September - Spinning Top
The Spinning Top
20 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK4 1AA
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month for July is the Spinning Top on Wellington Road South in the town centre. John Clarke paid a visit.
Occupying part of the Garrick Theatre building, the Spinning Top is one of Stockport's newest bars. It's also one of the most appealing as what is essentially one large room exudes a particular warmth and character. For many years these premises have been occupied by a variety of restaurants, of varying degrees of quality, but it's newest, and arguably best, incarnation is the project of Mike Swann and Duncan Lanser who opened for business in September last year.
It's comfortably furnished with sofas and low tables at the front (great for people watching on the road outside) while there are more conventional tables and chairs elsewhere. At one end there's a small stage area which is used for popular live music nights and the weekly comedy club. On two of the walls is some striking three-dimensional artwork by local artist Rob Shaw which adds to the appeal.
Mike acts a mine host and being a Devon man has made sure that alongside the beers, traditional cider (and sometimes perry) is available too (he was born opposite a famous cider pub in Newton Abbot). As for the beers - well there are three cask ales on handpump (including a house beer from Tatton Brewery), with an emphasis on local brews, the occasional craft keg and a very interesting selection of bottled beers. It's a well thought out selection with something for everyone.
Home-made food is available all day and includes pub staples, sandwiches, home-made soup and cakes. Soft drinks, tea and coffee are readily available too. The presentation will be made on the evening of Thursday 24th and this event will also mark the public launch of Stockport Beer Week. Everyone is welcome to join our celebrations.