September - Reddish Ale
Reddish Ale
14 Broadstone Road, Reddish, Stockport SK5 7AE
The Pub of the Month for September is Reddish Ale on Broadstone Road in Reddish. Sue Lightfoot tells you all about it.
Brothers Craig and Chris Ballinger, together with business partner Samantha Doolan, opened Reddish Ale in September 2022. Craig had gained experience of beer and bars at home and abroad, and Chris had a knowledge of the area because he had lived there – so, when an opportunity came, they took on what had been in the past a shop and then a restaurant, and opened Reddish Ale on Broadstone Road.
This one-room pub has mostly refectory-style seating supplemented by narrow counters and stools around the perimeter and at the bar. There are some small tables outside at the front for use on sunnier days. The walls are decorated with mirrors, framed beer mats Craig collected on his travels, and some photos reflecting an interest in football decorate the walls.
Three handpumps dispense changing cask beers, of different styles, both traditional and modern, from a variety of breweries, many of them local, and there are several keg beers too. Real cider is available, and there’s a fridge with bottled and canned beer to drink in or take out – information about what’s on offer is on a board, and another shows what’s ‘coming soon’.
In the short time it has been open, Reddish Ale has built up a regular clientele, and people of all ages (and their dogs) enjoy its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There’s a notice board for locals to place advertisements, and for posters about local events. CAMRA corner displays Opening Times and the pub supports CAMRA campaigns such as Mild Magic and the Winter Warmer Wander, along with community events like Reddfest. Food waste is recycled by the local Edible Garden.
Various snacks and small meals are available, to eat in or take away, and the mini Sunday roasts, served from 3pm, have proved very popular. Thursday is Specials night, and on Saturdays and Sundays breakfast is served from 10am.
Do come along on Thursday evening, 28 September, and help celebrate Reddish Ale’s well-deserved success.
Bus 203 runs from Stockport to Manchester and will drop you close by near Houldsworth Square. Service 42A running from South Manchester to Reddish will drop you almost outside.