Steve Boddie - You've Been COGGED!

"You've been Cogged!" is a peek into someone else's world, hearing their stories, appreciating the work they do and their life too. Recently, Alorah, our resident You've Been Cogged! writer, met with Steve Boddie. You might have spotted Steve in his role as the manager at our local Wetherspoons - The Wheatsheaf on Cheadle High Street. Here's how the conversation went.

Describe yourself in three words...

Determined, levelheaded, unemotional.

How do you start your day?

Tea and coffee. I brew my tea whilst I make my coffee—then drink my tea and drink my coffee!

What makes you smile?

My kids. I have 3 - 12, 9, and 5. It’s the innocence. I tell a lie every day to my eldest to see if he falls for it. He does, but he’s getting better!

Name three things you couldn’t live without?

I’m a very practical person. So, my washing machine and tumble dryer. For 6 months of the year, it’s not possible to dry washing outside. I live in Leek, and due to shifts, I couldn’t manage without my car.

What’s your hidden talent or one you wish you had?

I wish I could juggle! It looks like fun, and I keep trying, but I haven't managed it quite yet.

What would you like to see in Cheadle?

I think everyone would like to see either free or cheap parking—a nominal 30p so people could just pop to a couple of shops, pick up a prescription. So many places have ruined town centres with out-of-town shopping. Cheadle has a vibrant high street we should treasure. I’m also excited to see what happens with the market—it could be a great focal point in Cheadle.

What’s disappeared that you would bring back if you were King?

The ‘nutty bar’ from the 1970s. I couldn’t eat chocolate, so I had these. At Easter, I’d get a cardboard egg with jelly tots in.

Which song can you listen to on repeat and never tire of it?

Always loved by Nada Surf. It’s a song I will sing quite happily and quite badly in front of children. I’ve seen the band a few times, and they’re great live.

Who do you admire? Who’s your hero?

I admire Michael Palin—he set off on Around the World in Eighty Days on my 16th birthday. It was fascinating.

My hero is Mark Stein. He played for Stoke—he was a fabulous player, exciting and scored goals. Can’t ask for any more.

Who makes you laugh?

Jeff Innocent. He has a YouTube video called Smart Casual. I’ve watched it about five times. I put it on when I’m cooking.

What’s for dinner tonight?

Mushroom risotto with chicken. I really enjoy cooking.

What’s your favourite book/film/music?

Book: Walking in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Film: Sideways

Music: Dawes

What’s your greatest motto to live by?

Only one person can have an original thought... so it gives me carte blanche to steal ideas and tips for life!

Steve would like to give a big shout out to everyone that supports Cheadle in Bloom.

Steve Boddie - You've Been COGGED! - created 9th June 2026