As part of mine and my old schoolfriends continual exploration of suitable beer haunts in North West England, the magnetic compass this time had pointed to Stockport.
Someone’s brother had done some drinking here before, but too long ago to mention. The rest of us had never previously graced any of its hallowed halls.
Having photographed the relevant pages of the 2024 CAMRA Beer Guide, I felt suitably prepared for the afternoon.
Our first venue was the Angel Inn in the Market Place, roughly a 15 minute walk from the station. This was convenient, as we’d all arrived by train from Blackpool, Liverpool and Leicester.
Being a Wednesday, possibly another one of our visits coinciding with half day closing, it seemed very quiet in Stockport.
I shamefacedly asked for the weakest beer the barman had. It turned out to be Only With Love’s Yacht Rock and it was very enjoyable! There were only a few drinkers in, perched on window seats, so we took a table in the middle of the pub.
It occurred to me it would be a good idea to ask, in each pub, the way to the next one. So obligingly, the barman at the Angel Inn had a look down the list, and told me the Bakers Vaults was recommended, and close-by. In fact, it was less than a five minute walk.
A very attractive market hall opposite both pubs seemed to have lots of fairy lights on inside, but no people. More grist to my half-day closing mill I suppose.
The Baker’s Vaults was similarly quiet, so much so, that the barman after serving us, indulged in a little DIY, painting some interior woodwork.
Piper (my Long-Haired Chihuahua) and I went outside, to have the lunch I had brought for us both. The other drinkers eschewed my invitation of fresher air, as admittedly, it was becoming a little damp outside.
I was glad it had occurred to me to create some crafty cheese sandwiches, before travelling. Those, and a fistful of the smaller bits remaining in the bottom of a bag of tortilla chips, were great fare, alongside an excellent pint of Dizzy Blonde.
Piper was happy with his usual meat and biscuits from a plastic tub, with the offer of some fresh water, I’d brought for him. He’s a great little travelling companion.
Then we trotted back inside the pub and besported ourselves on a couple of fine leather settees, reunited again with our long-time drinking buddies.
Having emptied our glasses, we easily cruised – aided by the previously consumed beer – down a slight incline, to a shopping area. Lo and behold! the people who hadn’t brought their lunch, spotted a pie shop…
After they had consumed a couple of pastries, they felt energised enough to walk for another 10 minutes, to the Arden Arms. Not altogether unexpectedly, Piper was a hit with the bar ladies in the pub, which we also discovered serves food.
From there, past the fantastic cat mural, a paean to Robinson’s Old Tom, and back up the other side of the small hill, past said pie shop again, to the
Petersgate Tap. It’s a cosy little micro-pub, which I
enjoyed the most of the 4 pubs we went in. It was probably something to do with drinking great beer in a quiet cosy bar full of like-minded aficionados, that sealed the deal for me.
It had become dark when we left the Petersgate Tap. We ventured back down the hill again, led by Carl, who has a fine sense of direction. Sadly mine disappears after half a pint of beer.
Back at the Arden Arms it was time for an evening meal. I fell for the fish and chips, which was adequate, although the braised steak Andy had, definitely looked the better choice. As Teddy’s birthday was in the next couple of days, Teddy kindly paid for all of the food! Another pint of beer here, Robinsons Unicorn.
Finally after 6 hours in Stockport it was time for the train home, and for me and Piper, ultimately a 12 hour away day, but well worth it, even though we were absolutely shattered by the time we got home.
The good news is, there is are four pubs left on my CAMRA list in Stockport, which we didn’t visit this time …
ⓒ 2024
adewils.com 
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