February - Midway
The Midway
263 Newbridge Lane, Portwood, Stockport SK1 2NX
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month for February is the Midway on Newbridge Lane, Portwood. Margaret O'Brien has been along.
In the dim and distant past the Midway was one of Stockport's few free houses, and certainly the only one within striking distance of the town centre (how times change!). Today it's owned by Enterprise Inns - and demonstrates that pub company ownership does not necessarily mean doom and gloom. Indeed the Midway thrives.
The lease is held by Paul and Pauline Treanor who have been there for 16 years now and in that time they have made the pub very much their own. For the past five and a half years they have been assisted by general manager Rob Denny. Rob has previous experience at local pubs like the Elizabethan, Heaton Moor, and the Hinds Head, Heaton Chapel. Apart from his all round experience, Rob is a keen beer man and he has worked to improve the Midway's cask beer offer.
There are usually four cask beers available sourced from Enterprise Inns and sometimes the SIBA Direct Delivery scheme. Taylor's Golden Best (with is either a light mild or a pale ale depending on your taste) is usually there, along with beers from the likes of Theakston's and Moorhouses. Rob's dedication to his task ensures that quality is always top notch.
The Midway was refurbished in June last year and looks very smart in a modern-traditional style. There's a dining area at the back of the pub but while there's a major food operation here throughout the day, those who just want a drink a very welcome. In summer the leafy outside drinking area, which belies the pubs urban location, is an attractive spot to enjoy a beer or two.
Already the winner of other awards - the Stockport Pub Guide Pub of the Year, Stockport's Best Sunday Lunch 2011, and a regional finalist in the City Life Pub of the Year - the Midway can now add our Pub of the Month Award to the list. The presentation will be made on the evening of Thursday 26th February. Come and join us when we celebrate this very successful pub.