This pub crawl starts in Heaton Mersey – get either the Magic Bus #42 bus to Parrswood or the more expensive Stage coach which heads up Didsbury Road and drops you outside the Griff.
  1. The Griffin – 552 Didsbury Road
One internet review reads “I wasn't born in the Griffin Hotel, but I wish I was. I would have my wedding reception here, if I believed in marriage! We worked out that the beer is so cheap it's more economical to spend your evenings here than heat your own house.” I know that because I wrote it. It’s dangerous beginning a pub crawl in your favourite pub because it sets a high bar... She’s had a hard life – being threatened with demolition on a few occasions despite protection orders on its wonderfully panelled bar and the breweries recent failed attempts to turn it into a gastro pub. She’s got lovely staff and management now and is back on the up. Viva La Griff!
  1. The Crown – 6 Vale Close
Head left out of La Griff up the hill for five minutes and just set back off the road on the right we find another Heaton Mersey institution. This four-hundred year old Robinson’s boozer (our first of many but don’t worry - not the Robinson’s of Barley Water fame type) is set on the corner of a conservation area with thatched terrace houses facing it it’s not hard to believe that some think it’s the oldest pub in Stockport.
  1. The Four Heatons– 63 Didsbury Road
We now have a longish walk (unless you want a cram a dodgy Frog and Railway pint in?) for what could make or break the crawl – it’s time to play pub roulette – continue down Didsbury Road, right down the hill and the pub is on the right! This breaks one of the Steve’s “Should You Go Into This Pub” rules – never go into a pub with a flat roof. However – appearances can be deceiving and reports suggest inside is a friendly and welcoming pub with a comfy lounge and plenty of bitters on offer – we shall see!
  1. The Crown Inn – 154 Heaton Lane
We continue down Didsbury Road, taking the first left on the roundabout, but heading straight at the fork (with the Ambulance station on the right). You’ll come to another roundabout with another Crown pub nestled on the left – this is a little gem hosting 16 different ales! Tucked under the railway viaduct which is one of Europe’s largest brick structures and a feat of Victorian engineering –only built after an 1840 Act of Parliament was passed decreeing that every train HAS to stop at Stockport as a condition of construction – so if you’ve ever wondered why your express Pendolino does a ‘drop off’ stop at Stockport – now you know! The pub was refurbished about five years ago – take particular note of the ornate decor on the exterior – I watched a guy paint that detail over a couple of weeks! If we’re lucky and have a nice day there is a cool little beer garden outside.
  1. Pineapple Inn – 159 Heaton Lane
Left out of the Crown and across the road is the Pineapple. I used to work five minutes from here and walk past every day but never ventured in. It looks like a classic oldey-worldy boozer and to get to sample it is one of the reasons for the crawl!
  1. The Swan with Two Necks – 36 Princes Street
Come out of the Pineapple, head right up Heaton Lane and cross over the main road to head down Princess Street (with Debenhams on your left). The pub is five minutes down the road. I think there is a shocking misspelling of ‘nick’ here – which I think is a baby swan (and the pub’s sign shows a swan with two cygnets) but my interwebsearchings have struggled to prove this. A very popular boozer and apparently they have Old Tom on tap. Take note of the picture of ‘Old Tom’ before ordering as it may have the same effect on you.
  1. Tiviot - 8 Tiviot Dale
Come out of the Swan and continue down the road, keeping straight. When the road bends to the right you’ll see the blue Tiviot pub on Tiviot Dale. A pub where the walls are adorned with old pictures of steam engines and the local area – apparently you have to ask the landlord (who’s been there over 30 years!) about the ghost in the cellar.
  1. Boar’s Head - 2 Vernon Street
Turn left out of the Tiviot and head down Bridge Street. A Samuel Smiths pub so if you’re tight make it your round!! Pub roulette again time as this has some mixed reviews online...
  1. Arden Arms - 23 Millgate
Head left out of the Boar’s Head and left down Millgate for chandeliers and a grandfather clock – listed on the CAMRA Inventory for historic and unique pub interiors. Apparently there is a ‘hidden snug’ – I’ll leave you to find it. This is a much loved pub and its website has some great history about the pub.
  1. Queens Head - 12 Little Underbank
Head back down Millgate and we’re looking for a pub hidden under the Underbank. Another Samuel Smith’s pub finishes our crawl. Dating from the 1790’s this pub oozes character – have we won you over about Stockport yet?
Steve’s “Should you go into this Pub” Rules
Just say no to any of the following::
  • Flat roofs
  • Pictures / photos of the food they serve on the exterior
  • Broken windows
  • Too many Sky Sports banners

This route guide owes a lot to the CAMRA Stockport Pub Guide – Viaducts and Vaults 4 & Mark Mynett for his advice.