November - Fletcher Moss
Fletcher Moss
1 William Street, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RQ
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month award for November 2014 goes to the Fletcher Moss on William Street in Didsbury. Stuart Ballantyne tells you why.
The Fletcher Moss is now run by Jane and Martin Devlin who are no strangers to Didsbury. A few years ago they ran the Royal Oak before moving to the Four in Hand in West Didsbury. But it was the draw of running a traditional locals pub that drove Jane and Martin to apply for the vacancy at the Fletcher Moss.
Prior to the recent arrival of the Metrolink tram the pub could easily be missed by visitors to Didsbury as it is tucked away on a side street off the busy Wilmslow Road. It was the arrival of Metrolink that prompted Hydes Brewery , together with Jane and Martin, to make changes to the pub. Out went the tiny car park and in came a beautiful garden and outdoor drinking area. Internally the pub was remodelled to create distinct, cosy, separate drinking areas. An over 25's policy was introduced . Then Martin got to work in the cellar and on the beer. He is fastidious about his beer, frequently getting up as early as 6am to ensure that the beer that he sells is always of the highest quality.
All these efforts have worked wonders. Hydes cannot believe how well the beers are selling in the Fletcher Moss. So well in fact that, by the time that you read this, two more hand pumps will have been installed. It had been expected that the cost of the refurbishment would take five years to cover itself but only taken ten months such has been the increase in trade. No wonder Hydes recently presented Jane and Martin with their "Managers of the Year" award.
The Fletcher Moss is not a food led pub. It's a locals led pub that by listening to its regulars and offering great beer in a clean and friendly environment has reaped dividends. And if all that is not enough you could always visit the Fletcher Moss to admire Jane's collection of over 100 porcelain tea pots which are displayed around the pub.
So why not join us for the Pub of the Month presentation to Jane and Martin on Thursday 27th November when the pub is likely to be very busy.