The Stonemasons Arms in Timperley village is to reopen next month having been completely transformed into a “destination premium casual dining and drinking venue” by two experienced restaurateurs.
We revealed in June how owner Greene King had committed £270,000 to a refurbishment project after beer sales at the Stockport Road pub fell by a third in just a year.
And now we can exclusively reveal more details about the new Stonemasons, which will reopen on Saturday December 2nd.
The new pub will feature a vastly improved food offer, presented by executive chef Patrick Moyo, formerly of Gaucho in Manchester, with space for 98 covers inside and a further 90 covers on a planned new terrace area outside.
On the menu will be contemporary brunch dishes, wood-fired pizzas, steaks, Sunday lunch, as well as a range of craft beers, fine wines, artisan coffees and cocktails.
The project represents a second venture from restaurant team Pilling and Pride – Steve Pilling and Angus Cameron Pride – who recently revamped another Greene King pub, the Dog and Partridge in Didsbury, under their “Terroir Pub” brand.
Pilling is well-known as the man behind the city centre’s Chop House establishments, as well as Damson Restaurant, La Cantina, Roost and DockYard.
Managing director and restaurant consultant Pride, meanwhile, rose through the ranks of Living Ventures before heading up Gaucho in Manchester.
Steve Pilling, chairman of Pilling & Pride, said it was the “right time” to introduce the concept to the village.
He said: “The Stonemasons Arms has been the heart of the community in Timperley for many years and it is great to get the opportunity to carry on the legacy of this gem of a venue.
“Timperley is really on the up and with an influx of new businesses and families moving to the area, it is the right time to introduce our concept to the village. We are looking forward to welcoming old and new guests and making it a real home-from-home place.”
Pride added: “The Stonemasons Arms is iconic. It’s a much-loved landmark venue in Timperley and we aim to give it a new lease of life and reintroduce it to a new generation to enjoy.
“Because we’re a community offering, we need to be all things to all people, so you’ll be able to visit to celebrate an anniversary on date night or a family reunion, brunch with friends and afternoon drinks. We look forward to welcoming new and old guests alike and for them to enjoy the experience.”
The core Greene King beer offer will be staying, now supplemented by craft beers from Pilling’s own brewery, The Gasworks. Other beers such as Wild Beer, Brightside & Alphabet will also feature, while the wine offering featuring “recognisable favourites” will be compiled by wine director Steven Hyare.
An “inventive” cocktail list is also being introduced, including the signature Absinthe Colada (Aluna Coconut Rum, Absinthe, coconut sorbet and pineapple juice) and the Kula Americano (Strawberry Campari, vermouth and soda).
The pub’s new general manager is Cai Anderson, formerly of TNQ Restaurant.
The Stonemasons will be open from 10am – 10pm for food every day, and 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday, with later closing hours for drinking.
