Raise a glass to a new family business that has come on tap

The Petersgate Tap, 19a St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1EB ‘NOT just another bar’ is the tagline for what is Stockport’s newest pub, The Petersgate Tap, which opened for business on Thursday, September 29. Naturally, I had to call in.

Located in a former betting shop, it is another sign of the slow but welcome regeneration of the Market Place area.

It’s a project by Alan and Carol Gent and their son Chris, who will be running the new pub on a day-to-day basis.

While it’s still something of a work in progress (pictures and artwork are promised to liven up what were some wide empty wall spaces), this does promise to be an important addition to the town’s pub and bar scene.

Downstairs is a light and airy bar with interesting recycled furniture and plenty of spec to move around.

I liked the box-type shelving behind the bar which is perfect for displaying the ‘bag-inbox’ ciders and also the wines, gins and teas available.

Upstairs will be a more intimately lit and comfortable lounge, and although this was not quite finished on opening night it promises to be a welcome retreat from the bustle of St. Petersgate outside.

I asked Alan and Chris how it all came about...

“Chris was looking at a brewing course,” Alan explains, “but when we got talking we thought, well there are lots of breweries around today so what about doing something from the other side of the bar?”

They looked at several properties before settling on St Petersgate and, after getting the keys in July, had to wait for various permissions to be granted before starting the conversion work.

So, what can you expect? Well the accent is on beer and cask beer, with six handpumps in use. Windermere Pale from Hawkshead Brewery is planned to be the house regular and there will be five changing guests.

For the first few weeks one of these guests will be a special Petersgate Porter brewed by Thirst Class Ales in Reddish (and a very nice drop of beer that is too).

There are three keg beers, two good imported German lagers and a changing UK guest, three traditional ciders (one sweet, medium and dry) plus a traditional perry.

In addition the fridges contain an interesting selection of modern bottled and canned beers.

Tea, coffee, wines and gins are available too.

At the moment food is just crisps, nuts and olives but sandwiches are a possibility. My own suggestion is that they should supply some of the truly excellent pies from near-neighbours Lord of the Pies.

“We want a place that appeals to everyone,” says Alan.

It’s early days yet but I think that’s just what they’ll have. It’s bang in the town centre so drop by soon and say hello. »»Opening hours: 12 noon until 11pm Tuesday – Sunday. Closed Monday.