SatNav – OS: SJ942778, Postcode: SK10 5RE, ///ample.offices.remarking.
End of an Era! Rob & Helen leave the Poacher’s.
In December 2024 we welcome new owners Trust Inns
and their manager, Paul Newman.
Right on the boundary of Bollington and Rainow, this handsome stone building, adorned in summer with luxuriant window boxes and hanging baskets, houses a friendly and cosy award winning country pub. The staff are chatty and cheerful. It was the last free house in Bollington, but now tied to Trust Inns’ beer list, and with a regular entry in the Good Beer Guide. Frequent winners of CAMRA awards! Arguably Bollington’s most popular pub. Check out the Fridge of Fun!
Regular Quiz nights (Sunday mid-month, last Sunday in the month, 7.30pm). Charity raffle.
| Address: | 95 Ingersley Road, Bollington, Macclesfield, SK10 5RE |
| Contact: | 01625-572086 | email | website | Facebook |
| Hosts: | Paul Newman |
| Open hours: | Monday: 5.30 – 11.00 Tuesday – Friday: 12.00 – 2.00, 5.30 – 11.00 Saturday: 12.00 – 12.00 Sunday: 12.00 – 11.00 Food is served at every session on Tuesday to Sunday. Wednesday evening is Pie Night when your pint is included in the price of the pie! (Booking advised as this is a very popular evening!) |
| Brews: |
The Poacher’s usually carries an ale from Storm Brewery, with two or three additional guest cask ales selected from across the country. Awarded Cask Marque status. Boddingtons is available on gas, together with a variety of lagers, with ciders and Guinness (and 0.0) completing the line up on the bar. On the back bar there is a spectacular selection of both malt whisky There is also an outstanding selection of speciality canned beer and wines available – have a look in the Fridge of Fun! |
| Food: |
One of the most popular tables in town. Everything cooked on the premises. Crisp fresh vegetables, and locally sourced meats, home made burgers. Wednesday evening is Pie Night! Enjoy a wedge out of a big pie, very popular – booking recommended! |
| Other facilities: |
Pleasant rear garden, access through the bar with a shelter. Barbecues in summer, weather permitting. Carpark across the lane at the side of the pub (please don’t obstruct the drives between the pub and the carpark). WIFI internet access available to customers. |
| Finding it: | At the north east end of town, from the bus turn round outside the Turners, go up Ingersley Road; The Poachers is at the end on the right. |
History
Originally called ‘The Masons Arms’, the landlord and landlady after the first world war were Albert Swindells and Eliza Leigh. The Inn is on the boundary between Bollington and Rainow. A Boundary stone can be seen in the wall opposite the pub. The Inn was created by merging several cottages together over many years.
Later named ‘The Masonic Arms’.
And finally ‘The Poachers Inn’ which has been owned and run by Rob & Helen Ellwood from July 2000 to 2nd December 2024. On that date the pub was sold to Trust Inns and managed by Paul Newman.
Rob & Helen Ellwood
End of an era! Rob & Helen took over the Poacher’s in July 2000 and developed the pub to become arguably Bollington’s most popular house for over 24 years, leaving for retirement in France on 2nd December 2024. Bollington’s last Free House, the selection of beers offered was brilliant – it was basically the local headquarters of CAMRA! Excellent and popular table fare, often cooked by Helen, was served lunch and dinner six days a week. Christmas dinner was always a sell out!
Rob & Helen were deservedly recognised by Bollington Town Council for their exceptional charity fund raising over so many years. In their 24 years hosting the Poacher’s they have raised c.£150,000 for local charities and community organisations; what a fantastic record! As if running a pub wasn’t enough, Helen was for several years a councillor on Bollington Town Council, serving as Town Mayor in 2023/4. Rob was also a member of Dr Joe’s Medicine rock band, providing great entertainment in the pub and elsewhere.
This very popular couple are seriously missed by their hundreds of regulars and we all wish them bon voyage, good health and good fun with many decades of happy life in France. They were sent off with a great deal of genuine love.