The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn, Stalybridge

A weird place between the two reasonable Hyde’s pubs outside the station, the only other customer was a care in the community chap and the beer was disgusting, I had a dodgy half of Carling as the solitary handpump was unclipped. Full marks however to the barmaid for treating the CITC chap with compassion. Obviously I left the shite beer and moved on. It’s a big squarish room, the counter is to the left, national brands on two horseshoes with a well hidden hand pull lurking, screens on music channels. Not for me.

The original ‘Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn’ on Astley Road to the South East of Stalybridge is now a residential dwelling, although there is a blue plaque on the wall to mark the historic interest of the building. Seeing a marketing opportunity the owners of the Stalybridge Tavern decided to adopt the name, thus becoming the pub with the longest name in England. The entrance leads to an open plan bar with stairs to the left that climb to an advertised function room that was off limits during a recent early Tuesday evening visit. The bar counter across the rear wall faces a mix of standard and high seating and to the right is a pool table. Satellite sports are advertised, but the television was being used to deliver background music courtesy of Clubland TV. I was the only customer and had to make a bit of noise for the barmaid to stop scrubbing to come and serve me. I was informed that Weetwood Brewery’s Jester IPA was off (for display purposes only then), so I opted for half a generic lager from the standard keg selection. This pub has a fantastically long name, but it’s a less than a fantastic pub. Friendly service but I’ll not be returning.

This isn't really a pub as such. It's more of a venue/nightclub, however it had just opened on my Friday evening visit, so I called in. Downstairs there's a covered pool table and all the area was cleared, no doubt due to the expected rush later in the evening. Upstairs there's a quiz machine and some seating. There's one handpump which was serving a just about drinkable Pedigree. I'll be missing this one out next time.