Midland, Stockport

In 2016, Stockport Metro Borough Council had plans to demolish the pub to make way for a road scheme. CAMRA, Stockport Heritage Trust and the owner campaigned to save this 1833 pub which has many original features, including hand-made tiles. It was built in the reign of King William IV; Stockport has very few remaining buildings from this pre-Victorian period. The good news was that the road scheme was re-designed, the pub was safe and its heritage importance had been confirmed. The message on the sign on the outside of the pub declares 'A Warm and Friendly Welcome' and the Midland certainly lives up to its promise. This comfortable pub had the distinction of being the first to reintroduce real ale onto this part of the A6 corridor back in 2010. In mid-2013 it became a true free-house under the ownership of licensee, Mark Hayter. In years gone by the pub endured an unfortunate period when it was styled as Dillon’s Whistling Jig, a lightly themed Irish house. Happily that theme ran its course, and the licensee of the time, lovingly restored the pub to its previous glory. A very distinctive feature of this multi-roomed house, is the lovely brown art-nouveau style tiling, combined with a relaxed welcome in creating a warm friendly atmosphere. The beer range can often be enlarged at weekends.