One of the pubs dates back to the 1600s and is a vital part of the local community
The pub has won many awards including UK pub of the year in the past(Image: Supplied)
There’s some excellent pubs and watering holes across Greater Manchester and three in North Manchester have been handed gongs at a recent awards. The venues have picked up as part of Thwaites Hospitality Awards.
The Lancashire-based, family-run hospitality group has been hosting its awards for seven years now and celebrate excellence across the company’s portfolio of 198 landlord and tenanted pubs. Three pubs, two in Bury and one in Bolton have scooped some of the most coveted awards.
Held at North Lakes Hotel and Spa in Penrith, the awards are given following a rigorous judging process involving interviews, mystery visits and customer feedback, all winners were revealed on the night. For winning, the venues are gifted a two-night all-expenses paid trip away, with previous winners enjoying breaks in Rome, Riga and Budapest.
Famed for its rich history, The Two Tubs was originally named “The Globe Inn” and is the oldest hostelry in the famous market town of Bury(Image: Supplied)
Raising a glass to the best of the best, the evening honoured winners across thirteen categories, including the highly sought-after ‘Best Pint’, ‘Community Hero’, and ‘Best Investment’ accolades. Here in Greater Manchester one of the top awards, ‘Community Hero’, went to The Two Tubs.
Famed for its rich history, The Two Tubs was originally named “The Globe Inn” and is the oldest hostelry in the famous market town of Bury. With parts dating back to the 1600’s, the venue is Grade II-listed.
In 1830 landlord Mr Shaw and ‘Owd Pudgy’ of The Toasted Cheese Club responded to competition from the neighbouring Old White Bear’s new signage by sawing a barrel in half to form a globe, the hoops and staves intended to represent the lines of latitude and longitude.
The pub enjoys live music by singers and bands regularly, whilst also putting on military talks(Image: Supplied)
However, the amusing Two Tubs’ nickname remains to this day. The pub enjoys live music by singers and bands regularly, whilst also putting on military talks.
There’s a memorial wall with photographs of local soldiers, which takes pride of place and Military Monday has been introduced with a free hot meal and shot of port for all current serving soldiers, veterans and former soldiers.
Meanwhile, over in Ramsbottom, The Eagle and Child, won the ‘Best Premium Food’ award. Organisers said they won because their pub grub takes cuisine to the “next level”.
The floor-to-ceiling glass extension added on to the back of the building at Eagle and Child pub in Ramsbottom, provides amazing views across the valley to Holcombe Hill and Peel Tower(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
In it’s write up for the boozer with incredible views, Thwaites wrote: “Their ever-evolving menu ranges from satisfying light bites to mouthwatering steaks – each dish crafted with care, quality ingredients, and a commitment to flavour.
“Whether enjoying a hearty lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a comforting Sunday roast, you’ll find familiar favourites elevated by the team’s passion for good cooking and attention to detail. Ingredients are sourced from the very best local suppliers. The team believe in the Ramsbottom community and want to give back where possible.”
Over in Bolton, The Sportsman’s at Bromley Cross scooped the ‘Sporting Superstar’ award. A historic, popular and friendly two-roomed pub surrounded by stone cottages, The Sportsmans boasts a central bar with a separate games room with a prominent dart board, and the pub shows many televised matches and games for sports fans.
The Sportsman’s at Bromley Cross scooped the ‘Sporting Superstar’ award(Image: Supplied)
Commenting on the winners, Andrew Buchanan, Director of Pubs and Brewing at Thwaites, said: “Behind every great pub is a team of people who care deeply about what they do – and these awards are our way of saying thank you. It’s about recognising the passion, the hard work, and the moments of magic our teams create every day.
“This year’s finalists have gone above and beyond, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved.”
Thwaites pubs are part of a long-established, independent hospitality business, founded in 1807 by Daniel Thwaites. The company operates a brewery and a portfolio of pubs, inns, hotels and spas across England.