January - Swan With Two Necks
Swan With Two Necks
36 Princes Street, Stockport SK1 1RY
The Stockport & South Manchester Pub of the Month for January is the Swan With Two Necks on Princes Street, Stockport. John Clarke tells you all about it.
This lively Robinsons house is one of several local pubs 
to feature on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Heritage Pubs – a record of around 270 pubs from all over the country which retain more or less unspoilt interiors. The Swan With Two Necks was rebuilt in 1926 and, apart from the loss of some fixed seating in the front room, it has remained pretty much untouched since then.
To the left of the entrance is the panelled vault (complete with piano) and ahead is a classic northern drinking lobby. Further on is a superb smoke room with a Tudor-style fireplace and oak panelling which have 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 (pictured here). This latter underwent an impressive upgrade a few years ago and this, together with a more prominent back entrance to the pub, led to a welcome increase in trade from the Redrock development across the road.
Two years ago, in January 2020, the tenancy of the Swan With Two Necks was taken on by Geoff and Maria Troughton, who had already made a name for themselves at the nearby Arden Arms, which they also still run very successfully. Geoff looks after the cellar at both pubs and so the beer quality at the Swan is second-to-none. Three or four Robinsons beers are on handpump, and these usually include the current seasonal and, for the winter months, the powerful Old Tom too. It is good to know this classic pub is in safe hands.
Please join us on the evening of Thursday 26 January when this very well-deserved award will be presented to Geoff and Maria. A great night is in prospect.
Given its location, the Swan With Two Necks is well served by public transport, and is within easy walking distance of all the town centre bus stops.