May - Hope Inn
The Hope Inn
118 Wellington Rood North, Heaton Norris, Stockport SK4 2LL
The Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month award for May 2017 has been awarded to the Hope Inn, Wellington Rood North, Heaton Norris, writes Jim Flynn.
When the moribund Hope was bought by Martin and Samantha Wood in late 2012 so desperate was it that many thought they had committed financial suicide. How wrong these doubters were because with their transformation of the pub into a modern, easy on the eye pub for a relaxing drink, married with a range of excellent beers (it's a regular entry in the Good Beer Guide) the couple have hit on a winning formula. They have now successfully used at their second pub, the Spring Gardens in Marple Bridge.
There are two rooms, to left the vault, with a small games room to the rear, and a comfortable lounge with raised-seating area to the right. Throughout the décor is modern, but nevertheless warming, with attractive polished wood floors and brewery memorabilia on the walls.
The Hope offers 11 cask ales, usually six of which are brewed at its very own micro-brewery in the basement. The name 'Fool Hardy Ales' is a reference to the past history of the Hope which started life as a Hardys' Crown Ales house as is shown by the mosaic signage along the top of the pub. Martin describes his beer as 'cracking beer that sells itself' and such is demand he has taken on an assistant brewer, Katie Bromley. Also regularly on the bar is a beer from Bury's Outstanding Brewery along with changing ales from breweries across the country, foreign draught and bottled beers and a real cider.
So effective was the transformation that the Hope won the Stockport and South Manchester Pub of the Year award for 2014 but now we thought that it was high time that the continuing excellence and growth of the pub was recognised again. So why not join the local CAMRA branch to celebrate the award which will be presented to Martin, Samantha and their staff on Thursday, 25 May when, I am sure, a great night and great beer will be enjoyed by all.
The pub is on the 192 and 22 bus routes and less than half a mile from Stockport town centre.