Florist, Stockport

Converted 14/9/2018 to housing, self-contained flats. Closed 24/1/2018. Planning Application DC/070140 | To change use of vacant public house (Use Classes A4) to form 6 self-contained flats at ground, first and second floors (use class C3) with single storey extension to the rear, together with demolition of existing commercial building at rear, and carry out associated works. Granted 13/9/2018.

History: the Florist was an imposing, three-storey early-Victorian pub which despite changes over the years had been left with a choice of five distinct drinking areas plus the bar area. All this had given the place definite character and appeal. Pubs however are more than bricks and mortar, they are really made by the people, and at the Florist the people on both sides of the bar were some of the friendliest you could meet. This was a pub where everybody was welcome, no one went unnoticed, and you could have a good pint into the bargain. Value carvery lunch on Sundays. For some years the Florist was merely ticking over, then in 2006 in stepped Tom Barlow, the husband of Sheila the licensee of the already flourishing Armoury just down the road and perhaps unsurprisingly with that pedigree the rescue had commenced. Tom had returned the pub to its roots in the local community, with darts teams and pub quizzes. Unfortunately, Tom passed away in mid-2012, after that the business declined.