October - Crown (Heaton Mersey)
Crown, Heaton Mersey
6 Vale Close, Heaton Mersey, Stockport SK4 3DS
By way of a contrast the Stockport & South Manchester Pub of the Month for October is the Crown on Vale Close in Heaton Mersey. Peter Butler put the pub forward and here tells us why he's a fan.
A whitewashed, detached pub set in a conservation area, the Crown is one of the oldest pubs in Stockport, dating back some 400 years. Robinsons bought the pub in 1912 and it remains in their ownership today. For the past 10 years it has been run by experienced licensee Tom Gibbons (pictured below right), who had previously spent 30 years in the trade as a relief licensee. His sure and steady hand is very apparent at this well-run pub.
It is set back from the busy Didsbury Road and looks to have no front door - the entrance is round the side on the picturesque Vale Close, and in the summer months is resplendent with flowers and hanging baskets. Inside there's very much a country pub feel with a bar area to the right, nicely split up into two smaller areas, while to the left is a larger lounge-cum-dining room. Food is available every lunchtime (except Saturdays) but isn't allowed to dominate. The Crown is very much a pub with food and not the other way round.
Obviously there have been alterations over the years the pub retains its traditional feel with wooden beams and pew-style seating. The whole effect is cosy and welcoming.
On the bar there are four Robinsons' beers available - Wizard, Dizzy Blonde, Unicorn and the current seasonal. Quality is invariably high. All four will be enjoyed on the presentation night, Thursday 26 October, so do come and join us when we present Tom with his award.
The Crown is well served by buses - numbers 42, 42A, 23, 23A and 370 will drop you almost outside.