Three Tunnes

194 London Road, Hazel Grove, SK7 4DQ

October’s Pub of the Month is the Three Tunnes on London Road in Hazel Grove. Lawrence Devaney has been along.

I am standing across the road from the Three Tunnes and thinking that my grandfather would probably recognise it today, although he would be confused by the sign outside offering tapas. Built in 1792, and presumably named after a small brewery active in the late 18th century, the pub was sold to Wheater & Swale’s Brewery in 1866*. The Three Tunnes stands on the A6 in Hazel Grove, surprisingly next door to another Robinsons pub, the Grapes.

Inside, the pub has been refurbished and remains in the traditional style albeit with a few walls removed. Outside, the windows with etched and stained glass confirm its ancestry. Open fires on colder days, combined with a mix of leather, wood and plaid, contribute to the time- honoured ‘local pub’ idiom. A central bar with four cask ales on offer faces out to four separate public areas. A beer garden behind the pub completes the layout, where, on a summer’s day, Unicorn, Trooper, Dizzy Blonde and Cumbria Way can be enjoyed. Old Tom can also be found in appropriate months.

Although the pub is definitely wet-led, the Three Tunnes has built up a deserved reputation for its food and, as mentioned earlier, the menu includes tapas – although my personal favourite is the liver and bacon. A full menu including a Sunday roast is available.

A Robbies house under the management of Finbar and Danielle Tuite for approximately ten years, it is part of the community, with thriving darts teams which compete in the Stockport, Hazel Grove & District Darts & Crib League. Several other social and sports groups are supported, and a weekly quiz adds to the community vibe. Several TV screens predominantly showing sport, particularly horse racing during the day, generally don’t disturb customers who want a quiet pint or meal. The day-to-day running of the pub is down to Phil Quinn, who also manages the cellar and ensures that the ales are consistently excellent.

Please come along on Thursday 24 October to celebrate the pub’s success and join the regulars enjoying traditional beers. The full address is 194 London Road, SK7 4DQ. As it’s on the A6, a 192 bus heading for the Park & Ride will drop you off close by, as will the 199 and the 374. Hazel Grove station is a five-minute walk.

*Historic note credited to Mike Ogden’s "A History of Stockport Breweries" - ISBN 1 85216 018 7