New conservatory for old pub

If pubs could talk they would often tell even more interesting stories than the characters who frequent them and this is definitely true of the ale house at Stalybridge rail station.

The watering hole has just built a new conservatory and reopened to the delight of real ale fans in the area.

While now it is known for its real ale, the ancient pub has a long and colourful history, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The £50,000 renovation that was recently completed replaced the 123-year-old conservatory that stood at the site already.

One of the pubs most famous episodes was when then landlady Dot Redfern barred every member of the Aslef train drivers union during the strikes of 1980.

Stalybridge MP Lord Pendry admitted to the newspaper that he had a long-lasting affection for the bar.

"It has a special place in my heart as one who helped resurrect it in 1994 when it was condemned to be demolished," he said.

"I led a delegation to British Rail and gained a reprieve."

The pub has featured in the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) Good Beer Guide 20 times and is well respected by lovers of real ale.

The new Camra Good Beer Guide is available to buy now. While available in hard copy, Camra has also released the guide in satellite navigation and mobile editions.