Wine & Wallop, Knutsford

Previously known as Canvas Lounge, this is now a Wine & Wallop outlet which has also knocked through into the old hairdressers next door to create a flag stoned left-hand bar area with seating in the front window and a laminate right-hand open plan seating area. An L-shaped bar counter sits on the left-hand wall and behind are a couple of tables up the left that face a beer shelf up the right. Adjacent is a flight of stairs up to the advertised terrace. Premium and craft keg were available alongside four hand pumps on the end of the counter that were drawing Brightside’s Odin, Marble Brewery’s Atlas, Osset’s Butterley and Lilley’s Cherries. The friendly barman pulled a decent pint of Ossett that was enjoyed whilst listening to some Jamaican music in the background. It wasn’t busy, but the few in were ‘pub’ people of mixed ages so there was actually a good atmosphere. Having had previous disappointing visits to the W&W venues in Prestwich and West Disbury I was going to walk past, but decided to pop in at the last second. I’m glad I did because this place puts the others to shame and I’d gladly revisit.

Busy bar that seemed popular with a younger clientele. We were greeted and shown to a table. Ordering from the bar is still forbidden with table service still de rigeur. On entering, it all seems quite small. But upstairs there are some inside rooms, along with a semi-outdoor conservatory where patio heaters were required. We were seated in the conservatory, which had lots of plants. Plenty of staff were available to serve. So my concerns about a lengthy wait for service, drinks and the bill were soon dispelled. 4 real ales were on - Cross Bay The EPA, Oakham Citra, Dunham Massey Dunham Milk Stout & Thwaites Wainwright. I ordered the stout, which at 4% tasted a bit bland after my strong beer in Project 53. Nevertheless, I quite liked this place, which had a nice, but lively atmosphere about it. Toilets are unisex.