxford Road station looking forward to a good night out.

On arrival in Stockport it was FUCKING BOILING with not a breeze to be had. I’d been instructed to meet Martin and Christine at the Edgeley exit but couldn’t see them. It wasn’t like them to be late and it was too hot to be lingering in this ridiculous heat. I ambled up the road to meet them but they were nowhere to be seen. I messaged Martin. He replied that they were outside the Edgeley exit. How was that possible? I retraced my steps and spotted them sheltering in the shade of some hidden steps I hadn’t noticed turning out of the station.

Right now to get some scran!

Last Monsoon

Going out for a curry is always a treat and this has now become a staple of these Manchester missions. This does minimise our drinking time/number of pubs somewhat owing to time constraints and us being full after stuffing our faces. But I’m never going to turn down the opportunity for a curry so you’ll just have to make do with fewer pubs on these missions, dear reader.

I remembered to photograph the poppadoms and exciting dippage. Love the variety of dips here but would have liked more of each, as it wasn’t a lot between three of us (and having to politely not heap the lot on my plate).

Martin quickly jumped on something I’d mentioned in my Walsall Senior Cup Final blog about not sharing my food (I enjoy my food and like to keep it all to myself). This worked against me tonight as, in an Indian restaurant, I enjoy trying as many different things as possible – which means sharing dishes, as we did on our Oldham mission. Thus tonight I could hardly suggest sharing starters and a Plan B was required. (Martin, if you’re reading, can we share starters next time please…?)

I knew I wanted two courses here but couldn’t decide on a starter. There was, however, an exciting veg side dish – and my request to have this as a starter was granted.

We liked the decor in here.

Here’s my main:

I must confess that Martin always selects magnificent Indian restaurants, hence I’m more than happy to leave the organisation of these nights out to him. The food here was once again excellent.

We tipped and were rewarded with a glass of Baileys each. This is a little touch that I absolutely treasure from a restaurant. It makes me feel valued as a customer. The cube of ice – which I’d normally reject in any drink – was welcomed tonight as it was bloody boiling.

After that delightful start to the evening, it was time to get going on the pub ticking. We had only had water with our food owing to the temperature, so it was time to get started on the beers.

Crown Inn

Now lets check out the beers in this traditional boozer.

It was too hot for dark beer, so I was probably saved here by having to select something paler. I don’t really mind a London Pride if forced; however that was the most boring choice. I was put off the White Rat by the word ‘hoppy’. So it was a half of Silver King in here for me.

Matt’s book promised 12 handpulls so I’m not sure if some were hiding or there has been a change afoot here.

The pub looked like it had a refurb so it had a semi modern vibe.

We were already establishing that it really was too hot to be drinking at all but we forced down our halves and headed back out into the sweltering evening.

Here’s Martin’s take on the evening so far.

Martin took us on a scenic Krypton Factoresque route to the next pub – which Christine and I were not convinced was meant for pedestrians. Martin insisted it was the quickest route but, given the tricky terrain, perhaps it wasn’t…

‘Think of it as hopscotch,’ suggested Martin.

Stockport being close to Manchester Airport, there were many planes flying low overhead, entertaining us on our walks.

The Magnet

What a magnificent pub this is – and definitely worth the challenging walk.

I spied Enville Ginger on the beer board and immediately plumped for that. I’ve not had that in YEARS and only ever really saw it at beer festivals in the West Midlands – Birmingham and Walsall – which aren’t even a thing any more.

But then my eyes wandered over to the bar and I spotted the pump clip for the Tap To Unwrap. Ooh is that a chocolate orange beer? I had to have that too! I revised my order to a half of each of the above.

There was a queue for the bar in here – the only thing I wasn’t happy about in this pub – although this might have been through necessity owing to the layout of the pub. I’ll have to pay the pub another visit to verify this.

The Magnet just oozes personality – something I love in a pub.

Ah yes – there was a frog trail here in Stockport. You know I love a good art trail. This summer I completed the Elmer the Elephant trail in Blackpool (our first art trail!)

Martin returned from the bar with the drinks – including a pint of Bathams for him. Bathams!!! How had I missed that?! I wanted to drink EVERYTHING here! In reality, it was a real struggle to finish the drinks I’d ordered – especially the dark one. And I should really have had some ice in that Enville Ginger. It really was too hot to drink tonight. What rotten luck that the one scorchio night of the year should fall on a pub crawl night.

I had to visit the facilities here as I just knew they’d be something worth writing about (take note, Stirchley).

I fell in love with this pub and will most definitely be returning (Blackpool play Stockport County on 1st March, if I can wait that long…).

Here’s Martin’s take on this fine hostelry.

We gave up on attempting any more beer because we just needed to get out of this sweltering heat – and the beer was only making things worse.

On our walk back to the station, we passed a lively place called The Spinning Top, which looked right up my street, with live music, open mics and real ale. I made a note to check that place out on a future visit.

We arrived back at the station at the revamped main entrance, which was an impressive sight.

We said our goodbyes and boarded separate trains home. I had to change at Piccadilly but still got home at a reasonable hour. As I hadn’t really had much to drink (a measly 1.5 pints and a tiny Baileys), this did allow me to read my book on the way home (a pointless exercise if I’ve drunk any more, as I never remember what I’ve read).

In summary, tonight definitely didn’t do Stockport justice – I feel this needs an extended full day mega session. Watch this space, dear reader…

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Next Up: Best Blackpool Boozers.