‘Hidden gem’ is a Magnet for success
ASTOCKPORT pub described by its customers as “a little treasure” has been named one of the best UK’s pubs.
The Magnet in the town centre has been named among 12 of the best boozers by National Geographic.
The pub which is known for its impressive selection of cask ales and ever-changing keg selection has been praised by the magazine for its “no-frills” approach, “impressive” gin selection, and community feel.
The Wellington Road pub opened 14 years ago and is run by mother and son Lesley and Lee Watts.
Sitting amongst venues across the UK, in locations spanning London, Edinburgh and Wales Preseli Hills, the publication states that Stockport is becoming “trendy” and the boozer is attracting attention too.
“If everyone had a neighbourhood local like this, the world would be a better place,” it adds.
It also commends the pub’s ability to get “all the basic things bang-on” when it comes to drinks, snacks and the community it serves.
“Beyond a brilliant beer selection and impressive array of gins, there are pub games and a sun-soaked beer garden,” it concludes.
And it seems the pub, which is spread across seven floors and prides itself on its “traditional” approach to running a free house, is rather elated to be included in National Geographic’s round-up.
Sharing the article on its Facebook page, owners said: “Proud to receive such recognition. We never big ourselves up, it’s not our style but so much hard work goes on behind the scenes it’s great to receive such recognition.
“We are very proud that our customers love our pub as much as we do. Forever grateful for them and our excellent bar staff. Our pub really is an extension of our family. We really couldn’t be prouder.”
The comments were quickly filled with messages of support.
One wrote: “Yesss!! The maggers is a great pub. Glad to see you get the recognition.”
Another added: “Well done, brilliant beer, great staff, friendly customers, dog friendly (even though I don’t own one), no televisions, I absolutely love The Magnet. Keep up the good work.”
And a third simply added: “Fully Deserved. The Magnet is a little treasure”
The pub, which is described by visitors on TripAdvisor as a “hidden gem”, the “best pub in Stockport”, and “well worth a visit”, was first built in 1840 as a coaching inn due to its proximity to Heaton Norris Station and has retained its original name since then.
In 2009, the derelict building was refurbished and turned into a family friendly, real ale pub which owners say boasts “decent beers and a decent decor”.
As well as serving up a wide variety of cask ales from local breweries and a ever-changing keg selection and bottles from around the world, it also offers up a range of snacks including locally made pork pies, as well as homemade stonebaked pizzas from its pizza maker at the rear of the pub.
Lee said he was totally surprised but said that it’s their “no-frills” approach that has stood them in good stead.
“We’re the originals really, for 14 years we’ve gone though from starting with cask, then going into craft keg and gins and everything else, plus doing the pizzas too.”
“But even though it’s Stockport, which is not what it used to be and is changing rapidly we still want to keep the prices fair and then people can visit more often because we’re not overpriced.
“There’s none of this let’s charge £6 for a pint business, the prices have always been fair, and that brings in more people and created a great atmosphere.
“We’ve got 17 casks beers on and 12 keg and we’ve got a good reputation because we’ve been going for so long. A lot of smaller bars will call up a brewery and get one type of beer, but I’ll call up and get six and will get a 10% discount structure so I can pass on that saving to customers. I also try to get the best local beers from around here.
“We’re just an old-school type of pub and there’s not many of them about anymore. We’ve got a pool table, not everyone has those, two dart boards and I don’t really post much on social media as I want to try and just keep it straightforward really,”