March - Flying Coach
The Flying Coach
120 London Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4DJ
The Stockport & South Manchester Pub of the Month for March is the Flying Coach on London Road in Hazel Grove. Bob Stukins is a fan and explains why it won.
The Flying Coach, formerly known as the Cock, is on the A6 very near to the ASDA supermarket in Hazel Grove. It is a pub that has been transformed , thanks in the main to Eddie Leigh and Ed Hampson (pictured below) who are passionate about their approach in how to run a pub.
In a chat with Eddie, he told me his vision was to make everyone welcome and to make people feel at home as if they were in their own front room. The starting point for any good pub is to look after the products that it sells, and I have to say that not only is the beer quality excellent (Robinsons at its best) but this extends to the food which includes a range of excellent pizzas.
The refurbishment of the pub, carried out by Robinsons, transformed the place and is a credit to all involved. The first noticeable thing is how light and airy the décor is whilst retaining the feel of a multi-room establishment, even though most of it is open plan. I was struck by how relaxing it was and even though the pub is situated so close to the busy A6, you just don't notice the road's proximity.
Entertainment is a regular feature with quizzes, open mic nights and, once a month, disco nights from Alan the Soleman, a local DJ. The pub caters for all tastes and is also dog-friendly. There is a really well designed, relaxing outdoor drinking area to the rear of the building - ideal for a drink on summer evenings.
It is refreshing in this day and age to come across a pub where you are not just treated as a source of revenue for the owners, but are truly made to feel welcome. The Flying Coach is one such pub that does this. Come and join us for the presentation which will be made on the evening of Thursday 22 March. The 192 bus will drop you close by.