18/11/18 - Stockport Good Beer Guide Ticking

Good Beer Guide Ticks - 338 to 341
Number of Pubs - 4


I leave my family of gig goers hopping into an Uber, heading off to see Johnny Marr at Manchester's Apollo. 

I mentioned in my last blog, how ticking Good Beer Guide pubs is a moving target.   I could have happily spent an evening knocking off the 10 remaining ticks I have in the City.  Instead, I navigate the railway systems of the North to get a return ticket to Stockport.   If only using Virgin Trains, £3.30.   £4.50 for a fully flexible ticket.   Who would have thought Richard Branson offers the best value?

I leave Stockport's rather posh railway station to get my bearing and determine which of the 8 available ticks I can squeeze in tonight.   It may not be the closest, but The Blossoms had to be first up.

A 20 minute walk along a busy road, offering the chance to admire Stockport Civic Pride.

Everything has gone green at the home of Britain's biggest Wurlitzer 

The Blossoms, Buxton Road, Robinson's Unicorn

So Blossoms (the band) are one of my Son's favourites and the only way I could get him vaguely interested in my night time plans was to tell him I was off to investigate if they were named after the pub.

Initially, I was a little disappointed that my brave walk has only been rewarded with a Robinson's Pub.   I've always found their output functional and rather forgettable.

Tonight's Unicorn definitely fell into that category.

The pub itself was traditional and full of things that make pubs great.   Bar hanging raconteurs, private alcoves, with a proper pub interior.   Low lighting only emphasising the rather lovely stained glass windows.

Found here, above the door.

An upstairs function room for live music pointed to a connection with the Eponymous band, as did an overheard conversation between two elderly gents.   One insisted his fellow imbiber must have heard of them, as they are played on Radio 2 all the time.

My son will be horrified.

30 minutes to get back to town before the micro pub closes at 9pm.

The 192 Bus looks the best bet.

The Petersgate Tap, St Petersgate, Hawkshead Windermere Pale

The locals are helpful.  During my 5 minute wait for the 192, I was reminded by an open windowed car hollerer that I am indeed a "Bus Wanker".

Once off the main road, there was plenty to admire in Stockport Centre - bridges running over roads (reminding me of Edinburgh), well lit casinos, ancient Market Halls and lots and lots of boozers.

The Petersgate Tap is one of the better micros encountered.   The handful of punters were all downstairs - including a booth held laptop user, a man who had drank 6 pints of barley wine and a younger man on about the same number of units declaring the Beatles as the best band that ever lived.

A friendly welcome from the barman confirmed closure was indeed at 9pm but I wouldn't have to rush my very decent Hawkshead.

Excuse the photo.  Smartphone is rubbish at night, but I think you can see the former betting shop dimensions.

Ubiquitous new town micro

The Bakers Vaults, Market Place, Butcombe Haka

Whenever one of these excursions are completed, there's always one place that stands out as the "this would be my local, if I lived here" winner.

I'm not going to argue with the Guides "Gin Palace-Style Interior".

A new Butcombe to enjoy but not before I had got my £1 for four plays money worth from a proper 60s style jukebox.   The volume was refreshing loud and clear, including the speakers piped into the loos.   I can only hope my "playing for the pub audience" selection of PJ Harvey, Iggy Pop, Kate Bush and the Rolling Stones was met in the spirit it was intended.

On reflection, Stripped Back Gin Palace

The Chesterfield sofa provided a perfect place to finish the Sunday Times. 

Remedy Bar and Brewhouse, Market Place, Velveteen by Dark Revolution

I'm always on the look out for new experiences - so how could I turn down my chance to visit my first "Steam Punk Bar".  I have no idea what this means but I wholeheartedly agree with the choice of music.   Out of the two others in the pub, one man is in charge of the laptop that's providing the tunes and he has selected the Queens of the Stone Age.

The Other Punter - far away from another Chesterfield

As the name indicates, this is both factory and shop.   Behind a glass wall is the brewing equipment, in all its pristine glory.

My choice of the two hand pulls available was not from here but it called to mind my promise to myself to drink more stout in Winter.   I couldn't have chosen a better example.  This velveteen was one of he best experienced.

I check the train times and I need to move quickly if I am going to get to meet the family back at the Lass O Gowrie.  Chosen as a bonus tick back in the City and because the Guide says its open till midnight. 

Of course, it was closed at 10:56pm.

Stockport - you have been lovely.  I don't know when I will be back for the next four ticks but I sincerely hope it won't be long.