Griffin, Heaton Mersey (Griffin Hotel)

Built in 1831 by the local Thorniley family, it was acquired by Joseph Holts in 1921. CAMRA helped to save the Griffin from demolition in the 1970s. It is well worth a visit to see two ornate shuttered bars - one being a modern copy of the original. On the right-hand side is the old multi-roomed layout including a lobby bar with a splendid carved mahogany screened servery which is complete apart from the removal of the lower sashes that raised and lowered. Off the black and white tiled floor lobby are a small room to the front right with old fixed seating and a Victorian (style?) fireplace; a room on the left with lovely fixed seating and an early 20th-century brown-glazed brick and wood surround fireplace; a tiny narrow room on the right which looks like a conversion of a passage; another small room at the rear right with a marble fireplace and old fixed seating, but opened-up to the lobby; and an area behind the servery with more good fixed seating.

When Holts decided to extend the pub in the 1970s they created an open-plan bar of three areas on the left with a servery that is an accurate re-construction of the original one and using the lower sash screens in the upper part. A wide doorway connects the front section to the old part of the pub. Lots of 'Griffin Hotel' etched windows and etched panels throughout, though, no doubt, some are replacements.