February - Armoury
The Armoury
31 Shaw Heath, Stockport SK3 8BD
The Stockport & South Manchester Pub of the Month award for February 2014 is to be awarded to the Armoury, Shaw Heath, Stockport, writes John Clarke.
This is a survivor. In recent years most of its neighbouring pubs have closed but the Armoury soldiers on. In fact it is a thriving community local with a substantial band of loyal regulars.
Landlady Sheila Barlow tells us "It feels like a homely village pub. I love the pub, the customers, everything." She's not wrong. The pub seems to glow with warmth, all helped by a very impressive refurbishment carried out by Robinsons about three years ago. The traditional vault is particularly impressive and work is ongoing with more etched windows planned along with a refit of the lounge which has new seat coverings and blinds.
Some historic features were retained not least the etched glass panels on the interior doors which testify to the pub's previous ownership by the old Bell's Brewery. You can spot these on the doors to the downstairs rooms and also the upstairs darts-cum-meeting room. The Armoury is something of a local hub for darts lovers and hosts no less that 11 teams who play in all local leagues including the Super League. The well stocked trophy cabinet in the vault testifies to their success here. There's also a quiz team and a number of clubs and societies meet at the pub and at the back is the sun trap of a beer garden.
Beers are from Robinsons with 1892, Dizzy Blonde, Unicorn, Trooper and the current seasonal all impeccably kept. Not for nothing has the pub featured in recent editions of the nations Good Beer Guide.
Join us as we celebrate the enduring appeal of this classic community local when the Pub of the Month award is presented on the evening of Thursday 27th February. The pub is close to Stockport Station and a short walk from the A6 which is well served with buses. Edgeley buses will drop you close by.