June - Cheadle Hulme
Name changed to P5
47 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, SK8 7AA
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month Award for June is to be given to the Cheadle Hulme on Station Road. John Sutcliffe tells our readers why it was chosen.
Located as it is next to the Station, where the Macclesfield and Wilmslow railway lines meet, this was at one time called the Junction. It was an establishment of character but with a reputation for being a little on the rough side. It was altered and renamed the Cheadle Hulme; good but rather bland. Gradually it was improved and eventually entered the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
In April 2009, the present landlord, Dave Woods, with his wife Rebecca and their young son Max; now joined by young Harry, took over its management. Dave has a superb track record in the licensing trade and his considerable experience soon showed. He looks after the cask beers himself and they are always very well kept. Two years ago these consisted of Holts bitter, mild and monthly changing seasonal but there is now Holts IPA and up to three non-Holts guest beers. Dave is ably helped by Assistant Manager Matt Holmes and friendly and capable bar staff. He also holds occasional Beer Festivals including the one on 1st to 5th June with a marquee and 100 beers.
Within the first year that Dave was manager Joseph Holt's spent a considerable sum, tastefully refurbishing and providing new furniture for the premises. Every pub in Cheadle Hulme serves food and in many the food predominates. Here the dining is kept to the rear with popular carvery and hob in the day and a wider menu in the evening. Two meals are offered for £10.50 at lunchtimes on weekdays, £12.50 on Sundays.
The sociable drinking areas at the side and front, including the comfortable vault, with dart board, make this a superb community pub. There is live music once a month and a quiz night on Thursdays.
Holts support Christies Hospital with 10p of every pint donated but in addition to this, the Cheadle Hulme helps another charity each year, and this year it is Help for Heroes. A voluntary collection on music nights goes to this cause.
Dave is a very 'hands on' manager, nearly always present, behind the bar or in front with a friendly word for the customers, many of whom are regulars but anyone is made to feel welcome. This well deserved award for continuing excellence and improved beer choice will be presented on Thursday 28th June starting at 8.00 p.m. There will be a quiz from around 9.00 p.m.
The pub is served by railway to Cheadle Hulme station and buses 313, 307, 308 and X57/157 stop immediately outside with 368 & 369 within 5 minutes walk along Station Road.