The Station House in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, has been named an international finalist in the SBID International Design Awards 2026, recognising the transformation of the landmark building on Station Road.
Having stepped away from one site in Cheadle Hulme during the pandemic, last October The Almond Family teamed up with Manchester-based brewery Joseph Holt to revive Platform 5, turning it into Station House. The family-run pub group, known for venues including Puss in Boots in Offerton, Spread Eagle in Romiley, Jolly Sailor in Davenport, and Fletchers Arms in Denton, has become something of an institution in Stockport.
1930s-Inspired Transformation
The design nods to the pub's location overlooking Cheadle Hulme Railway Station, with both inside and out transformed in a 1930s style evoking the glory days of rail travel. Working with interior design studio Fusion by Design, the space was reimagined with 1930s glamour in mind, focusing on polished brass, gleaming marble, ornate detailing, and premium furnishings throughout. Outside, a brand new 100-seat raised sun terrace sits alongside widened entryways.
The SBID International Design Awards celebrate design excellence across the globe and are judged by an independent panel of industry experts, with a public vote also counting towards the result. The Station House has been shortlisted in Category 16, Restaurant Design UK.
Recognition and Reaction
James Almond, director at Almond Family Pubs, said: "To see The Station House recognised on an international stage, for a pub that only opened last October, is a dream come true. We wanted to create something elevated yet inclusive, a home away from home with a real sense of occasion."
"That vision came to life thanks to the incredible talent of Paula and the team at Fusion by Design, and our partners at Joseph Holt. To have their work shortlisted among the best in the world is thoroughly deserved, and we could not be prouder to see Cheadle Hulme representing great British pub design on the world stage."
Interior Highlights
Split across five interlinking areas, a long timber bar featuring brass and marble frames the space, while Art Deco-style lighting, fixtures, and chandeliers elevate it further. The main drinking area boasts a rich palette of luxury browns and burgundy, offset with deep midnight blue, while the garden room – the main dining area – is light and airy, with plush green sofas and Aztec-style chairs. A large dining table for private meals stands out, as does the cosy drinking area named 'Doug's Snug' in a nod to Doug Almond, the veteran pub owner behind the brand.
Paula Jepmond-Senior, founder and owner of Fusion by Design, added: "We wanted to create somewhere that felt both grand and genuinely welcoming, and this recognition tells us we struck the right note. We're thrilled to see The Station House flying the flag for British pubs, and proud of what we achieved alongside Almond Family Pubs and Joseph Holt."
Sunday Roasts and Public Vote
New for the group and exclusive to Station House, they've swapped out the carvery in favour of an elevated traditional British Sunday roast. Options include 35-day-aged beef sirloin with black garlic and rosemary (£21.50); red wine and rosemary-braised lamb shank (£23.50); half a Shropshire chicken with lemon and herb rub (£19.50); and Porchetta slow-roasted pork loin with sage and apple stuffing (£18.50). The veggie option is a vegetable roast mix with polenta crust (£18.50), all served with honey roasted carrots and parsnips, triple cooked roast potatoes, seasonal greens, homemade Yorkshire pudding, and gravy.
Alongside expert judges, a public vote counts towards the result, with the form available on the SBID International Awards website. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London on Friday, 6 November 2026.
