Weekday Wander — Compstall, Romiley and Bredbury
11:25am Tuesday 1st April, Stockport Interchange

We are starting in the picturesque village of Compstall at the Andrew Arms. Looking at it today, it is hard to believe Compstall was formerly a mill village, built by George Andrew, an entrepreneur from Rochdale, in the early 1800s. George built his first water-driven calico printing mill in 1804 and the earliest workers' cottages on the southern side of the bridge in 1806. More mills were built, followed in 1820 by building the first houses on Andrew Street for his workers, many of whom came from Rochdale. Originally the houses were numbered 1-200 Compstall but later the streets were named.

Compstall was one of the first villages in the country to have gas lighting, but then took its foot of the gas (Ho ho!) being one of the last to have electric lighting! Thankfully as we will be visiting Compstall at mid-day, so we won't fall foul of the man who's job it was to tell all villagers to go to bed by firing a blunderbuss off the roof of Compstall Mill at precisely 10pm. Many people visit the nearby Etherow Country Park to feed the ducks and stroll through the park, but most miss the Andrew Arms as it is tucked away 'around the back' out of view. Internally it is a cosy traditional pub serving good food, while outside (for warmer weather) there is an exquisite beer garden.

We now hop back on the bus, but this time the 383 back towards Romiley, alighting near the Forum, whence we cross the road to the new kid on the block, the Voltigeur (Sharples in picture left). It has only been open since late 2024, but being under a similar management to the Samuel Oldknow in Marple, the pedigree is assured. Talking of pedigree, Voltigeur is a thoroughbred racehorse whose career that lasted from 1849 to 1852, so if you are there just before 7pm you may see him gallop by - Boom boom! Being a shop conversion the premises are 'compact' and boasts seating booths down one side reminiscent of horses' stalls. There is still room for six handpumps and six fonts plus Belgium and German bottled beers. Real cider is also available, both draught and in bottles so everyone should be catered for. Having mucked out our stalls, we will now head a few doors down the street to our next destination.

Since the former Jake's Ale House, now the Hop Haus (near end of shops with Voltigeur at far end picture right) doesn't open until 3pm, let us not rush the early part of the afternoon and end up having to await the door opening! Should our party exceed a dozen, we will fill what is a cosy micro-pub, school style sittings might be needed to get us all in. [If so, make sure you have washed your hands otherwise the dinner-lady might not allow you in!] Previously a shoe and clothing shop, the bar now ticks all the boxes by serving cask ale, craft keg, wines and spirits - so again catering for everyone. The real ales emphasise local suppliers where possible, there can be up to five available, and usually includes a dark beer.

Back across the road to again board the 383 bus towards Bredbury, where we will alight just after the lights at the end of Lower Bents Lane.

Crossing Stockport Road West we enter the second new kid on the block. Housed in the small row of shops in a former pharmacy we will find the Steel Works. Where does the name come from, as Sheffield is miles over the Pennines? Mr James Mills' steelworks enterprise started as a two man band sometime in the early 1800s. It then expanded, aided by the proximity of the canal, then later railways, and fuelled buy the collieries located behind Morrisons. Eventually Bredbury Steel rose to, at one time, become the largest producer of bright steel outside the United States. Times changed and in 1985 the firm closed and whole site was redeveloped as housing. Back to the other Steel Works. Continuing the theme of a converted shop, space is at a premium, but we should all fit in - just. There are up to 4 cask beers (primarily sourced from local breweries) usually including something dark, with Thornbridge Market Porter a regular beer. A range of 8 craft kegs, a well-stocked fridge of bottled continental beers, and cider which is planned to be real. The décor pays homage to Bredbury Steelworks, but without the heat and noise!
Photos of the 'other' steelworks Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5

For most people, getting home will be via the 330 bus to Stockport, but for those from further afield, Bredbury Station provides connections to Piccadilly station for onward travel.