July - Cross Keys
Cross Keys
10 Adswood Road, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport SK8 5QA
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month for July is the Cross Keys on Adswood Road in Cheadle Hulme. Mike Wilson explains why it won the award.
It is always good to recognise a pub that has won a new lease of life - and this certainly applies to the Cross Keys. Mike Bradshaw, who has plenty of experience in the pub business, arrived at the Cross Keys last October and has wasted no time making his presence felt.
The pub dates from the inter-war period and the impressive, free-standing building has been opened up over the years. But the pub is large enough to have a separate vault for games including pool, so that this does not dominate other areas. This pub serves its community well, and Mike and his team have succeeded in attracting a regular band of locals who consider the Cross Keys to be home from home. The pub caters for various activities such as Morris Dancing and Karaoke (fortunately, not simultaneously!) and there are TVs for sport - but arranged in a way that is not intrusive to those who simply want a pint and a chat.
For some years there had been a disused function room upstairs. This has now been brought back into service and is available for use. The Cross Keys is a key supporter of local charities, including the nearby Chelwood Food Bank as well as the Manchester Children's Hospital.
And now to the beer. Traditionally, the only cask ale has been Hydes Original Bitter - not that there is anything wrong with that, especially at £2.20 per pint! Beer quality of late has been very good. However, some of the locals are partial to a mild, and so the range has been extended to include Hydes Old Indie. Not only that, but plans are afoot to extend the range further, possibly in time for our presentation night. So please do join us on Thursday 25 July from 8pm to congratulate Mike and his team for their hard work in making the Cross Keys such a successful local.
The Cross Keys is situated on Adswood Road, Cheadle Hulme, close to the junction with Ladybridge Road, Bird Hall Lane and Councillor Lane. Buses 313 and 368 will drop you close by.