The Petersgate Tap, Stockport

A worthy shop conversion with a mix of cask and KeyKeg, plus some ciders on offer - quite a fair selection and reasonably priced. It did not seem as friendly as some of the other bars in the area, but perhaps this was because it already had more customers than most. A shame it is an afternoon opener but well worth dropping in if it is open.

During a recent Tuesday afternoon visit the six handpumps on the bar at Petersgate Tap were drawing Thornbridge Carlota, Abbeydale Hopback, Lancaster Centennial, Tom’s Tap Dark Mild, Wily Fox Karma Citra and Small World Long Moor. The bar also supports four keg fonts which were pouring three craft beers and Budvar. I went for half a Long Moor Pale which was £1.75 for a half. Large chalkboards either side of the bar counter in the left rear corner list the aforementioned draught along with a range of gins from the back bar and ciders from the fridge. The bar faces tables that run up the right hand wall and there are another couple of tables next to the entrance, where there is a flight of stairs that lead up to an advertised bottle shop. There is some beery paraphernalia up on the walls and behind the bar are many framed certificates for POTY awards. I found the service to be very friendly and it was nice sitting there listening to some Stockport County chat as I’ve witnessed some very poor football between them and Brentford down at the old Griffin Park over the years. I liked this bar and will definitely pop back in next time I’m in Stockport.

As good as ever. Plenty of choice on the bar in terms of cask and keg options. Unfortunately someone just got to the last table before us while we were deciding what to order, but we ended up propping up the end of the bar with our drinks, which was fine. A mix of booth seating inside, with some separate tables and chairs, and stools at the bar. We could have stayed for a few in here but as we finished our first drink we suddenly realised we were pushing it for the last train home so had to make a fairly sharp exit. A reliable gem in the centre of Stockport and always worth a visit.

Enjoyed our visit to this 2019 Good Beer Guide entry yesterday and found a very busy pub which was a big draw for those who liked their beers on the strong side as there were 3 Torrside beers on Destination Unknown 9.8% King Bugbear 9% and Dogs of War 10% and we were pleased to be able to buy 3 thirds to sample them. Really good let me tell you, including the Barley Wine one! Very friendly pub with a great atmosphere.

Much better than average micro - american style booths, large wooden tables, longish (for a micro) bar. An upstairs unexplored. Posters advertising future entertainment such as poetry reading. Friendly owner and punters. Hawkshead Windermere Pale in great condition.

For me this was a proper micropub despite their playing music at a reasonable level which was probably as much for the bar staff as anyone. I thought it was a Motorhead record but I'm sure Lemmy would have approved of these places. It's a modern long rectangular room with the small bar counter at the rear left. I didn't venture upstairs. There were six hand pumps but I only noted four of the beers, Oakham Black Hole Porter, Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout, Thornbridge Brother Rabbit and Hawkshead Windermere Pale. I went for the Black Hole Porter (£3.50) and Milk Stout (£3.40) both of which were in good nick. I thought this was a decent micropub.

The Petersgate Tap is somewhere that I walk right past without noticing if approaching from one side, yet it is blindingly obvious if you approach it from the opposite side. Visited on a recent Saturday afternoon and it was fairly busy downstairs, though didn't check upstairs. A chalk board on the back wall lists all the cask and keg options, and there is certainly plenty to go at. I had the Tyto (a stout by Squawk), Pica (oatmeal pale, also by Squawk), Red Velvet Barley Wine (Thirst Class) and Mangata (stout by Salopian). All were excellent and clearly quality is important here. My drinking partner had the Windermere Pale (Hawkshead) which slipped down nicely too. Didn't notice any food being served here other than bar snacks though I have heard that sometimes pies are available. Another place in Stockport town centre where I could spend a lot of time and end up particularly worse for wear as a result!