August - Arden Arms
23 Millgate, Stockport, SK1 2LX
The Pub of the Month winner for August is the perennial favourite, the Arden Arms on Millgate, just off the town's historic Market Place. Dave Platt went along.
Steve King and Joe Quinn have been running the Arden Arms for something like 12 years now and during that time have won an impressive clutch of awards, from both CAMRA and other organisations, all hugely well deserved.
This Grade II listed pub had many historic features which have gained it a listing on CAMRA'S National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. The interior is always kept in excellent order with brown and cream décor, lots of wood, real fires and chandeliers. All topped of by a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Unseen by the regular patrons, are a number of body niches in the cellar walls attesting to its former use as a mortuary for the coroners' courts nearby.
The pub is known for its excellent food which is now served in the evenings as well as at lunchtimes. The pub buzzes at all times with quiz nights, wine tastings, jazz on Mondays and even a knitting club! Outside there is a superb courtyard showing off the old outbuildings and stables, and features a new stage which will feature a range of live music. An outside bar is being planned to accompany this. The beers are from Robinsons and the Arden sells a wide selection from the range, with quality being top notch.
Join us on Thursday 23rd August when we present this much deserved award to Steve and Joe, and their very hardworking staff who together make this pub a pleasure to eat and drink in.