New micro-pub plans brewing
IT is hoped a new micro-pub could bring ‘something a little bit different’ and a sense of community to an area.
Planning permission has been granted to convert the former Stockport Road Post Office, in Cheadle, into an ‘alternative drinking house’.
Proposals lodged with the council say the pub will focus on local ales and create a ‘quieter establishment’ as opposed to the more lively venues in the centre of the village.
The man behind the scheme is Dave Ramwell, whose business partner also runs the successful Jake’s Ale House, in Romiley.
Mr Ramwell explained his vision for the hostelry to members of the Cheadle area committee.
He said: “We are looking to produce a public house that’s a little bit different to what we are normally used to. We are not looking to work with any large breweries, we are looking to deal with very, very local breweries and produce a wide selection of new ales to bring different flavours and bring a bit of passion and community to where we are at the post office.
“The building has been neglected for quite some time and it’s had some real issues on the corner. We want to try and eradicate that and bring a sense of community back to this end of Cheadle, at the end of Stockport Road near to Councillor Lane.”
Objections by residents included concerns over parking and traffic, but councillors were satisfied most patrons would be local and walk to the pub.
Mr Ramwell told the committee that customers from outside the area would be encouraged to come by public transport. He also said the nature of the pub - targeted at slightly older, real ale enthusiasts - meant it would be unlikely to see any trouble. And while the pub itself would not be offering food other than bar snacks, it would be exploring the possibility of nearby eateries and takeaways delivering to the premises.
Coun David Meller also the council’s economy chief, said: “It could be something really, really positive for the local area, particularly for that strip. In terms of what we are doing at the moment as a council we are trying to do what we can to support local businesses to get people to shop, eat and, I guess, drink local.”
Coun Tom Morrison said: “Someone coming and spotting an opportunity - particularly as we are moving into this era of economic uncertainty - is to be applauded for throwing their money at Cheadle.
“That’s something I welcome,” he said.
However, he said it was now incumbent on councillors to ‘crack on’ and sort out parking issues in the area.
However, Coun Graham Greenhalgh sounded a note of caution, adding: “I’m sorry to put a little doubt into it, but it’s not been a year since we closed the pub opposite because it couldn’t make ends meet.”
Planning permission was granted subject to a number of conditions including the fitting of noise insulation to protect the properties above and meeting opening hours of 11am to 11pm every day.