November - Crown (Cheadle)
Crown Inn, Cheadle
81 High Street, Cheadle SK8 1AA
The Pub of the Month Award for November goes to the Crown Inn in Cheadle. Lawrence Devaney explains why it won.
I have to admit that Cheadle High Street and the Crown Inn are not on my usual refreshment routes but a chance visit during the Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA Mild Magic event turned out to be a delight.
Although this local pub is relatively new, its appearance is traditional and the small street frontage masks an extensive interior. The décor is enhanced by a selection of old mirrors and photographs of a bygone Cheadle adorning the walls. The Crown is loosely divided into two areas, although in essence it is open-plan, with a large bar area having a mixture of padded bench seating against the walls and conventional pub chairs and tables elsewhere. A smaller bar area is slightly raised, possibly positioned for those watching sport on TV.
Hydes Brewery, together with licensee Karen Williams and her friendly staff, have developed a strong local following, with both a lively group of lunchtime regulars and those looking to combine a few drinks with friends whilst being entertained in the evening.
In modern times, when our traditional locals are closing, Cheadle High Street manages to retain four pubs. Clearly, to remain in business the Crown Inn needs its own personality and it does that through a commitment to entertainment and quality beers.
Any regular drinker of Old Indie will tell you that you will not find a better example anywhere else. There's no need just to focus on Old Indie though - there are six cask ale lines featuring other Hydes and guest beers, and all kept at peak condition. The Crown is a Cask Marque certified pub and is loud and proud about it, with signage prominent around the pub and "Cask Cooled" labelling attached to the six handpumps.
The pub has embraced music to attract regulars, with karaoke on Thursday, live vocal acts on Friday and a DJ on Saturday night, with drinkers not just allowed but encouraged to strut their stuff on the dance floor. Televised weekend and occasionally mid-week sports are also a large part of the entertainment.
In short, this is a fine, traditional local that has recognised the need to make that extra effort to be a success in a difficult time for pubs. Join us on the evening of Thursday 28 November when we present this well-deserved award.