Our Pub of the Week is a historic Stockport drinking spot that’s welcomed some music stars, and turned away others…
06:17, 04 Jan 2026Updated 08:18, 04 Jan 2026
The Elizabethan pub in Heaton Moor is our Pub of the Week(Image: JW Lees)
For many of us, the last few weeks may have likely involved a pub, bar or restaurant in some capacity. Even if not for a drink (or two), but to meet up with friends and family, enjoy some grub or just welcome in the New Year with.
Quite importantly, the next few months are set to be the quietest for the hospitality industry. Not only do many decide to partake in a perhaps-welcomed Dry January, many others will be saving the pennies after a busy end of year. In a report by BBPA (the British Beer & Pub Association), it’s estimated that fewer than one in ten pubs expect to stay profitable by April 2026 due to a number of factors, including increasing costs.
But, we’re not here to be all doom and gloom. Our Pub of the Week feature shines a light on the many pubs across Greater Manchester doing something special, whether it’s keeping the community together or just welcoming people in with a nice smile and a good pint. We’ve already covered a number of venues, with two of our most recent including the Lamb Hotel in Eccles and the Black Friar in Salford.
For our first Pub of the Week of 2026, we’re turning our attention onto The Elizabethan pub. It’s grand in name and pretty grand in appearance too – with a hefty history behind it. The Stockport pub, on Heaton Moor Road, is known for its warm and relaxed atmosphere.
The pub building dates back to the 1800s(Image: JW Lees)
Its menu features a range of freshly-prepared and seasonal dishes, stemming across pub classics – like cheese and onion pie and fish and chips – as well as its popular Smokey Chilli Non Carne and Crispy Fried Spiced Chicken Thighs. Sunday Roasts, meanwhile, span across the likes of roast beef and lentil, almond and butternut squash Wellington, and includes all the trimming, as well as bottomless gravy and unlimited Yorkshire puddings (yes, really).
General Manager Nikki Collins, who joined the pub nine months ago, tells us how she’s been welcomed with open arms into the local community and how the historic pub has had a varied past – including turning away two very notorious Manchester music legends.
How did you get into the pub industry in the first place?
I was a single parent and got a job in an independent hotel back in Lichfield, Staffordshire as a housekeeper at weekends. One weekend they had an issue with the front of hose team calling in sick so asked if I could cover if they’d show me how to pull a pint.
It turned out that I was quite good at it! After that, I then went through NVQs at level 2 and 3 – moved to Redditch and worked for Marston’s who put me through my management training – I am now on my sixth site as General Manager, and my third with JW Lees.
Nikki Collins is the General Manager of The Elizabethan pubWhat is the significance b
The pub is named after Queen Elizabeth I, who was a significant figure in the pub’s history. The building was originally built as Bampton House in 1874, and then transformed into a public house during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
The name of The Elizabethan reflects the pub’s connection to the Queen and its historical significance in the local community.
What’s your best-selling drink?
Our biggest seller is San Miguel, but it’s very closely followed by our own Manchester Craft Lager. It’s really popular!
The pub was a regular for Stone Roses legend Mani, who sadly passed away recently(Image: JW Lees)What’s an unusual thing that’s happened at the pub?
Liam and Noel Gallagher once tried to come into the pub, but got turned away due to the then strict dress code. It was before my time, but I believe they were wearing tracksuit bottoms. I don’t think they were impressed!
But, of course, it goes without saying that they are more than welcome to join us again – regardless of what they wear!
Have there been any famous or notable guests who have visited?
Mani was a regular here until his sad passing. We also had ITV here in October filming a new drama series called Adultery. Dominic Cooper, Romola Garai and some more of the cast were here all day – they were all very nice.
The pub serves an expansive menu, spanning across traditional favourites, Sunday roasts and other delights(Image: JW Lees)What is it about your local community that you love?
Since moving to The Elizabethan, the people of Heaton Moor have welcomed me with open arms. The other bar and restaurant businesses are super supportive and so are the residents. It’s a lovely place to be.
Have there been any spooky or haunted encounters in the pub/area?
Not as yet!
How can people support their local pub?
January and February are tough months for the industry – local pubs rely on their regulars to pay them a visit – even if it’s brief to keep them going.
We are in a good position as have a vast amount of community around us who visit daily and we just hope that will keep on continuing.
The Elizabethan is on 33 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport, SK4 4PB.