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Head of Steam, Didsbury

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Real ale discount scheme

Pleasantly refurbished in early 2018 with pine wood fixtures and fittings, there are three or four booths down the right side directly opposite the very long bar. Most of the other seating is of the high variety, but there is plenty of room for vertical drinking in the area around the bar. Bare-boards, large rivets, and lots of filament bulbs seems to be the theme. An interesting photo montage of Cameron's Brewery and of Didsbury line the walls of the stairway to the upstairs loos. All draught products on the bar are advertised on two TV screens that act as a scrolling menu. Any draught beer can be put into a can for takeaway, this attracts a 20% discount. A coralled off area at the outside front allows for alfresco drinking in finer weather. They offer all-day food (most days, till 9pm), a large selection of cask ales, and many bottled beers.

Historic Interest

Reopened on 1/2/2018 as the Head of Steam; the previous incarnation, Sanctuary closed 1/11/2013 following collapse of owners the Bramwell Pub Co. Prior to that it was the Varsity for a number of years, then owners Barracuda decided to take it upmarket. The result was a very smart interior in calming light colours, a good mix of casual dining, and tables just for folk wanting a drink.

Information for this venue is provided by the Stockport & South Manchester Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Sanctuary; Varsity
Local Authority
Manchester District (B)
Last updated
21/11/2024
Last surveyed
21/11/2024
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Camerons Brewery
Pub ID
MAS/4426
Asset of Community Value
Sunday
Noon - 10:00pm
Monday
Noon - 11:00pm
Tuesday
1:30pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Noon - 11:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 11:00pm
Friday
Noon - Midnight
Saturday
Noon - Midnight
Sunday
1:00pm - 9:00pm
Monday
No Service
Tuesday
No Service
Wednesday
4:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday
4:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday
1:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
1:00pm - 9:00pm

Current beers

This Pub serves 6 changing beers and 0 regular beers.

Changing

guest beers usually sourced from micro-brewers

Changing beers typically include: Camerons (varies)

Source: Regional


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Facilities
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Live Music Live Music
live jazz music on Tuesday evening, and at weekends
Garden Garden
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Disabled Access Disabled Access
Events Events
quiz every Wed
Function Room Function Room
Smoking Smoking
Features
Cask Ale Cask Ale
Member Discount Scheme Member Discount Scheme
CAMRA members 20p discount per pint / 10p discount per half on all cask ales.
Transport
Close to bus routes
23, 42, 42A-C, 142, 171
Close to metro (200m)
Didsbury Village
Closest station (1100m)
Burnage
Directions
on B5093, jct Barlow Moor Rd

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