August - Cocked Hat
Cocked Hat
2 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1EW
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month award for August 2014 has been awarded to the Cocked Hat, Market Place, Stockport. Graham Privett reports.
It's fair to say that this pub had a pretty chequered history as the Pack Horse, so Gemma Gordon and Richard Maw freely admit that they wondered what they were letting themselves in for when they were installed as licensees by the recently formed AtWill Pubs, who acquired the empty tavern and reopened it as the Cocked Hat last year.
The ambition was to create a real pub for real people, serving real ale and real food. Even the music is real, with "proper musicians" performing every Friday and Saturday. Following considerable sprucing up, helping to create a homely and welcoming atmosphere, six hand pulls take centre stage on the bar.
There are now two permanent ales, AtWill's own Cock & Sup-it and Trappers Hat from Brimstage (from the Wirral). The four guest ales are typically from micros within a 30-mile radius of Chester. All ales are £2.30 a pint until 6.30pm Monday to Friday and if the one you choose runs out whilst being served, you get a free pint! There are also helpful blackboards with tasting notes to help you choose the right ale for you.
Roy (of Swan With Two Necks fame) is now resident chef, serving what he describes as "meals your Granny would give you in her kitchen", before adding "it's all about the gravy". These traditional home-cooked meals are available for a fiver (£9 for 2) 11am - 4pm Monday to Saturday, with traditional Sunday roasts also available until 4pm.
Gemma and Richard (who Chairs Pub Watch) have big plans for the future, including expanding the real ale range to eight, the introduction of real cider and perry, and creating an outside drinking area at the rear.
The Cocked Hat is just behind Stockport's famous indoor market, with the front door facing the main entrance into St. Mary's church. Join us when we make this well deserve award on Thursday 28th.