Live Music — Pubs in Stockport

Beer Festivals

Joe Patten of nearby Cracked Actor acquired this to become an American-themed diner styled as Dr Feelgoods. Occasional live music; two pinball machines. History: Re-opened as Dr Feelgood on 21/5/2021 after Remedy closed for good 18/12/2020.

Petersgate Tap

19a St Petersgate, Stockport SK1 1EB

A family pub based in an old betting shop, run by Alan and Chris Gent. Set over two floors, downstairs the style is fairly modern with a continental feel to the bar area. Recycled solid oak-topped tables, with a mix of seating sit under interesting posters and breweriana on the walls. Six handpumps adorn the bar, one of which is the house beer, Hawkshead Windermere Pale; four keg fonts including a dedicated font for Hawkshead Lakeland Lager, five guest cask beers and three guest keg or key-craft products are rotated. There is a cider fridge which carries a rotating three or four ciders and perries along with bottled ciders. Gins are a speciality, with a wide range from which to choose, plus other spirits and a good selection of red and white wine. Food in the form of pies is available, these are supplied by local butchers Littlewoods. Crisps and nuts are also available. The function room upstairs, can be reserved for free during the mid-week, and for a small charge on Friday and Saturday evenings. The room is ideal for meetings and parties. The room can accommodate approx. 60 people; there is a small stage at one end. Additionally 'pop-up' kitchens are held regularly upstairs when guest cooks come in on Saturdays to offer a range of hot food. Music is mainly on the last Friday of the month which coincides with Stockport's "Foodie Friday" plus there is an acoustic music evening every month on the 1st Friday and a quiz night every Tuesday, £20 bar tab to be won. A poetry and prose night meets on the first Wednesday every other month, (2018 dates: April, June, August, October, December). History: opened for business on 29/9/16 in former betting shop premises, a welcome sign of the regeneration of the Market Place area. In 2018, they were local CAMRA branch Pub of the Year runner up, and winner Cider Pub of the Year.

Wellington

59-61 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK1 3RU

Real Fire

Fronting the busy A6 road, and opposite the former Grand Central complex, this comfortable and welcoming pub has been created out of two shop units. The exterior has full-height windows either side of the entrance; these can be opened in warmer weather to create a cafe feel to the place. Inside you will find exposed structural steelwork married to bare brick walls, and sanded wooden flooring; these are coupled to displays of clocks (none showing the right time, incidently), bookshelves, old radios, and plenty of mirrors. Two wood-burning stoves add warmth in cooler periods. The front room has a mix of dining room furniture and sofas, then down three steps you get to the "Snubbery" which is a more intimate and relaxing space - this has sofas and coffee tables. This also gives access to the toilets, and to the outside drinking yard, dubbed the "Courtyard". A TV above the front room fireplace usually shows music videos. Weekends see entertainment in the form of a DJ soul and Motown evening on Friday, and live artists performing on Saturdays. Lunchtime food is planned for the future. History: opened by owners Lee and Donna on 14/5/18 in former William Hill betting shop premises.

Cracked Actor

28 Little Underbank, Stockport SK1 1JT

Smoking Area

Close to Railway Station

Describing itself as a small bar, with a big Blues attitude! Owned and operated by Joe Patten; he spent many months restoring this former Victorian two storey building back to what it may have looked like; this included installing a period-effect staircase, coving, flooring, and chandeliers. The result echoes the building's past: it was a general store, and hat shop. Sewing machine tables have been re-purposed, plus a bar designed to look like a Victorian pharmacy counter. Both floors are in use, the upper one having a lot more space. To the side of the bar are eight keg lines serving craft keg beers such as Delirium Tremens, the bar's own "Cracked Actor Lager", made by Delirium in Belgium, a range of craft ales from Tiny Rebel, plus a small selection of canned beers. The bar also has its own Cracked Hatter Gin, made by Stockport's Hatters Gin, as well as a selection of spirits from Manchester's Zymurgorium distillery, along with wine and cider. It hosts regular live music nights which may extend to nightly. History: opened 28/8/19 in the former Barkers hat shop premises; in the 1800s it was a general store, this influenced the overall look and theme, hence all the chemists drawers, and paraphenalia. The bar's name hints of owner, Joe's prior career as an actor.

Cherry Jam

4 Mealhouse Brow, Stockport SK1 1JP

Live Music

WiFi

Close to Railway Station

Cocktail bar sited in converted former retail premises. Just off the Market Place, and in the shadow of the market hall. As well as the cocktails, wines and craft beers are also sold. It's a small space, but good use of it is utilised. The decor including graffiti and neon signs, may remind some of the 1960s era.

Arden Arms

23 Millgate, Stockport SK1 2LX

Stockport CAMRA branch Pub of the Year 2009. Grade II listed and on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors, the Arden’s distinctive curved, glazed bar, its hidden snug (accessed by going through the bar, and said to be one of only four such snugs in the UK), chandeliers and grandfather clock create a Victorian ambience. Gourmet lunches (Mon-Fri 12-2.30, 12-4 Sat/Sun), quiz nights and wine tastings, however add a contemporary touch. Conveniently close to Stockport’s historic market and the Peel Centre shops, the place is abuzz at lunchtimes, but more intimate in the evenings. The cellars retain body niches in the walls, testament to the building’s former use as a mortuary. A recently added smoking lounge, and a beautiful courtyard where live music is played on occasions gives you views of the old stables and outbuildings. An unmissable gem. In Feb 2017 a blue plaque was attached to the building to honour Elizabeth Raffald; her nephew built Arden Arms and she is buried at the nearby St Mary's church. She was a tremendous innovator and produced the first town directory for Manchester and Salford in 1772 amongst other things.

Armoury

31 Shaw Heath, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 8BD

This Victorian pub was refitted in the 1920s and remains largely intact since then, with a host of original fittings and evidence of ownership by the old Bell’s Brewery still evident in the interior glasswork. There really is a room for everyone in this pub - there is a bright, brassy lounge, drinking lobby, complete with its own bar counter, a darts room at the back and an excellent traditional vault, arguably one of the best in town. The sense of tradition is heightened by the frequent sight of a cask of the powerful Old Tom on the bar counter. The lounge walls feature memorabilia of the Cheshire Regiment. Convenient for Edgeley Park football ground with bar food often available when Stockport County are at home (and pub will open 30 mins earlier too). Outside at the back is a good, secluded beer garden, which can be quite a suntrap in the summer months. The Armoury has a more mature clientele, with a strong community involvement, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. Darts are very much a feature here; nine teams play here often with two leagues playing the same night. A Social Club organises outings, party nights, artist nights and a Christmas outing for the pensioners amongst the events. The upstairs room sometimes hosts live music sessions. The commitment to quality shines through in every aspect of the operation here. Its success gives the lie to those pub pundits who say this type of pub has no future. Stockport CAMRA branch Pub of the Year runner-up in 2007.

Bakers Vaults

Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES

This excellent market pub has a unique atmosphere being both cosy and relaxed yet lively and vibrant. Reinvigorated by a thorough refurbishment in mid-2014 by the pub-trio of Jonny Booth, Jamie Langrish and Rupert Hill, who also run pubs in Manchester’s Northern Quarter pubs Gullivers, and Castle, the Eagle Inn in Salford, and, historically, the Parlour in Chorlton. Although merely a single, large room, it is an architecturally impressive space. This Grade II listed building (originally styled as the George and Dragon) and was built around 1775 on the foundations of the old Stockport castle. The original building, demolished in the late 19th century, was renamed the Bakers Vaults and rebuilt in the ‘gin palace’ style. The bohemian feel is enhanced by high ceilings and feature arch windows, the general decor, decorated in a grey and dark blue colour scheme, with the central bar towards the back of the building giving the building a spaciousness it once lacked. Behind that bar is a small lounge-type area with low leather sofas for those who wish to escape the bustle of the main area. It is one of the very few Robinsons houses to serve guest ales (these being supplied through Titanic Brewery of Burslem). The guest beers tend to include a dark ale; a strong IPA; and a pale session beer. The cider is Westons Old Rosie. Live music Jazz / Blues plays on Sundays 3-6, and occasional Thursdays 8-11. NB a dress code applies: no jogging bottoms or sportswear (any sport). Dogs and children: both are allowed, inside and outside, the latter until 9pm.

Blossoms

2 Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6NU

An excellent, unspoilt local, the interior incorporates a vault, front lounge and very cosy snug around the central bar. Given a makeover by Robinson's in 2012 turning it into one of their ‘Ale Shrine’ pubs, giving it a striking decor and an air of elegance. At the rear the now disused cobbled street sports benches for outside drinking, whilst ingeniously the former outside gents toilet is now the smoking area. A large function room is to be found upstairs. This pub is one of the real ale highlights of Stockport offering superb examples of the Robinson's ales on offer. Built as a coaching house in the 18th century, The Blossoms is reported to be an exit place for an escape tunnel from Bramall Hall and was used for the planning meetings when designing St Georges Church, located a short walk along the A6. The pub has excellent service, a warm friendly atmosphere and is well worth a visit. When available, the Trooper beer alternates bar space with Double Hop.

Chestergate

66 Chestergate, Stockport SK1 1NP

Function Room

Prominent and rather grand-looking former Wilson's house by Mersey Square. Opened out some years ago, yet plenty of comfortable seating around the bar area. Had sold only keg beers for many, many years until mid-2014, then again in 2019, when it dipped its tentative toe in the water to try a real ale. Such was the positive reaction to cask, that following a thorough refurbishment in late-2014, a further beer was added. Often has a lively atmosphere. History: 1937 house let to Walker & Homfray's Brewery by the Palatine Bottling Co, originally a Stopford's Brewery house rebuilt in 1896; latterly conveyed to Wilsons Brewery in March 1968.

Crown Inn

154 Heaton Lane, Stockport SK4 1AR

Real Fire

A multi-award winning free house, so no wonder the Crown is a busy pub, especially in the evenings. A choice of eight or so mostly changing beers are usually to be had, making it one of the town's more interesting cask ale outlets. Four neatly decorated rooms radiate from the busy bar, two compact snugs, a large lounge with feature overmantle. Lastly to the right is an overspill room with plenty of standing space plus a pool table. The atmosphere is one of friendly professionalism aided by knowledgeable staff. Live music is a feature of weekends, with the large yard and attractive outdoor seating area to the rear often show-casing larger acts such as local rock bands, folk, acoustic and more. It serves too as a beer garden and barbecue area. This space has an outdoor bar that operates during the music events (no cask ale served from here though).

Duke of York

113 Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6LR

Accommodation

A three-storey multi-room pub that has been converted into semi-open plan whilst retaining distinct areas. Refurbished in late 2021 in a ‘modern traditional’ style, using a warm and welcoming palette of greys, creams and browns, with lots of natural wood, too. The focus of the pub is now is family-friendly and as an eating venue. Three rooms are served by a central bar on the right – a cosy snug, front right, a large lounge, with plenty of padded fixed seating, running from front to back on the left, and at the rear the former games room has been converted into a dining room. At the back there is an extensive paved drinking area, which will eventually be served by an outside bar. In past times, it had an off-on-off relationship with cask ale often due to poor sales, in fact the pub was keg-only for a period in 2013-14.

Egerton Arms

2 St Petersgate, Stockport SK1 1HD

Karaoke

Live Music

A thorough refurbishment in 2019 smartened up the interior, and saw the return of cask ale. Horseshoe bar to middle of room with various open areas around it. Karaoke is a feature. History: was for a time styled as Porky Pig's Pie Shop. Tried cask ale in 2012, but it didn't last long.

Magnet

51 Wellington Road North, Heaton Norris, Stockport SK4 1HJ

This is a family-run, award-winning establishment that focuses on quality and choice. Boasting fourteen handpumps for beer, complemented by up to twelve craft keg beers, and a large foreign bottled range. Digital beer boards display all current beers on sale. It has a bustling vault to the left, leading to a lower pool room (where you can view the micro-brewery), and a series of rooms separated by arched 'magnet' doorways on the right. An extensive outdoor area, part-covered, part open, allows drinkers to marvel at Stockport's historic railway viaduct. The twin-storey beer terrace and function room are well used and popular. The upstairs room opens at busy times and weekends; a pizza vendor operates every Friday evening from 5.30pm. The in-house microbrewery produces seasonal ales, it opened on 14/11/14 to coincide with the pub's fifth birthday since re-opening as a free-house. History: within 22 months of being rescued from failure, the rejuvenated Magnet won acclaim as both CAMRA Regional and Branch Pub of the Year for the years 2011, 2015, and 2020.

Midland

19 Wellington Road North, Heaton Norris, Stockport SK4 1HJ

In 2016, Stockport Metro Borough Council had plans to demolish the pub to make way for a road scheme. CAMRA, Stockport Heritage Trust and the owner campaigned to save this 1833 pub which has many original features, including hand-made tiles. It was built in the reign of King William IV; Stockport has very few remaining buildings from this pre-Victorian period. The good news is that the road scheme has now been re-designed, the pub is safe and its heritage importance has been confirmed. The message on the sign on the outside of the pub declares 'A Warm and Friendly Welcome' and the Midland certainly lives up to its promise. This comfortable pub had the distinction of being the first to reintroduce real ale onto this part of the A6 corridor back in 2010. In mid-2013 it became a true free-house under the ownership of licensee, Mark Hayter. In years gone by the pub endured an unfortunate period when it was styled as Dillon’s Whistling Jig, a lightly themed Irish house. Happily that theme ran its course, and the licensee of the time, lovingly restored the pub to its previous glory. A very distinctive feature of this multi-roomed house, is the lovely brown art-nouveau style tiling, combined with a relaxed welcome in creating a warm friendly atmosphere. The beer range can often be enlarged at weekends.

Nelson Tavern

98 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK1 3UH

CAMRA Discount

A building of some age (see prominent plaque on outside wall), it is a large, corner pub that attracts the nearby Stockport College crowd, also very handy for the municipal buildings, and Art Gallery / War Memorial. Although opened-out internally, the vestiges of walls and pillars produce intimate areas in the pub. A good-looking bar and an octagonal-mirrored ceiling piece add interest. The beer range is modest, but may well be extended if there is demand. There are active darts and pools teams, an open-mic night is every Thu (see http://skdl.co/CKTf/bqSISyEjqE), while bands and groups play occasionally on a Fri or Sat (see details posted at the pub).

Nursery

258 Green Lane, Heaton Norris, Stockport SK4 2NA

Parking

As you walk in the door of this 1930s pub, the door mat beneath your feet proudly proclaims that this was CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year in 2001 and looking around you can see why. Off the lobby area there is a main lounge which serves as a dining room at lunchtime and what was a smoking room. With a magnificent wood panelled interior the pub is on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Interiors, it is now a Grade II listed building. Through a separate entrance to the side is the traditional vault and to the rear is a lovingly tended bowling green. There is nothing better than sitting with your pint watching a game on a warm summer's evening. Tucked away at the end of a cobbled street the Nursery is at the heart of the community, attracting a great mix of people to live music, quizzes, as well as local groups meeting in the function room upstairs. The quality of the pub goes without question and the Nursery is truly one of Stockport’s must-visit pubs! Voted local CAMRA branch Pub of the Year 2013.

Olde Vic

1 Chatham Street, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9ED

The first Stockport pub to offer a changing range of guest beers and still flying the flag (or two in the Vic’s case) for choice and quality, as evidenced by the pump clip ‘ceiling’ above the bar. This is a tight ship affably run by larger than life licensee Steve Brannan. No swearing rules are strictly enforced but this is an easy-going pub with a warm welcome for everyone. To the rear of the pub is a stepped marquee covered area that may be available for private functions during the summer months, and effectively doubles the size of what is quite a tiny pub. An outside bar can be brought into use when very busy. Six handpumps dispense an ever-changing range of guest beers, mostly focusing upon local micro-breweries. Details of these are displayed on the "pumpotron" TV screen. You can also sample three different ales in third-of-a-pint measures for the price of a pint. One handpump is reserved for guest ciders; the cider choice is dependent upon the season. Supervised internet access is available. Alternate Weds are folk music nights. While the interior is basically open-plan, it has a multi-room feel and the cosy atmosphere is enhanced by the open fire in the winter months. The atmosphere is enhanced by the decoration in classic 1930s junk shop style with memorabilia from forgotten eras adorning the walls, shelves and any other available area - all tastefully done and providing interesting topics of conversation, with Steve being able to provide a history of most, if not all, of the items on view. All together this is a fine must-visit pub! Note the pub is only open in the evenings. Sunday closing time may vary. On other days, last entry is 10.30pm. From mid-2017: open from 12.30 on Saturdays when Stockport County are playing at home, with hot pies also available pre and post-match.

Cocked Hat

2 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1EW

Located just behind Stockport’s famous indoor market, with the front door facing the main entrance of St. Mary’s church (the churchyard was used as a location in the 1960s film "A Taste of Honey"). To the left is the bar and a standing drinking area, to the right is a larger room (originally two rooms) where plenty of seating is available for the visitor to take in the many photos that adorn the walls of old Stockport and its market. Up to five guest ales, typically from national breweries. There are blackboards with tasting notes to help pick the right ale for you. Described by licensees Sarah and Dave Wiltshire as a real pub for real people, serving real ale. Even the music is real, with "proper musicians" performing every Friday and Saturday. Simple, keenly priced pub food was introduced October 2021, including all-day breakfasts, jacket potatoes, traditional main courses, pizzas, and giant filled Yorkshire puddings on Sundays.

Queens

11 Great Portwood Street, Portwood, Stockport SK1 2DW

Accommodation

A detached, rendered public house opposite the Peel Centre. A single bar along the rear wall serves all areas of this open plan pub. Run since July 2001 by the affable, Sue Igbon, the Queens has become very much a locals’ community pub with a loyal band of regulars supplemented by a fair amount of passing trade. It’s basically a wet-led pub with food restricted to sandwiches which are available from noon every day. The pub was given an external makeover a couple of years ago then in in early 2017 Robinsons gave the interior a bit of a sparkle to match that. Everything is bright and airy while still keeping a traditional feel, note the vintage pictures of Stockport which adorn the walls. Look out too for Sue’s collection of bottle openers hanging behind the bar – donations are always welcome! One new feature is the spectacular surround around one of the two dartboards (the pub hosts three teams) which was painted by one of the regulars. It’s very eye catching and is a real feature. Apart from the darts there is also televised live sport and occasional live music. In fact, popular local band the Casino Allstars practices at the pub on most Thursday nights and occasionally put on a live performance too. The Queens has adopted Francis House as its charity and funds are raised by a weekly bonus ball and also a book club. There are three letting rooms which are popular with contractors working locally.

Railway

74-76 Wellington Road North, Heaton Norris, Stockport SK4 1HF

Two smart front rooms, tidily decorated. One with a feature fireplace, and photos of old Stockport, the other is more contemporary in feel with a raised stage area. A games room occupies the rear with pool table and even a leather sofa to recline in. An upstairs function room is available. Entertainment features open mic nights on Fridays, jazz on Sundays and Tuesdays, and the odd live band playing (Rockabilly on the last Saturday in the month) while the games room to the rear features darts (numerous teams are based here) and pool. Another successful conversion to cask ale as a result of a local CAMRA campaign. This former branch Pub of the Year for 2010 occasionally serves a guest ale (often sourced from local microbreweries rarely seen in other local pubs) alongside the permanent Holt's bitter.

Royal Oak

124 Castle Street, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9AL

Very popular corner house at the top of Edgeley's shopping street. For a long time it was a solid community local with reliable Holts Bitter on the pumps and a major food operation. then followed some years of uncertain stewardship which was a recipe for instability in how the pub performed. Then in late 2017 it was taken on by a couple who had already performed a rescue operation on their other pub, the Jolly Hatters in Haughton Green. Manager Jon Ogden has some 20-plus years experience in the trade and who some drinkers may remember from his time at the Crown, Heaton Lane, and other local pubs. After much-needed work on the kitchen, regular food will be re-introduced. Currently, Thursday curry nights where £2 will buy you a bowlful. The introduction of food may also see the reinstatement of 9am opening, which seems popular with the Castle Street pubs. Two football teams are based at the Royal Oak, they are looking for darts and pool teams to play out of the pub too. They have live sport on TV while a DJ and karaoke will entertain you from 7pm from Friday to Sunday. Real fires and roast chestnuts will feature in the winter months. Match days can see the place rammed, so it's worth knowing when the Hatters are playing at home.

Town Hall Tavern

95 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK1 3SL