September 2008
AT LONG last the Red Bull on Hillgate has reopened after a major and expensive refurbishment that has also seen the pub extended into the building next door.
I made a few notes when I called but then I saw an e-mail from local CAMRA member Mike Wilson and he summed it up so well, I can do no better then reproduce his comments here…
I made a few notes when I called but then I saw an e-
“I made my first visit to the Red Bull since its extensive refurb by Robbies. Let me say that this had, for many years, been my favourite pub and I had long admired the fact it hadn't changed at all in the 35 years or so since I first became a customer. Some readers may recall Arthur and Isobel Slater who ran this pub in great style – although not everyone admired Arthur's artwork displayed on the walls!
So I hesitated to set foot in this much-loved pub, dreading what might have been an unsympathetic wrecking of a traditional ale house. Although there were one or two shocks in store (not the least of which was the end of the famous, if uncomfortable, outside toilets) the overall impression was quite favourable. The old bar has been stripped away in favour of a much more practical, straight bar across the back wall. Although the old bar had character, its u-bend shape made entry and exit from the pub very difficult when the pub was busy.
Some of the old stone flags have been retained, as have many of the old settles and some of the bench seating. The second bar has been removed but is unlikely to be missed. There is a completely new section where they have extended into the property next door (on the left as you enter).
The pub does seem to have been gentrified somewhat, but I guess that's only to be expected. But Robbies have done well to preserve some of what existed before and, once it has bedded down and feels less new, I'm sure it will be well received.
I only had time for a pint of Hatters Mild which was in very good shape. The Red Bull always used to dispense Robbies in excellent condition, so let's hope this tradition survives. My visit was a lunch time and I had a very pleasant beef sandwich. There are no regular meals currently being served in the evenings as the manager clearly wants to see the pub up and running again before getting too ambitious. However, I understand they are to experiment with a range of evening food - so why not pop down and give it a try”.
Speaking to Angie at the Swan with Two Necks, on Princes Street, she intends leaving early this month. .She will still be on the scene as a relief manager for licensees when on holiday. We wish her well, as she has achieved so much with the Swan. Her successors are from city centre Mulligans.
Meanwhile the White Lion on Underbank has reopened as some sort of bar-cum-restaurant but still sells no real ale. I have heard the cask beer has also gone from the St Peter’s Tavern and in any event the pub lease is up for sale, so it looks like another change of licensee is on the cards there. This cask loss leaves just the Calverts Court as the only cask outlet on St Petersgate.
In Edgeley it looks as though Jonjo Greens (formerly the Pineapple) on Castle Street is closed. It’s certainly been shut every time I have passed it recently. It’s not sold cask for years, of course. It looks like the Houldsworth in Reddish has also reached the end of the road and is now firmly shuttered up. More next time.
