May - P5
P5
47 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme SK8 7AA
The Stockport & South Manchester Pub of the Month winner for May is the P5 (formerly Platform 5; Cheadle Hulme; Junction) in Cheadle Hulme. Mike Wilson tells you all about it.
Seasoned CAMRA members will recall the slog of yesteryear, going from pub to pub in search of a decent beer. Back in the seventies (or earlier!) it was a matter of steering clear of the 
large red signage of 'Grotneys' and the like. Where to go for refuge but one of our local family brewers' establishments, which could be relied upon to serve a decent pint of bitter or mild or, if you were feeling adventurous, a pint of mixed.
There is something about P5 that is reminiscent of the seventies, despite its various refurbishments. The Junction, as was, had quite a reputation; not always for the best of reasons! P5 is very different now but you can still get a pint of bitter, a mild or even a mixed (although you would doubtless have to mix it yourself these days!). In fact, it was the recent news that the excellent Holt's mild was in superb form that encouraged members to rediscover the delights of P5 just a few weeks ago. In our search for the latest new beer, let's not overlook family brewers, such as Holts, who have faithfully served the interests of real ale consumers for longer than we can remember — and who did much to support their tenants during the Covid lockdowns.
P5 serves a wide clientele, from families using the extensive dining area to football watchers (without the screens being intrusive). There is still ample space for anyone just wanting to pop in for a quiet drink and a chat.
Manager Dominic Henshaw and his team make great efforts to ensure the beer is kept in top form and they manage to offer a full range of Holts, including the mild, bitter, IPA and Two Hoots, as well as occasional beers from Bootleg.
Join us on Thursday 26 May from 8.00pm for your pint of mixed! P5 is well served by public transport. It is next door to Cheadle Hulme station and in addition buses 313 and 42B will drop you very close by. It's also just a short walk from the 368 route.