August 1, 2008
Stockport is far from being a beer mecca. Aside from pubs there really is no where to buy good beer. Thankfully, there is the Bottle Stop. Huge selection including lots of standard Belgians (but only decent ones) and a few random / more obscure bottles, very good English / UK selection, a few bits from Germany and the U.S. (nothing special though) and some rest of the world crap lagers. The prices are what really amaze me in this place though. JW Lees Harvest, EDITION ONE!!! Paradox and Hardys Ale for just over £2, honestly I kid you not, the Belgians are equally well priced, I recently picked up a 2004 Van De Keizer for £4.95. They also have some good take away draught beers from time to time. Gouden Carolus Noel was on for Christmas this year. Oh and there is usually a selection of really really good cheese. This place would be worthy of top marks but sadly the staff are a bloody disgrace. There are two people in there who are really pleasant and helpful, the owner being one of them. The rest of them are downright rude, to the point of being completely ignorant. If it wasn’t that I was worried about getting a ban, I would have had strong words far too often. As it is, I get my beers, clear off and thank god my mum and dad taught me good manners.