Crown Inn, Stockport

The Crown Inn has a curved L-shaped bar that support twelve handpumps. During a recent Tuesday evening visit two of these were unused and a couple were drawing mainstream ales, but the others were more interesting. To the right of the bar is an area with a stage for live music; this is where the three banks of three keg taps can be found. Along the left hand wall are two small seating areas, both with banquette seating and fireplaces. At the rear, behind the bar, is another seating area with a huge mirror on the wall. There are a couple of old serving hatches with bell ringers underneath that connect to the back of the bar. All seating areas have a television and all were airing muted Sky Sports. Out the back is a large beer yard with long beer festival tables and a covered stage area at the rear. There were ten or so vocal locals in and I found the governor to be extremely friendly. I think this place may have changed a bit since the passing of the previous governor, but I liked it and would return.

the refurb seems to have preserved the multi-room layout, but splashed a load of grey paint everywhere as well as cheap drinks offers and promos for tribute acts / karaoke. It’s already looking a bit tatty and the windows need a good clean. The pub was pretty busy on a Friday with a mixed bag of ‘interesting’ but harmless characters and serious ale drinkers. It was a very good range of beer (better than Rob’s experience below) and the Bank Top Dark Mild was in very fine form. Not sure what to make of it overall, I wouldn’t spend a session here and the revamp seems confused, but the landlord was very friendly and accommodating.