Grove Inn, Clayton

652 Ashton New Road, Clayton M11 4SQ

The Pub of the Month for May is the Grove Inn, on Ashton New Road in Clayton. Dave Hanson put it forward and tells you all about it.

The Grove Inn represents that archetypal boozer which is fast being replaced by food-orientated destination outlets. At one time, Clayton could boast hundreds of pubs, because of its heavy industry such as Clayton Aniline and Stewart Street Power Station, plus street after street of housing. Now, the pub stands in splendid isolation, but just near enough to the Etihad Stadium to mean it is rammed when City are playing at home.

Chris Booth has been in charge for nearly two years, having put in ten years' apprenticeship managing the cellar before that. Succumbing to a request, Chris brought back Holt's Mild to satisfy the desire of a 90 year old customer. Sales of this rare beer are sufficient to maintain quality, something Chris doesn't stint on. Unfortunately, several senior customers have passed on to that pub in the sky, and this is recognised by plaques around the walls. These personal tokens are complemented by an ornate memorial to the locals who fell in World War One.

Though in the middle of a former industrial area, the Grove is around 100m from Clayton Hall. No, not the tram stop, but a Grade II* listed, 15th-century, timbered, manor house which is surrounded by its own (dry) moat. The origins of the Grove are a little more modest, with Manchester's archive recording the first licence in 1890. Most of the current structure was built in the 1920s, according to owners Joseph Holt. Is this when the wood-panelled bar surround, with its intricate detail, was installed? An early photo suggests there was an original corner door. This would have resulted in either a very tiny snug, or possibly the existing entry was actually for off sales. This is backed up by the fact it does not enter directly into either room. The pub was extended to the west circa 1960. A sun catching (in Manchester!) beer garden was added more recently.

Finally we come to the locals. A cross section of ages frequent the pub, from the aforementioned 90 year old to teenagers. They are kept entertained by pool and darts, quizzes and events, along with a plethora of friendly conversations.

The Grove is easy to reach from Manchester, with the Clayton Hall tram stop almost alongside and the 219 bus stopping opposite. There is also the 171/172 service which wends its way from Newton Heath to Didsbury, taking in Gorton, Levenshulme and Burnage on its travels. So why wouldn't you accompany us on Thursday 25 May when we present Chris with this award?

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