August - Swan With Two Necks
36 Prince's Street, Town Centre, Stockport, SK1 1RY
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month award for August 2013 has been awarded to the Swan With Two Necks, 36 Prince's Street, Town Centre, Stockport, SK1 1RY.
This lively Robinsons house is one of a few local pubs to feature on CAMRA's National Inventory of Heritage Pubs - a record of just 270 or pubs remaining nationally with more or less unspoiled interiors. The Swan With Two Necks was rebuilt in 1926 and apart from the loss of some fixed seating in the front room has remained pretty much untouched since then.
To the left of entrance is the panelled vault and ahead is a classic northern drinking lobby. Further on is a superb smoke room with a Tudor-style fireplace and oak panelling which has a notably warm and comfortable feel. Some say it is one of the best pub rooms in town. At the back is another small room and outside is a secluded drinking area for the summer months. Many of the fixtures and fittings also date from the 1920s. Unsurprisingly it is a Grade II listed building - one of the very few inter-wars pubs to be protected in this way.
This is no fusty museum piece though. Pam and Tremayne "Trigger" Dean took over in 2008 and have made this a bustling town centre local with a loyal band of regulars. They have also made great use of the pub's location by creating a pavement cafe style drinking area to the front. Good value meals which are available from 12 noon until 3.00pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Pam and Trigger are keen to showcase as many Robinsons' beers as they can while maintaining quality through turnover. Dark 1892 (still a rare find), Dizzy Blonde, Unicorn, Trooper and Old Tom are regulars and Robinsons' seasonal beers sometimes feature too. Quality has earned the pub a place in the 2013 Good Beer Guide.
This very well deserved award will be presented on Thursday 22nd August when a great night is promised. Call in and join us as we celebrate with Pam and Trigger.