‘It’s become apparent that the pub holds a special place in a lot of peoples’ hearts’
The Crown Inn pub is ready for the next chapter in its historic story(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
A historic Stockport pub situated under the viaduct has reopened following a major revamp.
Believed to be one of the oldest standing free houses in the Greater Manchester borough, the Crown Inn – on Heaton Lane – has reopened its doors after a major undertaking by the team behind popular Stockport craft beer bar Petersgate Tap.
Originally a row of three terraced houses before being converted into a pub in around 1877, the Crown Inn is known for having three front-door entrances. In the early 1990s, the pub was run by Boddington’s and an original sign bearing the name of the Manchester-based brewer still stands today.
Over the years since, the town centre pub has changed hands a number of times. In 2009, it was named the runner-up at CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year competition and garnered a reputation for its championing of lesser-known micro-breweries across the country.
But in recent years, the pub has been in need of some serious love and attention. New owners Chris and Alan Gent have had their eyes on the venue for a number of years and took it on earlier this year alongside pub operator Red Oak Taverns. The news of the reopening was first unveiled last month.
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The pub has undergone a big new revamp from the team behind Petersgate Tap(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“The Crown got under our skin as far back as 2019, but every time the lease came up, conditions were not right,” Alan said. “Nevertheless, we went on what might loosely be called ‘red alert’ and when the ‘To Let’ sign went up yet again earlier this year, I contacted the owners, Red Oak Taverns.”
Alan and Chris said they have spent the last two months undergoing a series of important structural fixes on the pub before revamping the space with a fresh new look and feel that they explained felt right and paid homage to its history.
“We finally agreed a deal which sees all our eight cask-beer pumps and some keg-beer taps free of tie, allowing a wider choice from independent breweries,” Alan added. “We got the keys on July 1st and immediately set about refurbishing both the interior and exterior of the pub. We hope the renovation is considered sympathetic and appropriate.”
The pub still proudly boasts signs honing back to its past as a Boddingtons venue(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
In fact, since opening on Friday (August 15), the pub has proven to be so popular with the locals that it is already making its way through a number of casks.
“It’s become apparent that the Crown holds a special place in a lot of peoples’ hearts,” Alan said. “Initial signs are promising, and we have already sold three casks of our ‘house beer’, Draught Bass, in the first three days.
“And who knows, with Boddington’s Bitter being revived, we may be able to feature that beer on the bar once again!”
The pub is spread out across a number of rooms, including a Red Room and a Green Room(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Local Stockport and South Manchester CAMRA Branch Chairman John Clarke has also been in to visit the pub in its first few days of reopening and said he was impressed with the turnaround of the beloved venue and said it was back ‘in safe hands’.
John said: “It’s great to see that one of Stockport’s flagship pubs is once again in safe hands, especially at a time when the hospitality industry is facing many challenges, and scores of places are closing for good.
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The pub is neatly positioned in Stockport town centre under the 1840-built viaduct(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“This area of the town is undergoing a transformation, with many new homes being built, and with the new Interchange now open, the pub is in an ideal area to serve these new residents and visitors.
“This addition to our list of excellent pubs and bars in and around the town centre can only enhance the town’s reputation for a great day out. I wish Alan and Chris all the best for a successful future at the Crown.”
The Crown Inn is on 154 Heaton Lane, Stockport, SK4 1AR.