Rejuvenation of the Crown Inn, Stockport wins runner up in CAMRA’s Heritage Award
CAMRA has named Alan and Chris Gent, new owners of the Crown Inn in Stockport, as the runner ups in its Heritage Award 2025.
From grand Victorian gin palaces to preserved inter-war gems, the Heritage Award is open to all pubs on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. To promote and preserve the interiors of historic pubs, the award highlights people that have saved or have carefully revived a heritage pub.
In the shadow of the iconic railway viaduct, the Crown Inn is one of the oldest standing free houses in Greater Manchester and has an interior of special national historic interest.
Following years of decline with churning managers, unsympathetic redecorations and lack of respect for the pub’s historic furnishings, the Crown Inn closed at the beginning of 2025. Despite having a history of CAMRA awards, Stockport locals were now worried about the pub’s future.
The lease was taken on by Alan and Chris Gent of the award-winning Petersgate Tap who as soon as they received the keys in July 2025, embarked upon tastefully refurbishing both the interior and exterior of the rundown Crown, breathing new life into the pub, yet respecting its history.
The etched window panels and the historic feature mirror were repaired, the glazed tilework and fireplaces were restored, and the exterior was repainted.
The Crown Inn reopened in August 2025 and is once again a real asset to Stockport's pub and beer scene, delighting locals with a range of eight cask beers from independent brewers.
Chris Gent said:
“We wanted to restore the Crown Inn to how it was when it was one of the busiest, most thriving pubs in Stockport. Nice people and great beer in a timeless pub environment.”
John Clarke, Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA branch Chair added:
“We were delighted when this iconic pub reopened, after much hard work by the new team. It's a very overused phrase, but a huge amount of hard work really has seen the pub restored to its former glory – and not only in its appearance but also its beer range too. The fact that the Crown is now regularly packed shows how much Stockport's beer drinkers also appreciate what has been done here.”
The overall winner of the Heritage Award was the Vine in Pittshill, Stoke-on-Trent.
Paul Ainsworth, Pub Saving Award Coordinator said:
“These community champions and heritage heroes deserve to be applauded. I continue to be amazed by the dedication and grit of these campaigners, who spend years or even decades campaigning to save pubs.”
“However, if we want more communities to be able to do this, they need support from government. The Community Ownership Fund provided cash for groups to take ownership and the running of community facilities that would otherwise be sold, converted or demolished. This was wound up by the Government and has not been directly replaced. The forthcoming Right to Buy scheme must come alongside a dedicated programme of advice, guidance and funding to make sure community pubs go from strength to strength.”
The pub will be presented with the award at an event organised by the local CAMRA branch.
Ends
Notes to editors
Photos of the winners and runner ups are: camra-stock.camra.org.uk/256263685/collection/113/heritage-award-2025
More information about the Heritage Award: camra.org.uk/awards/heritage
Information about historic pub interiors and CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group: camra.org.uk/heritage-pubs
More information about the Crown Inn: camra.org.uk/pubs/crown-inn-stockport-167360
About CAMRA:
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is a not-for-profit UK consumer group.
We have been campaigning for pubs, pints and people since 1971.
Media Contact:
CAMRA Press Office:
01727 337863
