Regulars at ‘chaotic’ British pub respond to video of it going viral

Regulars from a 'chaotic' British pub that recently went viral have said that the boozer in Manchester is 'always this mad'.

The Chestergate was described as 'the most British thing ever' after a video from its karaoke night was shared to Facebook by manager pub manager Steph Armstrong on 20 September.

It featured a now-viral 'bordering on art' scene with 'so much going on' as patrons of the Stockport establishment enjoyed themselves at karaoke, doing their thing to 'I Can't Help Myself' by the Four Tops.

The video features a man pulling his shirt up to the camera, while making sure every drop of his pint is safe, ladies dancing at their seats and even an older woman deep in conversation with a young man at the bar.

It's a scene that has to be seen to believed in all its glory, but according to regulars, it was just a glimpse into an average night at The Chestergate.

Matt Baker, 70, who has been a regular for years, said that the pub helps him get out of the house and that it's always 'mad'.

He told The Mirror: "People can let their hair down here because of the atmosphere.

"The landlord really looks after you, she's made a welcoming environment.

"Tuesday karaoke is always mad. It's attended by a lot of people, you won't get a seat, it really does fill it.

"It's chaotic but it's controlled chaos. There are characters in any pub, but particularly in this one."

Chestergate Pub Stockport/Facebook

Michael Simpson, 77, attends the pub daily and said that while he is retired, he's only given up working, not drinking.

He described the karaoke night as 'kara-croaky' and said: "There's no competition - birds of a feather flock together, you see?"

A younger patron, Becky Wallwork, 25, meanwhile, said that she likes the pub because 'there is always something going on'.

"I don't get involved in singing but it's funny to watch," she said.

"There are a lot of different characters. That's Stockport for you. And those characters are always here."

One of the barmen, George Clarke, 18, said that he's not surprised that people have fallen in love with the local boozer.

"We're a traditional British pub and it's what I'd want to expect," he said of the viral video.

"People enjoy seeing something that's so homely, it just feels right being here.

"It's what pubs are built for and it's like that every week.

"If they're enjoying themselves, why doesn't everyone?"