The tiny but brilliant pub in the shadow of a tower block where swearing is banned

Take a stroll down Castle Street in Edgeley and ask about the pub opposite Stockport Railway Station. No two responses will be the same.

That’s because Ye Olde Vic just down the road on Chatham Street is quite divisive. Perched just above the main road in the shadow of a housing block, this traditional boozer isn’t to everyone’s tastes.

A quick straw poll online and some call it a ‘Stockport gem’ while others find it to be a tad ‘scruffy’. One thing everyone can agree on though, is that this a ‘no-frills’ boozer where you can expect quality beers and decent craic.

Earlier this month, The European Bar Guide listed the watering hole in its top 100 bars for 2025. But it’s actually been on the list for several years thanks to its ‘down-to-earth’ atmosphere and ‘fabulous’ real ales.

An exposition of the best pubs and bars in Europe, the guide features venues from across a range of European destinations, including Belgium, France, Spain and Germany, amongst others. In total, the guide features 16 UK pubs and bars, including Ye Olde Vic.

Venues are ranked based on the choice of drinks, décor, atmosphere and character, as well amenities and events, and value for money. Securing an impressive 8.9 out of 10 overall, the guide particularly likes its ‘jovial’ atmosphere, ‘’homely’ feel and range of regional cask ales.

If I were to hazard a guess, I reckon I’ve driven past this pub hundreds of times, walked past it a dozen or so for the odd Stockport County match, and thought about it occasionally when deciding where to grab a drink in Stockport.

The guide says it’s not a ‘man’s drinking den’, but perhaps wrongly, I’ve always assumed it was. When it’s come up in conversation with friends or those I speak with from around the area,