Bench Bistro Bar, Congleton

Former Young Pretender reopened as Bench Bistro Bar on 2nd May 24

Not surveyed yet. Previous description follows.

Modern, town centre bar set within a part-Grade II listed building, with a strong community base offering an ever changing range of five real ales plus one real cider, a choice of three key-keg craft beers and an array of bottled beers. The bar consists of one large room split into smaller areas with local artists work displayed on the wall and available for sale. It is alleged that Bonnie Prince Charlie slept in the 400 year old building, hence the name. The real ales always come from a wide area with beers from Bollington, Merlin, Mobberley, Red Willow and Wincle breweries all regularly available. There is now an extended outdoor drinking area. Meet the brewer evenings are held regularly and amongst the eclectic local groups who use the pub as a meeting point are language classes, metal detectors, a sewing club and a group called Bear Town bobbins. There is a quiz every Sunday, live music about once a month on a Saturday, and Wednesday is movie night. The TV shows major sporting events (e.g. Rugby 6 nations, international football, Olympics) but not weekly league football.

. The car park is reached from the dual-carriageway by following signs for Lawton Street parking. The bus station is a short walk away.