September - Bakers Vaults
The Bakers Vaults
Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month for September is the Bakers Vaults on Stockport Market Place. Margaret O'Brien has paid a visit.
The Bakers has been a well-known name on the local pub scene for many years now and for some considerable time had a reputation as a venue for live music. Just over four years ago Robinsons gave it a major makeover and in July 2014 it reopened with a fresh new look to make it brighter and more welcoming.
Since then it's been run by Luke Morgan and his team who have worked tirelessly to provide a friendly, top-quality pub for people to enjoy. It's certainly worked as the Bakers is frequently bustling with drinkers - no doubt attracted by no fewer than 10 cask ales on handpump. Five of the beers are from the Robinsons range and five are guests - although Titanic Brewery's Plum Porter is a permanent fixture. In addition Weston's Old Rosie cider is also available.
There is also a range of gins - a nod to the pub's history as something of a gin palace dating back as far as 1775. A recently introduced feature is a number of chalkboards that detail some of the pub's history.
Food comprises a small but pleasantly filling menu of gourmet hotdogs and burgers and some delicious fried sides. The battered gherkins and spam fritters are amazing!
In keeping with the pub's long-time reputation as a music venue, local and regional, and top quality, bands are showcased every Sunday from 3-6pm, playing anything from jazz and blues to folk-rock and country.
At the front of the pub, on the market place, is a pop-up beer garden where you can enjoy a drink, a bite to eat and just watch the world go by.
The Bakers really does have something for everyone and appeals to a wide crowd. Join us when we present this award on the evening of Thursday 20 September from 8.00pm. This will also mark the formal start of Stockport Beer Week so a double celebration will on the cards.