Raise A Glass: Traders
On the boundaries of Greater Manchester in a stunning rural town named Marple, Stockport, sits a small and friendly micro bar possessing all of the exceptional qualities you’d expect to find in a venue in the nearby bustling metropolis.
Renowned for its constantly rotating choice of craft beer, ale and cider, most of which is sourced from breweries in the surrounding areas, its top-notch pub grub, including northern staple, pie, mash, peas and proper gravy, and its warm and relaxed ambience, the bar has established itself as one of the favoured watering holes among its local townspeople.
Manchester Union Lager at Traders
Initially starting out inside the premises of a quaint shop conversion, Traders, formerly known as Beer Traders, has since doubled its floor plan, expanding into the property next door. Knocked through to meet the demand for space, for its ever-growing number of regulars, and stripped back to the bare bones in 2019, the now much larger and improved bar flaunts a swanky, updated new look.
An airy and wide open space awaits guests inside, furnished with statement wooden tables and accompanying seats, with warm filament-filled light fixtures dangling overhead. A dark bold blue blankets the ceiling from which they hang, drawing your eyes down to the wicked murals and the framed artwork scattered across the walls below, both illuminated largely by the light that floods in through the venue's glass front. But, perhaps most importantly, it’s the bar which remains the main attraction at Traders.
Serving up a plethora of alcoholic tipples, from twelve keg lines and three cask lines, not to mention a wide choice of canned and bottled beverages, there’s always a fantastic selection of drinks on offer. From traditional bitters and ciders to darker beers and stouts, intense hoppy IPAs and more - we highly recommend making a regular visit to taste what’s underneath the taps. And for those not keen on beer, ale or cider, there are bottles of craft gin, whiskey and rum to satisfy your tastebud's needs.
Entertainment is also something to which the venue’s owners give much thought and consideration. Together with its fine offering of food and refreshments, Traders also promotes a regular programme of events running throughout the week. Tuesday’s welcome budding musicians to take over the venue's sound system to perform at the Open Mic Night, whilst every Wednesday, it's Quiz Night. When Saturday arrives, local DJ legends come to the fore to curate the evening soundtrack, with classic cuts from an eclectic range of styles and genres. And, if you’re lucky, through the day, you’ll discover street food pop-up stalls courtesy of some of Northern England’s most skilled vendors.
Looking for a new neighbourhood to visit outside of the busy city centre? Eager to try some of the region's best craft beverages? Take a twenty-minute train ride from Manchester Piccadilly to ‘the Jewel of the Cheshire Alps’, Marple, and discover the many delights of the town’s best bar - Traders (Look out for the bright yellow furniture out front standing out against its dark blue exterior. You can’t miss it!).
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