Part of the Meet Marple project.
The Navigation:
Meet Stacey, the landlady managing one of Marple’s longest-running pubs.
Name of business:
The Navigation – though most people call it the Navi.
Where did the name come from?
There were originally 5 pubs called The Navigation across the Peak Forest Canal and we’re one of them. It used to be owned by Samuel Oldknow, who bought it from Richard Arkwright, so it’s steeped in Marple history. Oldknow used the pub to brew free beers for his workforce at the limekilns! The pub was named in the 1700’s – so we won’t be changing it now.
What do you offer?
The usual drinks, Robinson beers, ales, ciders, drinks for everyone, but we do loads of events too. We have karaoke and disco every Saturday. Our Motown/Northern Soul night is every Bank Holiday but has proved so popular we might do it more often!
We have a function room upstairs too which is free to use – there’s loads of different groups that use it which is lovely. The chess club have met here every Thursday for 40 years!
How many people are in your team?
Myself (Stacey), and 6 others across the week. There’s loads of people who can help us out when needed. And a special shoutout to Lesley who’s worked here for years and is the glue that holds this place together!
How long have you been open?
The pub’s been open for around 250 years and I’ve been running it for 5.
Are you from Marple?
I’m from Gosport on the south coast, but I’ve managed loads of pubs around the country – Bristol then St Helen’s before this one. But this is the only place I’ve wanted to stay!
What do you like about having your business in Marple/living in Marple?
I love the people! Everyone seems to know everyone – I’ve always wanted to live in a small community, walking down the road and saying hello to people, I love it. We get to meet loads of people from the canal barges too, it’s really nice.
Is there anything exciting going on at the moment?
We’re already starting get excited for Christmas – we’re open on Christmas Day – and tickets are out now for our mega 80’s/90’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza!
You can find The Navigation at 9 Stockport Road, at https://www.robinsonsbrewery.com/pubs/the-navigation-marple/ , on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thenavigationmarple/) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheNavigationPubMarple).
