The Crown Inn, Stockport

Now a Greene King pub, and certainly refurbished fairly recently, but some interesting features still remain. I was particularly taken by the small traditional lounge off to the right of the central entrance corridor, where - on a Friday evening - some relative peace prevailed compared with the loud music in the other rooms around the central servery. That said, seeing this place thriving was the most important thing. With no handpumps on (or visible from) my part of the counter, I was advised that the cask ale choice was IPA or Tribute as a guest, so I opted for the latter at (£4.05) and in good form.

This is one of the few remaining proper pubs in the area. There's a small taproom to the right with a dartboard, a lounge to the front left and a further room to the rear. There's also a beer yard to the rear. A couple of large TV screens, showing horse racing on my visit. 6 handpumps on the bar serving 5 standard beers from large beweries such as Wells Bombardier and a changing guest. On this occasion it was Howard Town Wren's Nest which was in decent nick, if a little overpriced at £3.40. This is a high income area and it shows in the pricing. A good solid pub that I'd happily revisit for one.