December Weekday Wander — East of Eden* or a Walk on The Dark Side
11:10 Tuesday 5th December, Stockport Rail Station

* That's Eden Close, Manchester M15 6AX

This, not very cunningly disguised, Wander offers an opportunity to gather a few Winter Warmer stickers as well as having a grand day out around Tameside. As all the pubs were also on Mild Magic you may already be familiar with them, but what's wrong with a return visit. For those who haven't visited before these will (hopefully) be a revelation.

Continuing on from last month’s theme, we can also include a musical accompaniment with this rendition of Droylsden Wakes by Ewan McColl no less.

First up is Silly Country Bar and Bottle Shop to give it its full name, which is a modern macro bar in the middle of Droylsden. Along with four real ales they offer real cider as well. Now to the unusual name: according to Wikipedia, Mancunians once referred to Droylsden as "The Silly Country". One suggestion as to the source of that nickname is that once a year, some of the townsfolk used to watch an annual carnival by bringing a pig and sitting it on a wall to watch the passing entertainment. Discuss among yourselves.

Arriving in Ashton we will be visiting the Ash Tree, the local Wetherspoon's outlet, to allow refuelling of the inner man. The Ash Tree has an interesting layout. It is not unusual in being on two levels as are many Wetherspoon outlets, but in this case all the amenities are on the upper floor. This is because it is built on such a slope that street level to the rear is on the second floor, so the Wellington Road (front) entrance is sort of via the basement.

A short walk across town brings us to Tapsters, another new(ish) macro bar, having been converted from a pram shop in 2018. Four ales are usually on offer and predominantly sourced from local brewers, with Bridge Beers and Millstone being almost house beers. If you can drag yourself away your drinks, it is worth walking the extra 100 yards along Old Street to gaze at the tiled splendour which was the Angel Hotel.

Back to the Interchange [not a bus station since the trams arrived!] and a short bus ride brings us to the Angel Inn on King Street in Dukinfield. We must endeavour not to deviate from our timetabled arrival as the Angel doesn't open till 4pm. Dukinfield is another interesting local name and derives from the Old English duce and feld and means "Raven of the Field". The Angel has a two room layout, left for the tap room where pub games are played, and right for the cosy lounge. Local source d beers are featured so expect a repeat of Bridge Beers and Millstone. Anyone still hungry could take advantage of the meals offered, but not a four-course meal as we need to move on.

After a short bus ride, timetabled at 10 minute but expect nearer 15 at this time of night, we arrive in Hyde where we will find Jack's Bar. Another modern bar converted from a shop, having been originally opened in 2017 by the now closed Tweed Brewery. To encourage people off their mobile phones, and to interact with others, cards and dominoes are available on the table, with more adventurous offerings such as Scrabble and Trivial Pursuits available. Upon leaving, the easiest way back to Stockport is via the 330 bus, but for other destinations the 201 bus to Manchester is an option, as is trains to Piccadilly from Hyde Central or Newton For Hyde.

⇒ Customers can bring their own food (no 'Chippy' food other than pies).

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