Home > Cheshire > Stockport > The Beehive The Beehive
Date of photo: c1897	Picture source: Marcus Heap
The Beehive was situated at 21 St Petersgate.
Source: Ian Chapman
I remember the Beehive very well. In the 1970’s it was run by Ernie Hardy and his wife Joan and their kids all lived there. Ernie was an ex paratrooper (red berets) and had been parachuted over Arnhem in Germany when the Germans knew about the coming attacks and were waiting and shooting the paratroopers in the sky whilst they were landing. He survived, and I remember the regiment being at his funeral in the 1980’s when a red beret was placed on his coffin. No wonder that many guys from this era were heavy drinkers.  It was nicknamed the gluepot, as you couldn’t escape !!. Ernie used to go on mega benders on gin and tonic. Most of the regulars were very hardened drinkers as well. It was well known for after time, and everyone from the local police to the local priest used to be in there all day !!!. There were some real characters including a guy that played the piano whilst doing press-ups with one hand. My dad Sammy Parkes a racecourse bookmaker, spent more time there than he did at home.
Robert Parkes (August 2019)
Memories of The Gluepot (as it was known) include being a young Punk Rocker that used to frequent The Manchester Arms (another excellent boozer that is no more!)…for a bit of a change we’d pop in the Beehive from time to time. In around 1978 it had a beer Keller feel and Stockport County fans were always welcome, so my first true loves, County and Punk Rock were catered for!…..I still love em both!
Phil Robinson (July 2024)
My parents, Jack and and Margaret /Gwilliam (both deceased) were the landlords from 1962 for 3 years. I lived with them,in a beautiful building with a large staircase to the upper level, and two pianos. I went to St Joseph's school through the back gate. We had a large alsatian named Floss who was brought downstairs at closing time Whilst soft and friendly she cleared the bar in seconds. The Golden Door bakery was just along the street and their meringues were delightful. I was not allowed in the bar because of licensing laws. One day walking back from the bakery I was stopped by a customer with a huge expensive watch, who wanted to know the time. He could afford it but not tell the time! Mum loved to be genteel and prinkled mustard and cress over the display of sandwiches. Shortly a voice called "Who has put all this bloody grass on the sandwiches? I remember the piano tuner, who played beautifully, and noisy wedding parties in the upstairs room. I had a toy reindeer from a Cherry B bottle, long lost in the mists of time.
Hazel Thompson (March 2025)
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Other Photos
Picture source: Hania Franek