September - Milliner
Milliner
179 Bramhall Lane, Davenport SK2 6JA
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month award for September goes to the Milliner at 179 Bramhall Lane in Davenport. Lawrence Devaney has been along.
The Milliner is a micropub that manages 
to balance beer, food and socialising. It was opened by owner Eddie Greaves in July 2020, after reconstructing a complete side of the building, managing downtime due to a pandemic, and struggling with limited 'cellar' options.
The pub is now in a good place, with building, cellar and staffing optimised. It is promoted as a local bar with their Facebook page describing the business as a "Community bar/restaurant specialising in food and drink with a story, whilst supporting the local community, residents and suppliers".
Expect to see quality beers, lagers and ciders, with the usual alternatives. Real ale options are normally covered by two handpumps, although three are available for use. The two operating when Opening Times visited were dispensing Bollington Best, a semi-permanent option, and Chadkirk's 'The Milliner Brew', brewed specially for the Stockport Beer & Cider Festival 2022. Cider drinkers are not forgotten, with cider from the Holmes Chapel-based award-winning makers, SiDa.
Eddie's sense of humour resonates in the food menu, which includes favourites such as Kennerley Kebab, Da Veganport Burger and Shaw Heath Beef. The local residents have welcomed the Milliner, as evidenced by the number who are now regulars, either enjoying a session with friends or popping in for a quick drink. The bar is dog-friendly and, as the writer can confirm, the dogs are also drinker-friendly.
The Milliner is at 179 Bramhall Lane, Davenport, and could not be easier to get to, as the 378 and 379 buses drop you off by the door. Users of the 192 alighting at Nangreave Road can walk down Hallam Street and through Hallam Park in five minutes to the Milliner. Davenport Station on the Buxton line is also just than a five-minute walk away.
Taking everything into consideration, the Milliner is a worthy winner of Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Branch Pub of the Month for September. Come along on Thursday 22 September to celebrate with Eddie, his staff and the regulars.