When we first moved into our new digs at Chapel Studios in sunny Stockport, one of the first items of business was to find a decent local. Imagine our delight when we discovered that at about the same time we were moving in, The Bakers Vaults pub in the heart of Stockport market place was re-opening after a massive refurbishment.

After a few Friday visits, we all agree that the Bakers Vaults is perfect for our needs. It serves a great selection of beers, ciders and decent hearty grub and it’s got a good atmosphere.

 

When the former Bakers shut for good last Christmas Robinsons Brewery was quick to respond and pledged its commitment to resurrect the grade II listed pub. Jonny Booth, Jamie Langrish and Rupert Hill – the team behind the likes of The Parlour, Parlour Dogs, The Eagle Inn, The Castle Hotel and Gullivers – have joined forces with Robinsons Brewery to take on the venue, which closed in December 2013. 

 

Today you can enjoy the full range menu which includes mainly Hotdogs from large classics to veggies. The key is the quality of the sausages and the amazing variety of toppings they are served with. They also have veggie options which keeps our resident salad-muncher Drew happy. They also offer hotdogs without a bun (that’ll be a sausage then) for gluten free option. We can definitely recommend the Bluedog with a side of spicy fries. Our developer Tim, a creature of habit, has this every Friday without fail.

Beer-wise, they’ve got 10 hand-pulls dispensing ales from Robinson’s, Titanic and a frequently changing selection of guest ales from different breweries. That’s as much variety as you’ll find in any other Robinson’s pub. Proper beer, served well. Even Simon, our most discerning craft beer enthusiast was impressed with the offering. (Check out Simon’s beer tumblr http://www.acraftybeer.co.uk/). Today we especially enjoyed the Trooper, the Gem and the Titanic Plum Porter.

The reason why we love Bakers Vaults is not only for the great food or beer it’s the fact that it was once a boarded-up pub – lifeless squatted in the middle of a once thriving market – but now has been transformed into thriving ale house serving exciting new food and breathing life and soul back into Stockport. We’re excited because we feel like this is finally the time to start positioning the historic district as a destination again.

The only problem with the Baker’s Vaults is that it’s a bit too close to our office. We’re slightly concerned that the temptation to spend more lunchtimes hunkered down with a pint and a hotdog might prove too strong in the coming winter months – with potentially disastrous consequences for our waistlines!