Greater Manchester is awash with fantastic bars and pubs.
You’ve got your amazing historic pubs.
Incredible taprooms for something a bit more modern, too.
Oldham has been getting in on the action – and now it’s Stockport who are celebrating making international headlines with their ace boozers.
The much-loved Magnet Free House is finally getting its flowers, having been named in National Geographic as one of the best boozers in the UK.
The Magnet Free House
The pub’s owners, posting to Facebook said they were thrilled about it.
They said: “We are 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 is an extension of our family! We really couldn’t be prouder.”
What’s the Magnet Free House like?
The Magnet free house serves 13 real ales sourced from cracking microbreweries all across the UK,a real cider and a regularly changing selection of bottles from the US, Germany and Belgium.
The Magnet Freehouse is a real beer lovers pub.
What did National Geographic say about the pub?
“You may have heard talk that Stockport is becoming trendy — with The Magnet attracting a lot of attention.
“And quite rightly, too. If everyone had a neighbourhood local like this, the world would be a better place.
“Spread across several rooms, it gets all the basic things bang-on with a no-frills focus on drinks, snacks and, crucially, the community.
“Beyond a brilliant beer selection and an impressive array of gins, there are pub games and a sun-soaked beer garden.”
What makes a great pub according to National Geographic?
National Geographic expressed a desire for tradition and authenticity when collating the list of pubs.
The ideal pub, according to the article, should provide a serene and peaceful environment, acting as a refuge from the chaos of modern life. Key elements include:
- Atmosphere of Calmness: The pub should be a tranquil space for quiet contemplation, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Classic Features: Avoidance of modern distractions like loud music, sports broadcasts, and flashy gaming machines, to preserve the traditional and classic pub atmosphere.
- Simple Food and Drink Selection: A limited yet quality selection of beer, wine, and spirits without overwhelming choices. The focus is on traditional pub fare like nuts and crisps.
- Orderly Service: Service should involve organized queuing rather than modern conveniences like QR codes, emphasizing a more traditional and personal approach.
- Inclusion of Classic Pub Elements: The presence of a dog, preferably one that can play the piano, is suggested. This highlights the desire for quirky and charming elements that contribute to the pub’s unique character.
- Extended Stay: The pub should be so inviting that there is no compelling reason for patrons to leave, emphasizing the importance of a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Congratulations to all involved in what looks like a fantastic boozer. Cheers!
You can find out more on their website by clicking here