Did you know that CAMRA keep a record of all pubs that are of National Heritage interest either due to the exterior or the interior of the pub. In the whole of Greater Manchester area we only have 21 pubs on the list and only 3 of those are in the Trafford and Hulme area. The two in the city centre are the Britons Protection and the Peverill of the Peak. The only one to be listed outside the city centre is the Railway in Broadheath, Altrincham and this pub is currently under threat of closure due to lack of custom.
The pub was actually built as two cottages alongside the railway line and then the railway company decided to put a station in Broadheath so the cottages were purchased and turned into a small multi-roomed pub. I have found the station and pub clearly marked on a map dated 1882 at www.oldmap.co.uk Many original features are to be found inside the building. The doors to all of the rooms are etched with Tap room, Vault and Lounge and named after a railway station such as Waterloo. The original kitchen with its stone floor is now the back parlour. The bar is of curved wood with small fixed seating in this very cosy little room. Take a look at the black and white flooring which is outstanding.
In 1996 this pub was set for demolition by its owners, Crown Estates, Yes the Queen owns it, to make way for a new retail park. The public and CAMRA got together and a petition was set up which managed to get the pub recognised for its historical interest and now it is Grade II listed as a building and the bar and two old handpumps behind the bar are also listed. 
With all the usual current climate problems facing all landlords the pub is now struggling for enough custom to keep its doors open. The lease is now up for sale but due to the Grade II listing restricting any changes to the interior of the building or the removal of the bar, no-one has been able to see a way of making it viable. This means that the only way to still be able to see the interior of this building and enjoy it for its historical interest is to use it now. Go in and see for yourself and enjoy a pint of Holts Bitter or Dark Mild whilst you are there.
Beverley Gobbett
Branch Chair
For more info re heritage pubs see www.heritagepubs.org.uk