October - Hind's Head
The Hind's Head
Manchester Road, Heaton Chapel, Stockport SK4 2RB
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month award for October 2014 has been won by the Hinds Head, Manchester Road, Heaton Chapel, Stockport writes Jim Flynn
Although the Hinds Head is an upmarket establishment with excellent food it is still very much a real and friendly community pub.
Built over 20 years ago on the site of the Poco-a-Poco club it gives you the impression of having been around longer. Set in its own grounds with one of the best and most popular pub gardens in the local area the whole feel of the Hinds Head as you approach is of a country pub. Although relatively open plan inside there are enough distinct areas with nooks and crannies to allow those who want to feel secluded to do so if they wish.
In the 1990s the pub was taken to the heights by the late great Alan Preston but after he retired it declined, mainly due to lack of investment. The pub was then taken over by Stuart Kirkham and a local band of entrepreneurs in 2006 and it moved back upmarket with considerable success. In December 2013 a local couple, Colin and Janine Edwards, took over the lease. Although they were new to the trade they were fast learners and the pub has gone from strength to strength; on the food front there are specialist nights and a number of special price initiatives and there are now occasional music nights too. The service is top notch and they have recently been awarded a Certificate of Excellence Award for 2014 by Trip Advisor as a result.
The beer range is excellent with the house beer Jennings Cumberland Ale normally accompanied by two or three guest beers, one of which is normally Taylors Landlord. Earlier this year they joined Mild Magic with excellent Taylors Golden Best available throughout and they have now not only joined the Winter Warmer Wander but are providing a meal for four as one of our star prizes.
So why not join the local CAMRA branch to celebrate the award which will be presented to Colin, Janine and their staff on Thursday, 23rd October when, I am sure, a great night will be enjoyed by all as we congratulate them on an excellent job well done!
The pub is on the 328 bus route from Edgeley and the centre of Stockport or only 2 minutes walk from the A6 down Denby Lane or 5 minutes down Manchester Road from the 42A bus route from Reddish, Heaton Moor, Heaton Mersey, Didsbury etc.