'I visited Stockport's 'hidden gem' pub named one of UK's best and it made me realise something'

Drive down the A6 in Stockport, a road that by night is lit by the red and green glow of The Plaza in the near distance you’ll come across a spot that’s recently been named one of the UK’s best pubs. Last month, National Geographic named The Magnet on Wellington Road amongst its top 12 best boozers.

It’s been described by customers as “a little treasure” and even as a “hidden gem” - despite sitting on one of the busiest roads in the borough - and has been praised for its “no-frills” approach to its beers, snacks and, crucially, its community. It’s no surprise really, The Magnet, which is run by mother and son Lesley and Lee Watts is beloved by its punters for its impressive beer selection of cask ales and rotating keg options, but it’s also the environment they’ve created that makes it such a beloved spot.

The building itself was built in 1840 and used as a coaching inn due to its proximity to Heaton Norris Station. It eventually fell into disrepair before Lesley and Lee, who had previously worked at The Crown Inn on Heaton Lane took over the building 14 years ago.

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“Back in the day when we came from The Crown Inn, we weren’t nervous at all really, we just thought it would be really good,” reflects Lee. “I know some places that are quite established around us have opened up and are making a success of it, but I am very dubious about opening a place in today’s market.”

It’s a valid point given the alarming rate at which pubs in England and Wales shuttered last year. Figures released in September show that 383 pubs - more than two a day - closed their doors for good in the first six months of 2023. We know many of the reasons for this, the