October - Blossoms
The Blossoms
2 Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6NU
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month award for October 2016 has been won by the Blossoms on Buxton Road, HeavileyStockport SK2 6NU. Jim Flynn has been along.
It could be said that at this time the Blossoms doesn't need any more publicity. The local indie band named after the pub topped the official album charts over the summer and the pub was 
in the papers for selling a unique beer named after the band's first successful single, 'Charlemagne'. However, never let it be said that CAMRA is jumping on the bandwagon, Geraint 'Jerry' Evans and his team thoroughly deserve the accolade of Pub of the Month.
This historic 18th century coaching house (there is reputedly an escape tunnel leading from Bramall Hall to the pub) was designated by Robinsons as one of their 'Ale Shrines' after its makeover in 2012 and it now sells almost the full range of Robinsons cask beers including Old Tom all the year around (Charlemagne may have been discontinued by the time of the presentation). There was always the danger however that being designated as such might result in an elitist focus on the beer but as well as keeping all his beers in top condition Jerry has ensured that the longstanding welcoming, community nature of the pub has not only been maintained but really enhanced. From lunchtime meals to quiz nights to knitting circles to music sessions the pub has it all and Jerry must be applauded for the achievement.
Stopfordian Jerry has, as he puts it 'progressed through the ranks' at the Blossoms from bar staff to assistant manager to landlord in November 2014 and his commitment and dedication to the pub is there for all to see. So to join us to celebrate the award to this colourful character (at the time of writing his hair is all colours of the rainbow!) and his staff on Thursday, 27th October when I'm sure there will be great beer and a warm welcome.
The pub is on the 192 bus route down the A6 and the 309/310/378 routes down Bramhall Lane, so there is absolutely no excuse to miss this night!