February - James Watts
James Watts
13 High Street, Cheadle, Stockport SK8 1AX
The Pub of the Month winner for February is the James Watts on High Street in Cheadle. Stuart Ballantyne tells you all about it.
Last year Hydes acknowledged that the Old Star had become somewhat tired and set about to transform the pub. It is now much more cask beer orientated, selling up to seven, two of which are usually from the Hydes stable. It also now sells a large range of European and world bottled beers with strengths typically ranging from 4.5% to 8.5% ABV.
Whilst the James Watts is primarily a beer pub it also sells a range of gins and wines which have increased its appeal to a different and wider clientele. Add to this the all-day food menu and you have a winning formula.
But none of this could have been achieved without the right person in charge. Landlady Liz Bennett took over the pub in February last year and its success has been guaranteed ever since. Existing staff Paul, Linda and Sairah were retained to provide a welcome continuity and friendliness for regular customers. The yellow lighting, traditional décour and distinctly different drinking areas gives the pub a warm and welcoming feel that is most appealing.
The James Watts has a safe and relaxing environment for its customers. Although the pub has not yet been open in its current guise for a year, its customers have already raised several hundred pounds for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
With reduced beer prices on Mondays and discounts for CAMRA members on Thursdays, a good deal is not difficult to find. So why not join us and the regulars on Thursday 22 February to present the Pub of the Month award to Liz and her staff?