The Olde Vic, Stockport

Visited on a Friday night after much hype from friends. The beer selection available that evening didn't blow me away as expected from the hype. Good, decent real ale but a bit of a disappointment to find I believe it was 4 casks compared to what's available in the Crown.

The Bollington ale was good quality but that was the only brewery available I hold in regard. It was definitely interesting to visit as the inside is far better that the front visually and if you include the outside area at the back a much bigger place than suggested from the front.

I wouldn't be against going back in but we aren't ones who like to sit at the bar and chat to strangers and therefore felt a little awkward and we didn't want to stay for more than one. Also we did get a bit of a scolding from the landlord upon leaving, because we had not taken our glasses back to the bar.

Will be a while before we go back.

20 Dec 2014 00:45

The Cross Keys, Knutsford

Nice, traditionally presented pub. Good atmosphere inside. Had a pint of Jennings Cumberland. This was a nice pub.

14 Dec 2014 16:38

The Magnet, Stockport

I've visited The Magnet several times over the last few months. I really enjoy it in there. Fantastic range of beers every time. Had quality offerings from Magic Rock, Redwillow, Buxton etc as well as slightly less common bottles of some of our favourite American breweries like Brooklyn, Anchor and Flying Dog. it's a bit more expensive than the Crown but still reasonable. I've always found the atmosphere to be good when we have visited, usually a Friday night but the most recent time was a Sunday. It gets quite busy. Some people might not like that there is no music, but I find that adds to the atmosphere - people enjoying good beer. The Crown is great, but I think The Magnet just edges it for me, because the Crown doesn't have a good selection of bottled beers.

30 Nov 2014 21:53