June - Griffin (Heaton Mersey)
The Griffin, Heaton Mersey
552 Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport SK4 3AJ
The Stockport & South Manchester Pub of the Month for June is the Griffin on Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey. Jim Flynn paid a visit and explains why it won.
The Griffin is something of a local institution but, and this is familiar refrain, it's had its ups and downs in recent years. 
It's certainly on an up at the moment though following the arrival of new licensee Sinead Hunt. This is Sinead's first pub, although she's been with Holts, including a spell as assistant manager of the Spread Eagle in Chorlton, since she started work.
Growing up in Withington, Sinead was familiar with the Griffin and knew it was a good pub with plenty of potential so, having successfully applied to run it, she took over last October. She says it was hard work at first but, now settled in, she is getting good feedback and trade is definitely on the up. If the quality of the beer is testimony to that.
The cask range comprises Holt's Bitter, Mild and Chorlton Pale Ale from the Holts-owned Horse & Jockey in Chorlton. The new chocolate stout from Holts has also been available. The Mild, reintroduced on cask by Sinead, is selling particularly well ("it's going down a treat" she tells us).
There's no food at the moment although this may well appear once a planned refurbishment, which will involve a general refresh of the deéor and furnishings, has taken place.
There is however a quiz night on Thursdays and Sinead is also looking to start a darts team - so if you are interested in that why not drop in and have a word? On Saturday nights there's a DJ, which sometime includes karaoke. There are occasional acoustic nights in the week and Sinead is also looking to get some regular entertainment for Friday nights, too.
"You can't beat a happy pub" Sinead says and that certainly seems to be a recipe for success here. Yes, the Griffin is definitely on the up and well deserving of our Pub of the Month Award. Join us on the evening of 28 June when we make the presentation.
The pub is well-served by public transport - buses 23A, 370 and 42 are among the many services that will drop you close by.