May - John Millington
The John Millington
67 Station Rd, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 7AA
This month Stuart Ballantyne tells you about the John Millington in Cheadle Hulme, which receives May's Pub of the Month award from the Stockport & South Manchester branch of CAMRA.
In 2004 Hyde's Brewery opened their fourth Heritage Inn in Cheadle Hulme; a £1m restoration of the 1683 Grade II listed Millington Hall. Built originally as the home for Alderman John Millington, the conversion has been done sympathetically retaining the old Cheshire brick work and many period features such as the large original fireplace and surviving arched windows and doorways. The John Millington has a multi-room layout, and despite its antiquity the conversion has managed to introduce a lightness and airiness into the pub that its former resident would not recognize
Since last year it has been run by CAMRA members Matt and Amy Comerford who arrived with an impressive track record with Hydes, most recently at the Hare & Hounds in Marple. They are keen beer people and while there is an impressive food operation at the John Millington the pub also desreves recognition for the great range of cask beers sold there.
Up to 10 cask beers are sold and the pub also holds regular in-house beer festivals. Since Matt and Amy took over cask sales have increased by 50% which is testimony to their cellar skills. Matt tells me the beer all receive at least seven days conditioning before going on sale - and if you drop in on Mondays you'll also get 50p off a pint of cask beer. Traditional cider is also sold on handpump.
All in all the John Millington is a great community pub popular with all ages. There is an excellent range of well-kept cask beers and prices are keen for the area. What's not to like? Join us for the presentation on the evening of 22 May when a great night is in prospect.
The pub is easily accessible by public transport, too. It's within walking distance of Cheadle Hulme station and buses 157, 313 and X57 will drop you close by.