23 Millgate
Stockport
SK1 2LX
0161 480 2185
The Arden Arms is in a red brick three storey house built in 1815 and used as a mortuary before it became a pub (photo 1). The first landlord was George Raffald, nephew of Elizabeth Raffald, a 19th century celebrity who wrote a popular book on housekeeping and created Manchester’s first trade directory.
Much of the pub interior dates from the middle of the 19th century which makes it a remarkable survivor. Robinsons brewery took over the pub in 1889 and made a few further alterations in the early 1900s, but very little has changed since then. The Millgate Room on the right of the pub has an old fireplace, an Arden Arms etched window and (not in photo) a grandfather clock (photo 3). The Arden is famous for having one of only three remaining pub rooms in the country which are accessed by walking through the bar, and which need staff permission to be used. This called the ‘Select’ and if you use it you’ll find yourself sharing it with the hi fi, wine rack and coffee machine (photos 2 & 5)!
All of Robinson’s beers are served, including Old Tom in the winter (photo 2) and the pub has been in the Good Beer Guide for as long as I can remember. Food is inventive with two or three pub classics plus a selection of dishes that are bang up to trend.
The Arden is opposite the Grade I listed Parish Church of St Mary and is a short walk from the Market Place and town centre (photo 4).
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