Visitor Centre FAQs
What are the opening hours for Robinsons Visitors Centre?
Our opening and closing times are detailed here. Bookings outside of these hours are invited and can be arranged to suit your individual needs. There is a minimum of 15 people required for a private tour (excluding Christmas day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). For bespoke bookings please call 0161 612 4100 or complete our online enquiry form below.
How long will the tour take?
A tour will typically take between 60-75 minutes, followed by beer sampling.
Accessibility & Facilities
We welcome all visitors to enjoy our Visitors Centre experience and have endeavoured, where possible, to ensure that our facilities are accessible. Please be aware that the Brewery Tour is around our working traditional tower brewery and as such involves steep stairways and some narrow walkways.
Induction Loops are available. Please ask at the front reception and switch Hearing Aids to the ‘T’ position to use this facility.
Fully accessible toilets and baby changing areas are also available.
Facilities are available for wheelchair access in the Visitors Centre.
Is the Tour suitable for wheelchairs?
There is wheelchair access in the main entrance to the Visitors Centre, the Unicorn Room where you can grab a bite to eat, and the Old Tom Room, which is used for conferences. The only areas which are not wheelchair accessible are those covered by the Brewery Tour. This is due to the traditional tower structure of the original brew house.
Do I have to book in advance?
You can come on the day but we would highly advise you to book online to avoid disappointment as we cannot guarantee there will be space on the tour. The maximum number of visitors per tour is 15. You can use our online booking calendar to see when the next available date is. Book tickets online now.
When I book my tickets online, will my tickets be sent out to me?
No, this isn’t necessary. We’ll send you an email confirming your booking, along with a unique reference number. Simply print out both and present them at the reception desk in the Visitors Centre where you will register for your Brewery Tour. Book tickets online here.
Is there car parking available?
Yes, the nearest parking is right across the road! Spaces are limited and subject to availability, and some spaces are available for mobility-impaired visitors only. However, should our car park be full, there is a pay & display car park next to the church which is just around the corner. There are also on-street car parking spots up and down Hillgate.
When I book my tickets online, will my tickets be sent out to me?
No, this isn’t necessary. We’ll send you an email confirming your booking, along with a unique reference number. Simply print out both and present them at the reception desk in the Visitors Centre where you will register for your Brewery Tour.
Is the tour available in other languages?
No. Rather than automated audios we have experienced tour guides to tell our tale.
Can we go for lunch? Is food available?
Yes. Whether you fancy a quick snack, a social or working lunch, business meeting, or fully banqueted event - you can enjoy our modern British cuisine alongside a wide range of our cask ales and wines.
Do I get to taste the different beers?
After your Brewery Tour, you will get to sample three 1/3 pints of your choice (providing you are over 18 of course). If you then wish to purchase any subsequent drinks from our bar or shop you are welcome to do so.
What type of footwear should I wear?
Most footwear is fine – but we recommend avoiding open toe shoes, heels and flip flops if you are having a Brewery Tour.
How old is the building?
Robinsons has been here in the heart of Stockport for almost 180 years. The old Unicorn Inn was built on Lower Hillgate in 1722 but the Robinsons story begins on 29th September 1838 when William Robinson purchased the inn from Samuel Hole. The current building – the shell of the brewery – was built for the second brew house between 1925 and 1935 and just like our new brew house, that one was built to last. We’ve only recently stopped using it. Our new brew house was installed in 2012 but you’ll be able to see a lot of the components of the old brew house still in place, alongside the new.
Rescheduling a trip
While Brewery Tour Tickets are non-refundable once purchased, sometimes things come up and plans need to change. If, for any reason, you need to reschedule your tour for another time or day – just let us know and we’ll do our best to fit you in. If there are spaces available on your preferred date and time – we’ll reschedule your tour, free of charge. If not, we can reschedule for the next best date and tour time that’s free.
If, for any reason, we are unable to deliver the Brewery Tour on the day for which you have booked, we will let you know this as soon as possible, and will give you an option either to rearrange your visit or to opt for a refund. If you opt for a refund, you will receive a full refund of the price you paid for the tickets. We will process the refund as soon as possible and, in any event, within 30 calendar days of the date on which notification of the cancellation was provided.
