December - Moortop
Moortop
172 Heaton Moor Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport, SK4 4DU
Due to a positive COVID test in December this wasn't actually presented until 31 March 2022 .
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA winner for December 2021 is the Moortop at 172 Heaton Moor Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport, SK4 4DU. Val Jones tells us why it won.
The Moortop dates from 1955 and for much of its existence was a fairly standard, averagely-run estate pub of no great interest to the cask ale drinker. All that changed in 2015 when it was taken over by Steve Pilling, a very experienced operator who also runs Stockport's Produce Hall along with several other outlets.
The pub then closed in 2017 for a complete makeover that saw it transformed into a modern yet traditional 'pub and kitchen' which, while food-oriented, still welcomes those who just want a drink. Although this is a Greene King-owned outlet, there is a changing range of cask beers available, including a house beer from Bredbury's Stockport Brewing.
Inside, there is a variety of areas including some separate rooms for private dining or meeting. Outside are large sheltered areas surrounded by attractive landscaping.
There is a wide-ranging menu, covering everything from full meals to bar snacks, with the 'Bottomless Brunch' being a popular feature. But it's not entirely food-driven - live sport is shown and there's a regular quiz night, for example.
The Moortop last received this award in July 2016. Since then, not only has the pub been transformed but high standards have been maintained throughout and, in addition, the Moortop has anchored itself in the local community.