Grapes, Stockport

Converted 21/7/2013 to a coffee house. Closed 13/2/2012. As of early 2016 became Thyme for Food, this was offering bottled beers. Planning Application DC/059362 | Change of use from ancillary accommodation of former public house to ground floor coffee shop and first floor conference and office space. Granted 28/9/2015.

History: This small two-room pub at the top of the Castle Street shopping precinct summed up what was best about community locals. It had been knocked about a bit over the years and did comprise two rooms, a vault to the left and a lounge to the right. There was no food, no beer garden and no outdoor smoking area. However it’s what it did have that made this such a good pub. In August 2006 the then licensees moved here from the Spread Eagle on Hillgate when that pub was closed by Robinson’s. They brought with them, not only most of their regulars, but also years of experience in the licensed trade. As a result this was a pub that did the important things well. It was well appointed, with the lounge in particular having a warm and welcoming feel, and the cask ales (the landlord is proud of his cellar, and his Old Tom in particular) being invariably in good form. The more mature clientele ensured a good turnover of cask beer. Pool and darts teams added to the community feel of this excellent local.