Categories > Guides and Tips

The 10 Best Pubs in Cheadle to Unwind and Enjoy
The UK’s pub culture is truly remarkable, with charming pubs scattered across the country. This abundance of watering holes often leads to the inevitable question: where’s the best pub?
In our opinion, the best pub is one that offers not only great beer but also an unbeatable atmosphere. If you find yourself in Cheadle, whether for business or pleasure, you’re in luck—this cosy village boasts a variety of pubs where you can enjoy a pint and good company.
We’ve done the legwork and scoured the area to bring you the top pubs in Cheadle. So, read on and discover your next favourite nightlife area!
Red Lion
Media from Red Lion Cheadle
Address: 83 Stockport Rd, SK8 2AJ
Contact details: 0161 428 5507
Operating hours:
- Monday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Tuesday and Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Red Lion, a cherished local pub partnered with the equally beloved Robinsons Brewery, is perfect for any occasion. Drop by for a quick pint, or visit specifically on a Sunday to catch its famous roast menu.
No matter the time of day or season, Red Lion’s braised featherblade of beef is a savoury showstopper that pairs perfectly with any of your favourite beers on tap. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, their crisp and hot fish and chips are also worth a try.
Additionally, with its recent renovation, the updated space at Red Lion can now accommodate more guests—time to enjoy a great time with friends!
Pro tip: Red Lion’s Happy Hour, featuring numerous “two for the price of one” promos, takes place every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. |
The Church Inn
Media from The Church Inn
Address: 90 Ravenoak Rd, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7EG
Contact details: 0161 485 1897
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: ££
The Church Inn along Ravenoak Road might appear like the typical boring watering hole with an outdoor beer garden, since it’s the oldest pub in the entirety of Cheadle Hulme. But it will surprise you with its offerings and promos that feel like an unexpected punch (in a good way).
The beers, mostly from its partner brewer Robinsons, are splendid and considered “real ales” by many. However, the food is where the Church Inn truly excels.
The Church Inn serves hearty breakfast, mains, sandwiches, Sunday roasts, and even afternoon tea! Whether you’re there for the drinks or the delicious food, this pub has it all.
Pro tip: For something stronger than beer, The Church Inn has you covered. Explore its gin and prosecco selection to find your perfect companion drink. |
The James Watts
Media from James Watts
Address: 13 High St, SK8 1AX
Contact details: 0161 428 3361
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: £
For fans of the Hydes brewery, a visit to the James Watts in Cheadle is a must. With great drinks, a cosy pub atmosphere, a backyard beer garden, and lively entertainment and events, the James Watts offers a complete experience.
Unlike its contemporaries, the James Watts focuses less on bar chow, though it still offers tasty options. You can enjoy a sharing plate with different meats, mezze (sides in smaller dishes), cheese, sandwiches, and pies.
For the best experience, visit the James Watts on a Saturday evening around 8:00 PM to enjoy your beer with live music.
Pro tip: The James Watts offers different promos on its drinks (both ales and non-ales) every day. For the latest updates, check out its official website and social media pages. |
Archive Bar
Media from ARCHIVE BAR
Address: 2 Mellor Rd, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5AU
Contact details: 0161 485 8761
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday – 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday and Monday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
The Archive Bar may look unassuming from the outside—more like a family restaurant than a pub—but don’t get fooled. Inside, it’s a lively and vibrant spot for alcoholic fun.
Archive prides itself on its excellent selection of ales and other alcoholic drinks. The ales are carefully curated, rotating seasonally to enhance the experience.
The other half of a great Archive visit is the food. The sharing plates are splendid, featuring offerings such as cured Italian meats and artisan cheese.
There are also cheekily named but tasty pizzas! Sgt Pepper (pepperoni) is an obvious eye-catcher, while the Notorious P.I.G. (with pineapple) is a current favourite of ours, even if it might make Italians cringe.
Pro tip: Take note, Archive is closed two days of the week. Schedule your visits accordingly. |
The Cross Keys
Media from Richard Gottfried
Address: 10 Adswood Rd, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5QA
Contact details: 0161 485 1386
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: £
If you’re looking for a spacious pub, we highly recommend the Cross Keys in Cheadle Hulme. This pub occupies the entirety of a converted inter-war house and has a wide beer garden in its backyard.
For the beers, expect selections from Hydes, its partner brewery.
The atmosphere feels very authentic, as you can sense that most people are regulars with their loud and lively conversations.
You can just hang out for drinks and chatter, but you can also drop by for watching F1 or footy over the pub’s telly. You might become one of the Cross Keys’ loyal patrons in no time!
Pro tip: Like other Hydes partner pubs, the Cross Keys has a brilliant list of drink promos throughout the week! Just check its website or approach the friendly bar staff for the latest details. |
The Chiverton Tap
Media from The Chiverton Tap
Address: 8 Mellor Rd, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5AU
Contact details: 0161 485 4149
Operating hours:
- Monday – 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Pricing: £
Bob, Mary and Andrew’s community-loved pub, the Chiverton Tap, has been a mainstay at Mellor Road for almost a decade now. It’s well-known for its great ales from a variety of breweries, which you can keep track of via Chiverton’s online “Live Drinks Board.”
There are a couple of things one might not like about the Chiverton Tap.
The place is quite small for our taste and the pub isn’t huge on its food selections (though the pork pies are divine). However, these aspects don’t destroy the pub experience, but actually enhance it.
This pub also hosts a handful of monthly community events you might enjoy like a book club, an Italian-language meetup, and a mini geek convention.
Pro tip: The Chiverton Tap is dog-friendly, just like the other pubs on this list. We appreciate humane pub owners, as we share the same sentiment. |
INVENTERY
Media from Inventery
Address: 59-61 Station Rd, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7AA
Contact details: 0161 710 1430
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Monday and Tuesday – CLOSED
Pricing: ££
INVENTERY is an impeccably designed brick pub that’s cosy, inviting, and classy all at once. For banging drinks and food along Station Road, it’s definitely an establishment to put on the books.
The pub offers a rotating selection of seven draft beers and is renowned for its inventive cocktails. We’re currently bewildered by the existence of its Mango Sticky Rice cocktail, but we can’t deny that it tastes fantastic!
As for the meals, the specials come on certain days of the week. Drop by on Sundays for the roast, or on Tuesdays for the grill night.
To keep patrons engaged and entertained, INVENTERY hosts regular quiz and comedy nights.
Pro tip: Looking for a bang-for-the-buck lunch? INVENTERY offers its lunch meals at a 40% discount every Wednesday, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. |
The Wobbly Stamp Ltd.
Media from The Wobbly Stamp
Address: 130 Stockport Rd, SK8 2DP
Contact details: 0161 523 0188
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: £
Friendly neighbourhood pub the Wobbly Stamp appears less spacious from the outside than it actually is, which may or may not be a deal breaker for groups. However, it’s great for all drinkers because, besides the spacious indoor bar, it has a fenced beer garden.
The ultimate sign that it’s a true community pub is its lack of actual meal selections. The usual peanuts and crisps are available, but that’s just it.
The genuine spirit of the Wobbly Stamp lies in the standout beers and great conversations you’ll have on the premises.
Pro tip: The Wobbly Stamp also has an online live beer board. Although it only lists three beers at the time of writing, this resource is a godsend for ale enthusiasts. |
The Rectory (a.k.a. Rectory SK8)
Media from Rectory
Address: 4 Old Rectory Gardens, SK8 1BX
Contact details: 0161 243 1851
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday and Tuesday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
We’re not sure how the Rectory’s name ties in with it being a pub (aside from its location in the Old Rectory Garden area of Cheadle), but we’re certainly glad it exists!
The Rectory mainly offers cocktails, craft ales, and wine in its colourful pub premises. There’s food, but you’ll need to ask the servers for the day’s menu, so the only constant here is the flow of alcohol (which we don’t mind).
The pub livens up more during community events.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a live music performance or a special footy-related night. Check out the Rectory’s social media to stay updated before you drop by.
Pro tip: Unfortunately, the Rectory doesn’t accept reservations, so plan your visit with peak hours in mind to ensure you get a seat. |
The Brew HG
Media from The Brew HG
Address: 217A Finney Ln, Heald Green, SK8 3PX
Contact details: 0161 437 2002
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Monday and Tuesday – CLOSED
Pricing: £
The Brew HG, nestled in the charming Herald Green, is a delightful family-owned pub that instantly lifts your spirits with its great drinks and chic decor. The outdoor seating area, adorned with planters and flowers, adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
Like many smaller pubs, The Brew HG shines with its ales and ambience.
The food menu is absent on most days, only being offered when there are events. It’s usually basic snacks like olives, pork pie, and sharing boards of cheese and cold meats.
Don’t miss out on the wine selection, which features a variety of reds, whites, rosés, proseccos, and ports. It’s a must-try for any wine enthusiast!
Pro tip: Feel free to bring your children to The Brew HG! Just keep in mind that kids under 12 are welcome until 6:30 PM, and those under 18 can stay until 7:30 PM. |