Horse is still Flying the flag for region’s ‘unique’ pub scene
AHISTORIC town centre pub has been named one of the best 16 pubs in the UK for the second year running.
The Flying Horse Hotel, on Packer Street, facing Rochdale’s Town Hall, has been hailed again by The Campaign for Real Ale saying it ‘highlights something unique about Britain’s pub scene’.
The pub, which also offers meals and has 10 rooms for overnight guests, will represent Greater Manchester for national pub of the year for 2019.
Ben Wilkinson, Camra’s national director, said: “The Flying Horse boasts the perfect mix of the essential characteristics which make a great pub, great service, a welcoming atmosphere, fantastic decor, great value for money, and, most importantly, quality real ale.”
The Flying Horse boasts 12 real ale hand pumps with an ever rotating section of beers.
The Edwardian stone
building, which dates from 1691 and was rebuilt in 1926, has plenty of original character inside including log fire places.
Pub manager, Lucy Kelly-Jones, said all the staff and regulars were ‘ecstatic’ about the accolade.
She said: “We can’t begin to express our pride at being announced as the CAMRA Greater Manchester pub of the year 2019.
“This means we have now won this award two years running and this officially puts us as one of the top 16 pubs in the country. It’s an honour to represent Rochdale and the region.
“We’ve definitely seen an increase in customers seeking us out from further afield too.
“So much credit for this award goes to our
‘It is an honour to represent Rochdale and the region’
faithful customers, the local Rochdale, Oldham & Bury CAMRA branch for their feedback and also our amazing staff team.”
The other finalists are the Bell in Aldworth, Berkshire; Red Lion, Preston, Hertfordshire; Smithfield, Derby; The Admiral’s Arm, Queenborough, Kent; Hope, Carshalton; Cricketers Arms, St Helens; Grey Horse, Consett; Bridge Inn, Peebles; Tom Cobley, Spreyton, Devon; Hornet, Chichester; Mansel Arms, Porthyrhyd, Carmarthenshire; Firkin Shed, Bournemouth; Prince of Wales, Shrewsbury; Swan with Two Necks, Pendleton, Lancashire and George & Dragon, Hudswell, North Yorkshire.
The pub winning the national award will be announced in the new year.