March - The Wilfred Wood
The Wilfred Wood
204 London Rd, Hazel Grove SK7 4DF
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month for March is the Wilfred Wood on London Road in Hazel Grove, writes Alex Keenleyside.
Opening towards the end of 2010 this relatively new pub build in a converted office block has quickly become a firm favourite with the people of Hazel Grove and established itself as one of the most popular pubs of the area. It is not difficult to understand why as the pub does all the simple things well. Good beer, friendly service & reasonable prices in a smart modern environment.
As a Wetherspoons pub it offers Ruddles & Abbott Ale as its permanent cask offerings as well as an ever changing choice of 3 guest ales from microbreweries, regionals & nationals. The Wetherspoons chain founded in 1979 began supporting cask ale when it was unfashionable to do so, and the business is now the largest single supporter of microbreweries in the UK, making it a welcome addition to the area and expanding choice for customers. The pubs hold regular meet the brewer events which can offer and interesting insight into brewing whilst sampling a range of beers from a local micro. Details of these can be found at the left hand side of the bar area.
The pub is open from 6am with a breakfast offering with the regular food menu starting at midday. The usual Wetherspoons menu and steak, curry & sunday clubs are on offer and served with a smile to a fine standard.
The pub is named after a local resident of the area, Wilfred Wood, a recipient of the Victoria Cross, for action on the Italian front against the Austro-Hungarian forces in the First World War. In the battle of Vittorio Veneto whilst serving in the 10th Battalion of the The Northumberland Fusiliers a young 21 year old Wilfred displayed conspicuous valour, initiative and gallantry in the face of intense rifle and machine-gun fire.
A pub that does the simple things well, good cask beer kept well, tasty food, all at reasonable prices in a convivial, smart and friendly atmosphere. It is certainly worth coming along to celebrate the pubs achievement as we present the award on Thursday 28th March.