please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Sorry. Forgot to mention that Salopian Oracle was also on. It is the one permanent ale.
|
The Magnet is fairly unassuming from the outside. But step inside and you'll find a beer ticker's paradise. Ales are shown on big screens. Although I'm not quite sure of their accuracy. The beer I had was listed under dark beers, but then there was a further comment describing it as a "pale ale". The full selection of cask beers was Track Sonoma Pale, Bollington White Nancy & Dinner Ale, Siren Yulu, Iron Pier English Pale, Fernandes Jolly Joker, Tiny Rebel Express Yourself (my choice), Millstone Tiger Rut, Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold, Brightside Uncle Dunkel, Kelham Island Pale Rider & Thornbridge Woodlands. My only criticism would be the lack of a real cider. The place was fairly busy. I retreated to a small side room, where a group of people appeared to be having a mass picnic, presumably with the permission of the staff. Another good Stockport pub.
|
Quite a nice pub. Feels a bit less characterful than some of the other pubs in stockport which other users on here recommend as definitely seeing as a priority if in Stockport. Ale selection is good with mostly paler beers but also a few dark beers, which are priced at 80 pence a pint more when I went in. The barman was quite friendly and was even trying a sample of a couple of the beers my friend and I wanted to try. I went for Tiny Rebel Stay Puft, a pretty decent beer but not one you'd have more than one pint of as it's quite sweet but it was well kept. My only other gripe is the opening times are a bit odd, they open at 4pm every day expect on Saturday and may be Friday I believe (open at 12 those days), not necessarily a problem but the other pubs like the crown and the hope open at 12 on weekdays, so you'd think the magnet would want to compete with them during these times. Either way, a pub worth a look in.
|
More classic 'public' and 'lounge' style than on last visit. Plenty of ales on in good nic'.
anonymous - 30 Aug 2015 13:18 |
Absolutely fantastic with passionate staff who care about the ales excellent.
|
Another pub on the Manchester road, but only halfway up the hill. Fairly long and thin, but with hardly any windows facing the main road. Like many Stockport pubs, on entering you are presented with a choice of “bar” and “vaults”. The vaults is done in red and white, and features wooden beams, some arches to separate little enclaves, and mixture of seating types. [ It was fairly full, so I had to settle for a high stool and a small round table ] The bar is lighter with more communal seating, though I was only there briefly.
The pub advertises it serves 14 beers, and I see no reason to doubt their claim. However, not all pumps can be seen at once. I chose Fyne Ales Lowlander, which was OK, but disappointingly didn’t have a picture of a South Notts bus on the pump clip !
8/10 – would be the best pub in town in many places, but not this one !
|
I've visited The Magnet several times over the last few months. I really enjoy it in there. Fantastic range of beers every time. Had quality offerings from Magic Rock, Redwillow, Buxton etc as well as slightly less common bottles of some of our favourite American breweries like Brooklyn, Anchor and Flying Dog. it's a bit more expensive than the Crown but still reasonable. I've always found the atmosphere to be good when we have visited, usually a Friday night but the most recent time was a Sunday. It gets quite busy. Some people might not like that there is no music, but I find that adds to the atmosphere - people enjoying good beer. The Crown is great, but I think The Magnet just edges it for me, because the Crown doesn't have a good selection of bottled beers.
|
A decent ale house with friendly staff that care about their beer. Plenty of seating outside at the back on 3 levels.
alexw - 25 Jul 2014 22:56 |
Thank you mancunianlass, I was very aware of what pub I was in and it was not a good experiance. One thing I omitted from my posting was the uncomfortable encounter with the over made up landlady Lesley she flirted shamlessly with me ( I am no George Clooney) before she went to mop up the blood. I won't miss this pub
|
Re comments below about smelly bellys comments he/she is correct I was in that night and the fight was about football between two regulars Bert the window cleaner and john who take his son in there and yes there was blood everywhere. Neither of them have been barred and both sill drink there
|
I'd agree with that last comment. I've never seen any trouble at the Magnet, not since it changed to the best ale pub in Stockport 3 years ago. I very rarely give 10 out of 10 but that's what I've given Magnet.
perhaps smellybelly has confussed the Magnet with the George opposite Debenhams
|
Methinks smelly belly was on drugs before he/she got to the Magnet.
Either that or it'a jealous rival operator....
|
Just a general comment regarding BITE. Why have they stopped the comments from being uploaded on the home page - even on the live stream?
|
First visit to Stockport started here straight off the bus but wont be drinking here again beer was ok but there was a fight and there was blood everywhere, I was then offered drugs for sale in the toilets. Couldnt wait to leave
|
wet in last night, final stop on a 4 pub crawl around Stocky - Ye Olde Vic, Ye Olde Woolpack, Crown and Magnet. Being a long standing fan of the Crown, I'm afraid to admit that The Magnet has now finally taken the mantle of best ale pub in Stocky. The punters seem to think so too, more people in the Magnet on a Wednesday night than in the other three combined. Superb range of ales, all kept and served with great care and passion. Hopefully the new brewery and other improvements will be done soon to make this place even better. Don't get me wrong, The Crown is still quality, it's just that The Magnet is just that slightly bit better now.
Keep the Liverpool Organic coming!!
|
Report from Stockport night out 31 March 2012: The Magnet was extremely busy with all seating taken. The pub was doing a roaring trade, probably the busiest of the evenings beer tour. Several pints of Chocolate Mint Stout from Outstanding Beers were sampled, this beer is just sublime � my favourite during the night!! Also, the pork pies are great value at �1.25 each.
|
I found the comments below from mattymarlow very interesting. I go in both pubs but do prefer the Crown and yes the landlord and his girlfriend can be found at the bar in the evenings (something I find to be good in a pub. more personal) but to say this stops you getting to the bar is odd. It has a larger bar area so two people sat there would not do that. Have you ever spoken to Steve and Tracy? If you did you would find them very pleasant and very helpful. They take an interest in their beer, pub and customers.
You mention the forthcoming brewery at the Magnet, it says outside the pub home of cellarrat but as of yet no brewery, when is this happening?
|
As someone writes earlier............ "This pub is not run by the same people as the excellant Crown, there is no connection between the two pubs"
She's right, thank goodness!! It's so nice to be able to get to the bar without having to elbow your way past the landlord, his partner and mate, just to get a pint!
It certainly shows that the staff of the Magnet made the Crown the pub it is today. They have created a very friendly and clean boozer, that is run like clockwork, serves ales in perfect condition and is constantly improving their pub, not sitting still!
When this, already superb, pub gets it's own brewery...my goodness what a place it will be then.
And it's got a pool table!!
|
This pub really deserves the lowly 5.2 rating that I have given it.
Take my advice and go to the Crown - Its a much better pub.
|
Pub a bit cafe like much prefer the more pub like Crown down the road
|
Liked it much more on 2nd visit, though still quietish on Saturday lunchtime (though the pleasant outdoors areas for smokers looked busy). Several distinct drinking areas I'd not noticed last year give the pub a more lived-in look than I'd remembered, and the welcome was warm. Beer quality was good if not the best in Stockport.
|
What a gem of a pub, called in while passing through Stockport on our way back to the Wirral from Buxton. Not only was the real ale and cider selections top class but the staff were knowledgeable and helpful. Our visit was too brief but we will certainly be back.
|
Nice enough place with plenty of ales on. Had a pint of the Dunham Massey Dark which was pretty good. Has two rooms one of which has high chairs while the other half a bit of a feel of a Vegan cafe as opposed to a pub. Nice enough to drop in to for a pint.
anonymous - 19 Sep 2011 16:46 |
An excellent pub with pleasant staff and pleasant surroundings. The only downside for me is that Pictish beers, one of my favourites are rarely seen on the bar.
G0RXA - 13 Sep 2011 20:38 |
Personally I can't believe the rating of this place is so low!?!? I gave it a good solid 8 myself. Last time I was in after sampling several fantastic ales I went on the Paulaner Weissbier and it was delicious!
|
I have to agree with Nigelgain. This pub is a gem, like the Crown Inn nearby. The quality of the beer is excellent, and you can even take a carryout of your favourite ale home with you. I will definitely be going back there again when in Stockport and I would urge anyone who considers themselves a real ale fan to do the same and disregard some of the unintelligible and garbled comments made re this pub. Fantastic, and well worth a visit!
|
This pub is now using facebook to ask for votes!
|
Excellent pub run by friendly people with a great, knowledgeable staff.
Incredibly diverse selection of ales. Fourteen constantly varying hand-pumps and a dazzling array of bottled beers from around the world.
I have read some pretty ignorant comments made by one or two detractors on this website. I would advise that you are not misled by their misplaced negativity. Visit the pub yourself and make up your own mind. If you like real, quality beer, you'll be fine and so glad you made the trip. I stumbled on this location by accident one afternoon back in February (2011). I count that event as a very good break indeed. I've been coming back as often as I can ever since. Do yourselves a favour: go and see for yourselves.
|
Not my idea of a pub don`t feel comfortable in here
|
re comment below they have stockports worse drink there Russ and carpet Kieth
|
This place has got better with the upstairs outside decking for warm lazy afternoons. Strangely enough the inside decor is very reminicent of the new oxford in salford as they are very clinical. I can't image this place getting any dickheads in this establishment which is a compliment.
|
This pub is not run by the same people as the excellant Crown, there is no connection between the two pubs
|
Went for first time the other day. I'd heard it was being run by the same people as the excellent Crown and wasn't disappointed. Not just well-kept cask beer but pork pies behind the bar as well. What more do you want?
m_j_t - 25 May 2011 10:31 |
It's pretty good, but not a place I felt like lingering on my own (something to do with the seating ?). The Railway over the road felt like a real pub and Holts was great.
|
Been in this pub a couple of times and my only gripe is the opening times in midweek but well worth waiting for. I believe that they will be having a brewery at the pub called Cellar Rat in the near future. A very clean place with a good range of beers and a novel idea of take outs in a carton similar to an orange juice one. There is a good beer garden which would be perfect for a beer festival. The staff are friendly and seem well up on the beers. A great pub and well worth putting on your real ale trail in Stockport.
|
Casual user of this site, thought would register just to add my views as a recent visitor to The Magnet.
Am surprised with the low overall rating of this pub, as it would appear are some others. Been a couple of times and on both occassions have found the staff to be friendly and the beer excellent, with a wide range to choose from (and a v useful colour coded chalkboard). So no complaints from me on that front.
More spacious than the outside would suggest with plenty of seating and a good use of space out back with the decked beer garden & rooftop. Very pleasant in the all too rare Manc/Stockport sunshine!
Not familiar with it in it's previous guise, so maybe it's not the traditional boozer that it once was?! Can sort of see what people are saying re: atmosphere in this respect, but the positivesd outweigh this slightly intangible negative. Certainly pleasant and 'atmospheric' enough when I went for mid afternoon / early eve drink over the bank holiday. Give it time to develop its place in the local beer scene I guess?
Will definitely return
|
clean but soulless place
|
A very good choice of real ales, with the ones tried being in fine condition. The pub definitely seems to be a real ale drinkers' meeting place. In that sense it lacks the 'normal' pub atmosphere. Well worth a visit.
|
DoctorBarfly, i was under the impression that this forum was a democratic one, encompassing a diverse range of opinion and observation regarding pubs and the ales they dispense. Although your appreciation of the Magnet is touching in a provincial way, it is but one of many!
|
As I was the first to post a review, I cannot believe this pub has achieved such a (undeservedly) low rating since then. You can enjoy a great selection of real ales (usually a mere 14 on handpump), which have been spot on every time that I have called in for a pint. My colleagues have also enjoyed the range of bottled continental beers that are available too. The d�cor and layout is more modern and brighter than a traditional real ale establishment, and maybe some punters find this too sterile? Overall, this pub is a great addition to Stockports real ale scene, and is well worth a try.
|
Very clean pub very quiet when I called in so didn`t stay long
|
Yup, that's gotta be Russ.
|
The comment below has to refer to Russ, it cant be anyone else.
|
This pub may have a good few beers on but it doesn`t have the feel of a boozer that appeals to me. As I said they have a good few beers but only a few good ones, quality was poor pub was cold and atmosphere chilly thanks to a customer at the bar who felt he had to give me his opinion of the beers on offer. He didn`t seem to like any of them saying they were "green" made me wonder why he was there until some one said no other pub in Stockport would serve him. It will be a while before I try there again
|
First time visitor to the Magnet and left with mixed feelings about the place.
Good points: A reasonable selection of ales at affordable prices. A pint of Abbeydale Smoked Porter was sampled and enjoyed. Service was swift and polite, the young fellow behind the bar appearing enthusiastic about the beer on offer.
Bad points: Zero atmosphere, tired decor and uncomfortable seating. The pub could have been warmer, a distinct chill permeated the building.
I feel this establishment is a work in progress, a visit sometime in the future may change my opinion.
|
Tried again following chad`s comment on his wife going in on her own I often go out alone before meeting friends and find it very difficult finding pubs that I am comfortable in, the magnet is NOT one of them. Never again
|
Quite simply one of the best pubs in Greater Manchester, never mind Stockport. Sure, the decor isn't going to win prizes, but I think the range and quality of the beer speaks for itself - cellar lady Sarah is simply one of the best in the region. The pub has a great atmosphere, friendly regulars and absolutely wonderful staff. The pool table is only 50p and the beer prices (both draft and bottled) are incredibly reasonable.
A requirement for any pub crawl in Stockport - it often features as a starting point for our Manchester trips. If only Heaton Norris station still existed!
|
I can't believe people have given this pub a low rating, In my opinion the joint best pub in Stockport (with the Crown).14 very well kept real ales, 3 draught continental lagers, draught real cider or perry and a full menu of bottled continental/US beers and ciders. The decor is good (the room at the back is going to be renevated soon) My better half likes this pub far more than the Crown and does not feel uncomfortable if she arrives first and has to sit on her own for a while. Likewise I'll quite happily go in for a pint or two on my own.
The staff are very friendly and will help you with your selection. A good colour coding system on the chalk board makes choosing easier. If you're ever in Stockport don't automatically head for the Crown, this pub is well worth a visit, you will not be dissapointed.
|
My first visit and was not dissapointed. Great selection of ales and friendly customers and staff. Make sure you put it on your Stockport crawl.
|
Excellent! If in stockport you should definately try this pub.
|
I went in here but was made to feel very uncomfortable because I was on my own
|
Agree with Shorty, I think the new licensees haven't put their own stamp on the place. The beer range is excellent and well maintained, the surroundings nice but the place doesn't really have the 'feel' of The Crown. Not criticising, I'll give it 7 out of ten, would have been 10 out of 10 if Jack was still behind the bar :-)
|
Went in for the first time recently, on a Saturday afternoon; lovely pub. Great selection of ales on offer and my girlfriend was delighted to see bottles of Timmermans in the fridge as well.
There's plenty of room to sit with a group of friends or find a quiet table out of the way. Very nice decor and and has a friendly vibe to it. Easily one of the better pubs in Stockport; I will definitely be calling in there again soon.
|
was in here on monday. Although I like it, there was hardly any people in there. Maybe the monday factor was involved? Anyway after I left I soon learned that I had simply started off in the wrong pub. If I had started in the crown then gone to the magnet I could have had the cheese night special served every monday! ah well I'll know for next time.
|
14 handpumps, Sheppy's cider (delicious) apparently going to start brewing their own beer in the not so distant future (Cellar Rat). Friendly locals and barstaff make this a pleasant place to chat and enjoy the real ale. Recommended.
|
Good range of real ales, some quite unusual, well kept and served by friendly staff.
Called within days of its reopening last November and looked a bit bare but on revisit has been made to feel much more homely.
Owned by family who were involved with the nearby and award winning Crown and seem to be reinvesting as the their success grows after much hard work.
Well worth a visit and I predict will be Stockport's number One pub in 12 months time!
|
You can enjoy a great selection of real ales (usually a mere 14 on handpump) that are very well kept. My colleagues have also enjoyed the range of bottled continental beers that are available too. The Magnet is certainly great addition to the Stockport Real Ale scene. As I was the first to post a review, I cannot believe this pub has achieved such a (undeservedly) low rating since then. Maybe we need a reality check please���
|
why such a low rating guys? if you like ale, what more could you possibly want? I've been around the country to hundreds of multi ale pubs and this is as good as any
I agree the interior needs work but the essence of a quality pub has to be the beer, no problems here!
|
This is a great pub, and as already mentioned it reopened last November and is run by the familiar team from the Crown on Heaton Lane. The interior is bright and airy, the bar area looking particularly modern and the lounge area being slightly more traditional. I wouldn't say it's uncomfortable, but it needs a bit more wear and tear. 14 handpumps adorn the bar, one of these usually serves real cider/perry, there are a couple of tall fonts serving fairly interesting keg beers such as Paulaner Hefe-Weisse, and there is a well stocked fridge full of imported bottles, including Brooklyn and Flying Dog beers. One of the great things Lesley and co have brought here is the return of cheese night, on Monday evenings!
|
Shorty states "it is missing a very vital ingredient" .
What precisely it the missing ingredient then Shorty?
This is a great pub in my opinion.
|
Shame this place could be good be just doesn`t manage it. It is missing a very vital ingredient
|
absaloutly amazing beer after only just opening in the recent months. but some how i didnt feel comfortable drinking in there. didnt seem like a real drinkers pub, jus to light and i hate to say it but to feminate
|
The Magnet has recently been re-opened by one of the owners of the nearby Crown and boasts an excellent selection of up to 14 hand pulled real ales. Real cider is also available and there is a menu with a large selection of bottled beers from europe & the usa. A brewery has been installed in the Cellar and in the next couple of months the "Cellar Rat" brewery should begin to produce a range of ales for sale in the pub. Can't wait to try them. Excellent pub.
|
A brilliant new ly re-opened pub. The beer selection is superb and the pub is spotless being recently redecorated.
The landlady is called Lesley and she is most friendly and helpful.
Highly recommended.
|
I was in here on opening night last year, what a great place! It might not look like much from the outside but inside it's real ale heaven!
14 pumps, lots from Wales/Shropshire/Wye Valley, all perfectly kept. With the Crown (16 pumps) just 5 mins away, and Railway (15) another 5; does this make Stockport the Real Ale Capital of the North?!!
|
The Magnet is great addition to the Stockport Real Ale scene. The pub has recently been refurbished and now sells a truly top-class selection of real ales. The beers are certainly spot on � with Hop Back stout and Gorlovka Stout being superb on my recent visits. The pub has a modern yet traditional feel and is a nice environment for a pint (or two!). Also, The Magnet is only a mere 5-minute walk away from the equally excellent Crown, so that is plenty of reason to visit Stockport for a beer in the evening!
|
