Styal, a picturesque village on the edge of Greater Manchester, was built in the early 19th century to house workers at Quarry Bank Mill. Today, half of the village is owned by the National Trust, along with the mill itself, and it has become a popular destination for visitors exploring its cobbled streets and historic cottages.
Village History and Community Spirit
The cotton mill was constructed by industrialist Samuel Greg on the banks of the River Bollin, using the water current to power waterwheels. As the mill expanded, Greg built the model village of Styal, which still features former workers' cottages along its cobblestone pathways.
The village retains a strong sense of community. When the local shop closed 13 years ago, residents raised thousands of pounds to take it over and have been running it ever since. The shop, called Earlams, has been in operation since the 1800s and now includes a cafe gallery, offering coffees, teas, cakes, and hearty meals.
Dining and Local Attractions
Across the road from Earlams is El Bosc, a tapas bar described as 'a slice of sunshine in the heart of Cheshire'. Its menu features authentic Spanish produce and local ingredients, including tortilla made with Cheshire eggs and chorizo glazed in local cider.
Next door is The Ship, a historic pub founded by the mill family for workers' leisure. The building was originally a cowshed called Shippon, which inspired the pub's name. It still displays a notice on its glass door from 1900, signed by Henry P. Greg, stating: "NOTICE. I have given instructions that no one is to be served with more than two glasses of intoxicating liquors at a time."
The Ship Pub Today
Pub Manager Nicola Winsor explained that the rule was introduced to discourage outsiders from spreading disease to mill workers. Although the rule no longer applies, the pub remains Drink Aware. It serves cask ales and a menu of seasonal dishes and classics, with food available daily from 12pm to 9pm.
Visitors can enjoy starters like grilled halloumi kebab and chicken wings, or mains such as steak and ale pie, battered cod and chips, and pan-fried salmon supreme. On Sundays, a special menu includes roasts with all the trimmings, including beef, pork loin, Cheshire turkey, and nut roast, as well as a whole roast dinner for two.
