May - Reasons to be Cheerful
Reasons to be Cheerful
228 Fog Lane, Burnage, Manchester M20 6EL
The Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Month for May is Reasons to be Cheerful on Fog Lane in Burnage. John Clarke explains why it won.
When Reasons to be Cheerful opened in January 2017, Opening Times hailed its arrival as a welcome oasis in something of a beer desert – and there are still no bars or pubs close by. It would probably have been a success regardless, but the fact that it has been run with commitment and enthusiasm for the past seven years really makes it something a bit special.
It’s also become a centre of the community for those who appreciate the laid-back feel, attention to detail and, of course, the impressive line-up of drinks. There are three cask beers, which are ever changing and usually include something dark, eight keg beers, often featuring local craft brewers, and in the fridge is a selection of cans and bottles. It’s there you’ll find the small but well-chosen range of ciders.
The rather unassuming frontage belies quite a spacious bar which comprises a small seating area to the front, the bar on the right with a few high stools in front of it, and a more secluded rear room. The décor is bright and modern, with plenty of individual touches to add character.
All of this is overseen by Elena Rowe and James Croft, and their enthusiastic, and knowledgeable, bar team. Join us on Thursday 23 May when we present Elena and James with this well-deserved award.
Reasons to be Cheerful is very close to Burnage station, and also the 50 bus route, which runs up and down Kingsway at very regular intervals. As far as we know, there is no direct bus from Stockport although the 197 will drop you at the junction of Burnage Lane and Mauldeth Road, from where it’s a ten-minute (or so) walk.