SatNav – OS: SJ939779, Postcode: SK10 5RE, ///surgical.baker.computers
An absolute gem, a small town pub of the old style, cosy, a good place to drink beer and cider, and lacking any modern features! Cleaned up and given a coat of paint without spoiling it’s traditional feel. Lovely little garden out back. CASH PREFERRED but cards accepted.
The Blackshaw family (Jayne and Christina, with occasional support from three more daughters!) have won several awards over the years, from the local CAMRA group and from Punch Taverns. The Cotton Tree is well known for its outstanding cider offering, wonderful varieties, beautifully kept. See the current offering on the large board on the left on entering. Said to be the best cider pub outside the south west!
The outside signage suggests a railway theme. Inside is a wonderful selection of railway memorabilia attached to walls and ceilings, together with agricultural artifacts and local history. The fantastic flower displays on the front are created and tended by Christina and have deservedly won first prize for best pub display in 2025 (click the picture).
See recent history at the bottom of the page …
| Address: | 3-5 Ingersley Road, Bollington, Macclesfield, SK10 5RE |
| Contact: | 07963 487583 | Email | Facebook page |
| Hosts: | Mother and daughter, Jayne and Christina Blackshaw |
| Brews: |
Regulars Theakston Cider a speciality, check the board for available varieties. All hand drawn to order from the cellar. |
| Food: | Generally no, but often pork pies and/or sausage rolls. Other items on special occasions! |
| Other facilities: | Enclosed beer garden to the rear. Occasional live music. |
| Finding it: | Adjacent to the bus turn round at the roundabout junction of Ingersley Road, Church Street, Palmerston Street and Shrigley Road. |
History
The Cotton Tree was badly damaged by the flooding that occurred during heavy rain on 31st July 2019, and was closed for several weeks while repairs were carried out. This was not the first time the cellar was flooded but ground floor damage was more serious. A public collection raised £3,500 pounds towards the Blackshaw’s losses. We were very pleased to see the pub re-open in late September 2019 – with the cellar now installed on the ground floor to try and reduce the damage in any future flood!
I don’t know what year this beer mat was produced but it would have been second half of the 20thC, the then licensees, Roy and Vera, published their own beer mat to wish their customers a happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.