July - Moortop
The Moortop
172 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport SK4 4DU
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month award for July 2016 has been won by the Moortop on Heaton Moor Road, Heaton Moor. Sue Lightfoot explains why it won.
The Moortop was taken over by Steve Pilling - of Damson, Heaton Mersey and Media City, and the Dockyard brand - in July 2015. Until then, real ale was non-existent in this part of the Heatons. The lines were sorted out and decent beer put on, the three pumps being increased to five over time, with the possibility of another in due course.
Tied to Greene King, the Moortop has a best bitter as staple - called Moor Top- and at 3.9% it is a pleasant session ale. The pub's policy with the other pumps is to promote and support Manchester and Stockport beers as well as those from 'outside'. The management and staff are proud of the cellar and have worked hard to ensure beer quality and choice. A flight of thirds is £4 and tasters are readily offered.
Gradually food was introduced and the menu, served from 12 noon until 8.00pm, has expanded. The pies and pizzas are made in-house and are of very good quality, as are the burgers, platters and salads. A very reasonably-priced Sunday lunch is available and there are offers -two pizzas for £10, or a free pint for Dad on Father's Day, for example. A new head chef has recently been appointed and we await developments with interest.
The interior is spacious and comfortable and the pub is dog-friendly, while outside there is a comfortable seating area. Often there is live music at the weekend and there is a weekly quiz night.
Fans of Social Media can find the Moortop on Twitter and Facebook; comments are welcomed as there is a real commitment to making this pub the best in the area. Join us on the evening of Thursday 28th July when we present this well-deserved awad.
You'll find the pub opposite the Savoy Cinema and it can be reached by buses 22, 42A, 84 and 197.