It's a bit of an understatement to say that we have some pretty grand pubs on our patch. One fine example of this is the Grade II-listed Station Hotel in Altrincham. Operating as a pub since the 1930s, it's had a varied history which has seen all parts of the Trafford town's evolution but is also pretty remarkable in its design too.
The Blind Tiger Inns pub, which is certainly worth a visit on aesthetic alone, reopened at the start of the year following a major £250,000 refurbishment. And it's been a busy few months since then. Not only are its regular RnB Friday's and classic house Saturday's nights going down a treat, but its courtyard - hailed as a real sun trap - has also been well-used during the recent bout of sunny weather.
Like many pubs across the country, the Station Hotel pub is going all in with its World Cup celebrations over the next month too. There will be darts and pool before kick off, during half-time and after the final whistle, with all the main footy action shown on the big screen. Not only that but their Casamigos Terrace also features a large outdoor screen, ready for any more doses of sunshine heading our way.
For our latest Pub of the Week spotlight, we've spoke to pub manager Dan Millward to find out more about what makes the Station Hotel so unique and why the people of Altrincham are as equally special.
How did you come to manage the pub?
From 16, my career was in retail as a visual merchandiser and for a marketing agency. Eventually I wanted something where I could be my own boss. I had previously done some 'disco shifts' with a friend of mine in a Blind Tiger venue in the city centre and he put me forward to run my own venue. In October last year I was given the opportunity to manage The Station in Altrincham.
What is the significance behind the pub’s history and name?
The hotel stands on Stamford New Road, directly beside what is now the Altrincham Interchange and historically the town is a main railway station. The current station opened in 1881 as Altrincham & Bowdon Station, replacing two earlier railway stations. The hotel was built in the late Victorian period, at roughly the same time that the new station area was being developed, which made it a natural place for railway passengers, travellers, and commuters to eat, drink, or stay.
What’s your best-selling drink?
We offer a range of drinks, and it varies depending on what's on, but our most popular has got to be Cruz Campo, Guinness and more recently everyone is loving our range of Spritz - especially to enjoy in our courtyard!
Have there been any famous or notable guests who have visited?
We've been very fortunate to have a few famous faces visit us over the last seven months since we've reopened. Some of the most known would perhaps be David Mcintosh and Tommy Fury.
What is it about your local community that you love?
Altrincham is such a welcoming place, local business owners and fellow operators here genuinely want the town to be a safe, welcoming space for people to enjoy, and there's a real sense of that. The venue has been on such a journey, and we have so many regulars that have been so supportive of me and the team - they appreciate everything new that we try. Whether or not it’s something they would choose, they give it a good go in support and that's lovely to have!
Have there been any haunted encounters or folk talks involving the pub?
More of a funny one, but when I took on the pub, there was a side room in what is now our tree room, and at first, I didn't even know we could access it. The previous operator had stuff stored in there and for days I could hear a creepy childlike sound that was absolutely terrifying and kept coming through the walls. Eventually, after discovering I could access the room, I found a Halloween decoration coffin with a doll inside that was periodically going off on its own - scary!
How can people support their local pub?
You can support your local by continuing to show up, try new things, whether that be our R&B or House nights, our days dedicated to gaming and sports, coming in for the World Cup games or by taking part in any of our fun incentives we run. Everything that we do is tailored to our customer, keeping things fresh and exciting and creating a safe environment for you to spend time with friends and family, meet new people and just have a good time!
The Station Hotel is on 44 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham WA14 1EJ.
