The ever-regenerating face of Stockport continues to build a new and improved reputation for itself, as one of its local boozers has just been named among National Geographic’s list of 12 ‘perfect’ pubs in the UK — and it’s none other than old The Magnet.
While many of you might be familiar with the likes of the viral Chestergate pub right in the town centre, people not so familiar with the area may never have heard of The Magnet Freehouse before, but it’s actually been sat on Wellington Road since 1840.
Originally built as a coaching inn for people to rest up along the busy stretch of the A6, it eventually went on to become a Wilson’s Brewery, drifting into company pub ownership limbo and was at one point left derelict, before it was ultimately reopened and turned into a multi-beer freehouse in 2009.
Brought back to life by mother and son duo, Lesley and Lee Watts, The Magnet is now considered one of Stockport‘s best and not-so-hidden gems, with more and more punters popping in to see its evolution year on year — so much so that Nat Geo has even paid a fair few visits themselves, as it turns out.
All that being said, for those in the know, this latest piece of recognition won’t come as that big of a surprise whatsoever.
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Not only was The Magnet voted the best pub in Stockport by CAMRA (Campaign For Real Ale) back in 2011 but the family-run venture also won the same accolade at the Greater Manchester Beer Awards in 2017, as well as numerous other regional nods down the years.
Making a splash within the first 18 months of its resurrection, the pub has been plugging away at locals over time and post-pandemic, especially, it seems the number of regulars and new faces enjoying a tipple at the modern-day Magnet has increased — and so has the buzz around the place.
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Take that from an SK native who knows a fair few people who have only recently taken their first steps in place over the past couple of years to see what all the fuss was about.
It also have a lovely outdoor space out back that’s the perfect suntrap in the summer. (Credit: The Magnet via Facebook)
With National Geographic insisting that “if everyone had a neighbourhood local like this, the world would be a better place”, they hail the no-frills watering hole for getting “all the basic things bang-on” and focusing on “crucially, the community”.
Now multi-award winning and offering up 14 different cask ales, 12 ever-changing craft kegs, as well as a wide selection of wine and spirits including craft gins, The Magnet Freehous has come along in the past decade and a half. They even have their own microbrewery and have done since 2014.
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As well as live music and comedy nights, they also now boast everything from special events like ‘Cocktails ‘n’ Canvas’ and their hugely popular weekly pizza nights, where stonebaked slices are served up by fellow Stopfordian and artisan market regular, ‘The Pizza Maker’.
Stockport is becoming trendy — that’s just their words, they’re ours too and, at this point, just straight-up fact. There’s a reason it was voted Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture in 2023. Congratulations to The Magnet and whether you’re a local or not, make sure to stop in for a pint next time you’re in the area.
Featured Images — The Magnet Freehouse (via Facebook)
Food & Drink
Festive Bakes return as Greggs unveils its Christmas menu for 2024
Emily Sergeant
Greggs has unveiled its Christmas menu for 2024, and that means the Festive Bake is back again in all its glory.
The UK’s most-popular high street bakery chain has officially revealed the first round of its festive food and drink offering for the 2024 season, and there’s a few brand-new goodies joining the lineup this year, along with the return of some undeniable fan-favourites.
And of course, nothing spells Christmas at Greggs quite like the Festive Bake, right?
The chain’s classic crumb-coated pastry filled with chicken, sage and onion stuffing, and sweetcure bacon in a creamy sage and cranberry sauce goes down an absolute treat each year, and is a serious fan-favourite, so it’s no surprise it’s made a comeback for 2024.
‘Tis the season! Get ready to taste a ‘rapturous riot of flavour’ declares @Nigella_Lawson because the Festive Bakes are returning!
Thankfully for plant-based foodies, the Vegan Festive Bake has also made a comeback this year after being absent in 2023.
Another returning Greggs festive favourite this year is the Christmas Lunch Baguette, which is a freshly-baked baguette “jam-packed full of festive flavours”, alongside the brand-new Festive Flatbread with sage and onion-style chicken, sweetcure bacon, mayo and cranberry and red onion relish.
When it comes to sweet treats, the second round of the Greggs’ festive menu set to be released in late November is expected to feature lots more goodies, but for now, the yummy Toffee Fudge Muffin, and the indulgent Chocolate & Hazelnut Flavour Doughnut have both returned to satisfy your sugar cravings.
Greggs has unveiled its Christmas food and drink menu for 2024 / Credit: Greggs
The festive drinks lineup this year includes some sweet new additions, alongside the popular Mint and Orange mochas and hot chocolates, and the Salted Caramel Latte.
Gingerbread is the new flavour for 2024, and you can get Gingerbread Lattes both hot and iced, as well as a Gingerbread Flat White.
All drinks are topped with whipped cream, and come with a range of festive sauces and toppings.
The 2024 Greggs Christmas menu is now available to tuck into across the UK from this Thursday (7 November).
Featured Image – Greggs
Food & Drink
‘Dashing dachshund’ pop-up cafe to welcome hundreds of sausage dogs to Manchester this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Big dachshund fan? Love seeing lots of little sausage dogs in the same place? Looking for your little pup to make some sausage friends?
Well, you’re in luck, as the Dachshund Pup Up Cafe is back at the end of next month, and if the concept of the popular event wasn’t flipping cute enough already as it is, this time around, it’s a Christmas-themed edition, and it’s all sounding set to be the perfect festive day out in the city with your four-legged friend.
If you’re looking to get in the Christmas spirit early, then the ‘Dashing Dachshund’ pop up cafe – or we should say ‘pup up cafe’ – is returning to Manchester next weekend.
The adorable event will be filling a popular city centre venue with loads of sausage dogs to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
A ‘dashing dachshund’ pop-up cafe is coming to Manchester this Christmas / Credit: The Pup Up Cafe
Last year, more than 250 dachshunds visited the cafe to join in on the festive fun, and this year is expected to be no different, as the event organisers have secured a large city centre space for all the dogs to roam free.
Sausage dog owners and dachshund fans can mingle with many furry little friends, take part in a range of seasonal activities, and stock up on dachshund-related goodies as early Christmas presents.
The pups themselves can enjoy unlimited dog treats and free puppuccinos, while playing until their heart’s content with other sausages.
It’s all sounding set to be the perfect festive day out with your four-legged friend / Credit: The Pup Up Cafe
With up to 50 sausage dogs allowed per session, and festive fancy dress very much encouraged, each pup will get a Christmas present on arrival at the party, and will even have the chance to win some extra prizes if they’re the best dressed.
A dedicated photographer will be getting snaps of each session and there’ll be loads of Christmas props to use in the pictures.
So, if you fancy joining The Pup Up Cafe for “a sausage mad day” when it arrives in Manchester for Christmas on Sunday 17 November, then tickets will set you back £12 if you’re a sausage dog owner, and £15 if you’re just a dachshund fan who’s keen to go along for the fun anyway.