'Someone brought their pet monkey into the pub for a carvery!'

PEOPLE find themselves working in a pub for all sorts of reasons.

- BY ADAM MAIDMENT

But for Vicki Williams, she had no choice.The owner of the Spread Eagle, in Romiley, was born into a life behind the bar. Her dad had already spent 50 years in the industry, so it always seemed natural to follow in his footsteps.

And she wouldn't change it for a thing - even when one of the Stockport watering hole's customers made the remarkable decision to come in with a monkey by their side!

For those who feel a monkey is a little extreme, the Spread Eagle has also counted an iguana among its regulars.

While it has been a tough time for the hospitality industry and costs are tight for everyone, pubs like The Spread Eagle are often the lifeblood of our community - a vital social hub for so many.

Many landlords have embedded themselves in their local area, and are doing something special which cannot just be replicated.

Vicki is no different. The Spread Eagle is run by the independent Almond Family Pubs.

This pub lays claim to being one of Stockport's oldest and, as a result, has been involved in some interesting moments over the years. It's a popular stopping-off point for those taking on the nearby canal walk.