The Wharf

The Wharf, Caroline Street, Stalybridge  SK15 1PP

0161 338 2662

Nice pub in a nice location next to Huddersfield Narrow Canal, a few minutes' walk from the centre of Stalybridge. It is still family run, and has a homely, friendly atmosphere.

ambience - 4

decor - 4

pleasant and bright inside

service - 4

welcoming

ales - 2

always at least two cask ales, had Bombardier when I was last there

features - 2

small beer garden overloking the canal

acoustic folk music sessions once a month

toilet - 4

good, but a bit scruffier than the rest of the pub

Score 20 out of 30

The Q

The Q, Market Street, Stalybridge SK15 2AL

0161 303 9157

A homely, cosy pub, owned by Hydes brewery. Its claim to fame is that it is in the Guiness Book of Records for having the shortest name of any pub in England. It gets a low score, but that reflects that it's an average high street pub, not that it's a bad one. Worth dropping into, it has a friendlier atmosphere than most.

ambience - 3

decor - 3

dark wood, small bar area

service - 4

bar staff attentive and cheerful

ale - 0

no real ales

features - 0

Small pub, no space for pool tables or dartboard. Doesn't do food.

toilets - 3

one or two supplies had run out

Score 13 out of 30



The Buffet Bar, Stalybridge

The Buffet Bar, Platform One, Stalybridge Station

This pub is notable for occupying a platform on a railway station first of all, and for retaining its interior Victorian features from the 1880s. However, by modern standards this makes it drab and uncomfortable and, apart from its range of real ales, it has little to recommend it. It is popular with locals and real ale buffs, and is frequently overcrowded and noisy. The staff allow patrons to hang around at the bar when they're drinking, and since there is little space this means you have to fight your way to the bar to get served, and then fight your way out to find a seat.

ambience - 1

decor - 2

drab, seats are fairly comfortable

service - 0

the service is consistent: consistently grumpy and off-hand, and dead slow. If you're in this pub for a meal, expect to wait - and wait. I thought the service was slow because the pub was a victim of its own success, it frequently is very busy with people wanting to eat. But I have been in this pub a few times, and the speed of service never varies. I have been kept waiting an hour and ten minutes for a sandwich when it wasn't busy.

real ale - 5

always a selection of at least five

features - 0

toilets - 3

drab as the rest of the pub, but clean and adequately supplied with handwash, loo paper etc.

score 11 out of 30

The Whitehouse, Stalybridge

The White House, 1 Water Lane, Stalybridge SK15 2AG

centre of town opposite the bus station

Painted (mostly) dazzling white on the outside, this pub has a dark wood interior that gives it a comfortable, homely feel. A nice pub to linger in, especially on a winter's evening. It has been selling ale since 1826 and was named The White House in 1837.

ambience - 4

decor - 3
well maintained; comfortable seating
 

service -5

fast and friendly

ale - 5

Wide range of real ales

features -3

serves food during the day
live music twice a week 
dogs welcomed

toilet -4

score 24 out of 30