The White House, Stalybridge

A Hydes pub opposite the bus station sitting in the V of two roads, obviously once a multi room establishment it’s now open plan and a bit confused. The main entrance is on the side off Water Street and leads through a vestibule to the main bar. The counter is ahead after you turn right, a nice carved affair with 7 pumps between two T-Bars. Beers are Hydes; Original, Hopster, Ruby Ale and Lowry, an Old Rosie on one and a guest from Bradfield plus one blank. I had an Original which was either on the turn or the pipe hadn’t been pulled through, I suspect only the latter. To the front are two smaller spaces with comfy seating and views of the street and bus station. There’s a fair amount of old carved wood and the furniture is a reasonable mix of high and low stuff with the odd leather armchair. It has an outside seating area with a road each side. Toilets upstairs and apparently it has pies for £3.50 a shot, on Mondays cask beers are 50p off with open mic and live music later. Friendly enough and decent staff. Camra discount although not signed in the pub. 1970s playlist on my visit.

The White House is a Hydes pub with a central bare boarded bar area with a serving counter that runs across the rear wall. The bare board continues to the left past a dartboard and down to a sunken seating area where access can be gained to an AstroTurf beer garden with picnic tables. In the front windows to the right of the bar is a carpeted seating area that is split by a central dividing wall to create two small areas. There’s an old style jukebox, but not sure if it’s only for show because it was off whilst some background music played from another source. Satellite sports are advertised, but the televisions were off during my recent Tuesday evening visit. I counted seven hand pumps that were drawing what must be almost the full Hydes range alongside Westons Old Rosie cider. Premium keg was also available alongside Carlsberg, and a heated cabinet on the bar was displaying bar snacks which included a range of Potter’s Pies. It was quiet, but the few locals of mixed age at the bar generated a good atmosphere. I’d pop in again if passing.

Hydes pub. A knocked-through multi-roomer with some traditional touches but a bit of a mish-mash really. Live music advertised and no fat Yanks on the telly this time. From the bar, my Hydes Dark Ruby wasn't right (NBSS 1.5) and the barmaid inspired no confidence (she thought it wasn’t even pouring). Dumped it and left. Let-down.