July - Midland
Midland Hotel
19 Wellington Road North, SK4 1HJ
Before the viaduct was built, the railway terminated at Heaton Norris Station and passengers were transported by horse-drawn vehicle across the Mersey Valley to join the line on the other side. The 19th century Midland Hotel is part of this rich history and John Sutcliffe describes the pub as it is today and why we consider it to be a worthy Pub of the Month for July.
The Midland Hotel was taken over by Mark Hayter about seven years ago and is an independent free house, having previously been owned by Enterprise Inns. Mark has removed the 1970s alterations so that there is now a pleasant interior having three inter-connecting rooms with the bar on the left having a new uPVC window but in the original style.
The pub was originally built in 1834 and pre-dates the viaduct. Nothing from this time remains in the interior but you can see plenty of Art Nouveau tiling from a late 19th century refurbishment which lines the entrance corridor and part of the back room.
It is a good community public house with three darts teams and a loyal crowd of regulars. Nevertheless about a year ago this was a pub under threat of demolition. A new road is being constructed under the arches of the viaduct to relieve pressure on Georges Road with its low railway bridge. Compulsory purchase was considered as the traffic engineers wanted to make room for a bicycle lane that required two metres taking off the front of the building. This was opposed by CAMRA and other local bodies. Luckily the local councillors agreed and the pub was saved.
Mark works hard to keep his beers in superb form. JW Lees Manchester Pale Ale is a regular with three other guest ales, often including beers rarely seen in the area. There is one bag-in-the-box cider throughout the year with more in the summer months. Prices are modest.
We are pleased to celebrate the continuing excellence of this establishment that provides a home for Pepper the black and white pussycat, often seen in the bar.
The presentation will take place on Thursday 26 July so come and join us from 8.00pm. The pub is on the main A6 so is well served by public transport.