December - Davenport Arms
Davenport Arms
550 Chester Road, Woodford, Stockport SK
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month award for December 2014 has been won by the Davenport Arms on Chester Road, Woodford, often referred to by its nickname of the Thief's Neck.
Situated at the extreme south of the territory of Stockport MBC, it's one of only two identifiably "country" pubs in the branch area. Outwardly it's a farmhouse-style building of mellow red brick, dating back to the early part of the 19th century, with a pair of gables flanking the central door. The interior comprises a number of small, cosy rooms warmed by real fires in winter, while in summer the outside is decked by floral hanging baskets. There are extensive outside drinking areas at both front and rear.
The licence has been held for 83 years by five generations of the Hallworth family, which must now be a unique achievement in the area. The current licensee is Yvonne Hallworth, who succeeded her late father John, and is ably assisted by her sister Alison Nixon running the kitchen, and bar/cellarman Mike Swann.
In the early part of 2014 Robinson's carried out a major refurbishment which made the pub smarter and broadened its appeal while still retaining its rambling, multi-roomed character. It was good to see the classic Farmer's Weekly posters of British horses, livestock and working dogs being kept in the tap room, while the lives of the staff were made easier by replacing the old cramped bar with a more roomy and well-arranged one. There's more emphasis on food, with an extensive menu including a special selection of "bar tapas", plus daily specials, but it remains very much a hub of the community and is used by a wide cross-section of customers.
It has featured in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide for 28 consecutive years, now the longest continuous period in the branch area. The beer range is Robinson's 1892, Dizzy Blonde, Unicorn and Trooper, plus the current seasonal beer and the possibility of Old Tom in the winter months.
So why not break up the monotony of the gap between Christmas and New Year and join the local CAMRA branch to celebrate the award which will be presented to Yvonne and her team on Tuesday 30 December when I'm sure a great night will be enjoyed by all.