September - Fingerpost
434 Hempshaw Lane, Offerton, Stockport, SK1 4QA
Chris Wainwright explains explains why, on Thursday September 22nd, the Fingerpost on Hempshaw Lane in Offerton will be awarded the Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA, Pub of the Month.
There is this month a new-comer to this column, being a first time winner of our prestigious award. The Fingerpost was built in the Victorian era, and dominates a cross-roads in Offerton.
Like many things Victorian, it is a solid red brick built affair with a bold white painted porch and large sash windows. A multi-roomed former hotel that has been a proud part of the Robinsons estate since their takeover of the old Bell's Brewery over 60 years ago.
Comprising of a large curved bar in the vault harking back to the days when most of the trade was provided by the working classes, and a smaller bar serving the lounge area. The vault is still suitably appointed so as to provide comfort for those not wanting too many modern trappings, without being too bare. The lounge side has all the comforts of a modern pub with three distinct drinking rooms in a semi open plan layout, with two meeting rooms at the end of the passageway.
Until recently it had been under the care of no less than three generations of one family. About eighteen months ago and just after Robinsons had spent a large amount of cash on structural repairs, Robert Lester arrived to take over the helm, ably assisted by family members Barbara and Meg.
No strangers to either the pub trade or Robinsons Brewery having run pubs in Whaley Bridge, Kirkham, Nantwich and Shrewsbury, they set about to restore the business to its former glory. They introduced homemade meals, reopened the upstairs function room and engaged live bands to complement the already established darts, cribbage and football teams.
Past visitors may remember the Robinsons Best Bitter and Mild being served through electric pumps, these were replaced with handpumps a few years ago when the beers were renamed Unicorn and Hatters. Credit for the sparkling quality of the beer is down to Robert's faultless cellarmanship. The Lesters have continued the Fingerpost's habit of supporting charities by holding family fun-days in the huge open space to the rear of the pub. There is still a very strong Stockport County FC following here too, with a band of regulars who insist on calling in for breakfast to start their journey to away matches, a tradition that Robert is happy to continue.
So please come and give your support to The Fingerpost, 434 Hempshaw Lane, Offerton, Stockport, SK1 4QA from 8pm, September 22nd. It is served by the 383/384 and 358 busses.