I've often wondered who Bells & Co. were... I always knew the Grapes as a Robinsons House. It seems Bell & Co Ltd brewed at Hempshaw Brook Brewery, Hempshaw Lane, Stockport was founded by Avery Fletcher in 1835 and was acquired by Smith & Bell in 1850. Registered in 1898. The brewery was then acquired by Frederic Robinson Ltd in April 1949 with over160 other tied houses.
http://www.thegrapesrestaurant.co.uk/Home.html
The old pub is seeing a new lease of life.. especially at the weekend when it attracts folk from far and wide.. Marcello the landlord had the pub refurbished and a fine Italian restaurant was added. The Grapes is a lovely old building that has changed little considering.. and the refurbishment made great use of many of the original features, like the stained glass windows and fireplaces. There's a link above which is well worth following just to read the menus.. long may the Grapes be a part of Gee Cross.
I was in there last week, Tom and it's still a thriving pub.Not many pubs can claim that in todays climate. Friday nights are particularly busy !!
ReplyDeleteI see the fourth photo down is from the trolleybus era. The Manchester trolleybus system apparently opened on 1 March 1938 and closed on 31 December 1966.
ReplyDeleteMy Grapes memory from the 70's is that their car park sign read "please park prettily"
ReplyDeleteDave
I could say a lot about the Grapes! But just to say hello again as I seem to be able to log in again now after all this time!
ReplyDelete