Ye Olde Vic, Stockport

This was my intended last stop before my train home being beside the back way into the station however it was closed and looked terminally so. I have however since been reliably informed that the pub opens late most days, possibly 5-6ish and remains an excellent venue for the discerning ale drinker despite external appearances. Perhaps the next time then.

The rough appearance of the exterior of this pub is enhanced (if that's the right word) by the apparently permanently parked JCB just outside, and the proximity of the modern housing estate probably doesn't help either. One of the panels on the side of the pub retains the impression of the former name: Victoria Vaults. I don't know how it acquired its current slightly pretentious moniker - sarcasm, perhaps. Inside, it's on the friendly side of rough and the landlord has a nice line of (humorous) invective. There were five hand pumps serving four beers from Skinners, Welbeck, Whim and Kelham Island. If you've only time for one pub between trains, make it this one - but bear in mind it's not usually open in the afternoons.