There is a good bus network. Useful services include the Skyline 199 service between Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Stockport and Manchester Airport[1] and the 358 service to Hayfield in the Peak District.[2]
The Plaza. This lovingly restored 1930s cinema shows films and hosts theatre productions. The Christmas pantomime is one of the best in the region. You are welcome to look around or visit the authentic 1930s tearoom on the first floor with views out onto Mersey Square.
Stockport Viaduct - over eleven million bricks were used to build what was then the largest viaduct in the world. It is still hugely imposing and dominates the western edge of the town centre, and is a must for lovers of Victorian/railway architecture.
McDonalds (x2), KFC, Frankie & Benny's and Pizza Hut to name but a few. There is the fabulous History Cafe on Princes Street though. If you do go, pop upstairs to eat: it looks like a the living room of a 1950s decadent musician.
The local brewery, Robinsons[16], are the major supplier to most of the area's pubs, although other Manchester breweries and micro breweries are well represented. There are some 250 pubs and bars within the metropolitan borough of Stockport.
The UK real organisation CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ales)[17] features many Stockport pubs in its guide and lists a record number (5) of pubs on its National Inventory of Historic Pubs. Stockport is very appealing to fearless beer/pub architecture enthusiasts in the wider area, with far more pubs than most towns of its size. A few of the best appear below.
Bamford Arms, Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport. A Beefeater[18] pub/restaurant located in the leafy suburb of Heaviley, around a mile south of Stockport town centre.edit
The Park Inn, New Bridge Lane, Portwood, [19]. A friendly local community pub that offers real ale , plenty of entertainment, food served lunchtimes and evenings, and a jukebox with music that spans seven decades which is absolutely FREE at all times. Take a virtual tour at their website!
Arden Arms, Millgate, [20]. A runner-up in the CAMRA 2005 national pub awards. Excellent food at lunchtimes and weekends, good beer and reasonable wines.
The Olde Vic, Chatham Street, Edgeley, [21]. Close to the rear entrance of Stockport Station, this rather decrepit-looking pub is one of the most successful free houses in the area, offering a minimum of 5 different beers from small independent breweries around the UK. The owner, an ex-policema , operates a no sewearing and bad behaviour policy and offers a warm welcome to all in his eclectic and quirky pub.
Porter's Railway, Portwood (just east of town centre), [22]. This pub is often threateend by demolition but still survives at the time of writing. Its character and sheer range of ales is rivalled by few.
Crown, [23]. Nestled beneath the viaduct, this characterful little boozer has long attracted beer enthusiasts due to its wide range of ales, cosy interior and spectacular location.
