Highballer, Stockport

A modern bar and brewery near the market. Craft beers are promoted and there are six hand pumps, of which five had beers available at the time of my Saturday noontime visit. It was fairly quiet, with no music playing, but I imagine this changes as the evening progresses, or regresses, according to opinion. I enjoyed my half of the Williams Brothers' March of the Penguins. If that was a regular beer I'd make a point of coming back. I might come back anyway. Date of visit: 14th January 2017

A large cafe bar type place in a modern brick box opposite the Market Halls. It's split into almost two rooms with the counter at the back. Both sides are decorated in modern cafe bar style with industrial fittings, clear light bulbs with coiled elements, heavy conduiting and Admiralty pattern cable tray. The walls are a mix of panelling below and exposed brick above, the windows are big and clear. The furniture is an eclectic mix with some tables being made from offcuts and old doors. It's actually better designed than it sounds, the beer is fine with two groups of three pulls giving a choice of local small breweries ales.