Bramhall and Hazel Grove West

Friday 22 September 2023

We may well make use of the local bus services to cover this stagger, so purchasing an all bus run-about ticket may be a good idea.

This evening's stagger starts at the Three Bears on the far edge of Bullock Smithy just before it merges into Bramhall. Being located on Jacksons Lane makes it a challenging location to access by public transport. The 374 passes close-by with a bus at 6:55 from Stockport, but don't be surprised by the eccentric journey. You need to alight on Bramhall Moor Road just before the Dorchester Road junction. Other alternatives are the 25 minute walk from the centre of Hazel Grove or 15 minutes from Bramall Hall, getting there on the 378A bus which leaves Stockport at 6:35. Whichever route is favoured the latter two should build up a healthy thirst.

Whichever way you get to the Three Bears, this Robinsons' house majors in excellent food, but does not neglect the drinker. The large modern building is an excellent place to sit and watch the bucolic goings on in the fields opposite. Ales on offer are Robinsons Unicorn, Dizzy Blonde and the seasonal. On a pleasant evening nothing could be nicer than to consume the ale of your choice while taking the air while sat outside. Don't get too comfy however as this is a stagger and we will have to move on.

Following intrepid shortcuts through the housing estate which surrounds it we find the Shady Oak on Redford Drive. If arriving by car, following the Recycling Point signs will guide you there quickly. Another modern establishment which functions as a community focal point. Furnishings vary from relaxing sofas where a coffee can be consumed through to the stand-up drinking area around the bar. Fear not there are also a dining area, a lounge and a tv and pool room, plus a conservatory which now incorporates a smoking area. Beers on offer are supplied through the Marstons supply lines. Unfortunately we can't rest up here as we have a distance to cover to our next establishment.

Initially following the brook (anyone know its name?) which runs behind the Shady Oak and including a few cuts through we arrive at the Ladybrook Hotel. Built in the inter-war years in mock-Tudor, the Shady Oak would be described as a roadside tavern — where it on a major thoroughfare. As with the Shady Oak this doubles up as a community centre for the surrounding area. Although everything is under a single roof, the bar has been broken up into a number of distinct areas, along with a large vault beyond the bar. Usually three ales are on the bar, but limited to the range allowed (dictated?) by the John Barras organisation. There is also a garden attached for some outside drinking. Departure could be co-ordinated with the timing of the 378 bus (44 past the hour in the evening) otherwise another lengthy walk ensues into the heart of Bramhall.

First up in Bramhall proper is the which was previously Tre Ciccio and prior to that Mercato Italiano. Mainly food led, but real ale drinkers are accommodated to the front of the very deep establishment with a bar holding three handpulls dispensing Taylor's Boltmaker, Weetwood's Conspirator and a guest. At the very back there is an outside brinking area served by its own bar, but without any cask ale.

On passing we need to poke our noses into both the Nook & Broom (formerly Yardbird, Napa, Graze) and the Drawing Room to confirm that real ale has not made an appearance in the last few weeks.

Around the corner on to Ack Lane East and just a little along we find the Bubble Room on our right. A modern café which was resolutely keg from opening until in January 2013 when a single cask ale appeared on the bar. Current intelligence has it marked as "No Real Ale" so again a quick pop-in to confirm this.

Some yards further along Ack Lane we come to Duttons, nee Victorian, nee New Victorian, nee Orange Tree, nee . . . You get the picture, it has been renamed many times in its history. Now in the hands of J W Lees, it usually serves two of their beers with the seasonal when available. Its latest refurbishment in 2022 has resulted in a monochrome colour-scheme which is softened by colourful tiling, and green upholstery plus the almost obligatory maps, paintings et cetera covering the walls. Food is a major part of the operation with both the Lees corporate menu plus dishes devised by the chef and it is served up until 9pm. Outside drinking is offered in abundance with a garden to the rear, courtyard drinking (and the smokers) to the side and even pavement café style seating squeezed in to the front - take your pick.

Back up to the roundabout and across on to Woodford Road brings us, at number 8, to the Mounting Stone, a sister outlet to the Chiverton Tap. The bar greats you as you walk in, with a small beer garden to the rear. A lower level drinking area makes a feature of the cellar where the racked barrels can be viewed. The decor reflects the original use as a local blacksmith, hence the mounting stone to allow riders to remount their steeds after a visit. Six cask ales are offered, two from Bollington Brewery, the rest usually sourced from other local breweries. A stout or porter is normally available, along with a cider. Three thirds of a pint for the price of one is available so you can sample a few without getting too tipsy. Beers available at the Mounting Stone are now supplemented by their own in house brewery, Made of Stone. Compact though everything is, space was originally found to shoe horn (or should that be horseshoe?) the mini brewery in the back, but has now moved to pastures (Ho-ho) new.

Do not get too comfy (unless you are a Bramhall resident) as the last (hourly) bus back to Stockport, the 378, departs from Bramhall just after 23:00 but it will take you all the way back to Stockport, otherwise it is a long walk home!

Travel
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Bramhall and Hazel Grove West
Timing	Pub Name	Address	Bus & Rail	Notes
7.30pm Start point:	Three Bears	Jackson's LaneSK7 5JH	Map Hazel Grove?
Then:	Shady Oak	Redford DriveSK7 3PG	Map Woodsmoor?
8.30pm Mid point:	Ladybrook Hotel	Fir RoadSK7 2NP	Map Bramhall?
Then:	Crown & Conspirator	26 Bramhall Lane SouthSK7 1AF	Map Bramhall
	Yardbird	9-11 Bramhall Lane SouthSK7 1AL	Map Bramhall	No Real Ale
	Drawing Room	3 Bramhall Lane SouthSK7 1AL	Map Bramhall	No Real Ale
	Bubble Room	2-4 Ack Lane EastSK7 2BY	Map Bramhall	No Real Ale
	Duttons	Ack Lane EastSK7 2BY	Map Bramhall
Finishing at:	Mounting Stone	8 Woodford RoadSK7 1JJ	Map Bramhall

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Updated August 2023

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