Just watch out for ‘Old Jo’ lurking around…
The Spread Eagle in Chorlton is our pub of the week(Image: The Spread Eagle)
It’s been said that the government’s potential U-turn on business rates could be announced soon, with Rachel Reeves suggesting that it may mostly benefit pubs, rather than the rest of the hospitality industry like hotels and cafes.
The Chancellor said that the ‘situation the pubs face is different from other parts of the hospitality sector’, and thus needs to be looked at accordingly. Whilst any concrete information is still waiting to surface, it is hoped it will serve as at least a small bit of welcome relief for the many pub owners and operators in the country – estimated to be around up to 46,000.
But, as we are trying to show with our Pub of the Week feature, there are still lots of positives to be found for those working and running pubs. Since launching the weekly feature in October, we’ve been highlighting the many brilliant pubs in Greater Manchester and the people behind them by giving them a chance to speak about how they make a valuable impact on their local community.
The pub, situated in a Victorian-era building, has become a fixture of the local community(Image: The Spread Eagle)
In fact, we’ve decided to stay in the same area as last week’s Pub of the Week as there must be something in the water there. Sticking to Wilbraham Road, this week we’re shining a light on The Spread Eagle in Chorlton. Since last summer, it’s been Chris Southworth, 45, who’s been overseeing proceedings as pub manager and he says its the spirit of the area that really makes it a special place to work.
Operated by Joseph Holt, the pub – which is said to have been established in 1900 – is often a lively one thanks to its karaoke every Friday and live music from local singers every Saturday night. Not only a pub, The Spread Eagle is also a hotel with seven en-suite bedrooms. They’re particularly popular with people visiting the city for weekends, or for unwinding after trips to the Lancashire Cricket Club or Old Trafford football stadium.
Chris tells us about life at The Spread Eagle, how it got its quite-familiar name, and why there may – or may not be – evidence to back up the folktales of ‘Old Jo’ lurking about. If you run or know of a pub which you think could be worthy of the Pub of the Week spotlight in the future, let us know!
How did you get into the pub industry in the first place?
My dad was brought up in pubs, and I used to work in one as a teenager. Then when I left school I worked in retail for companies like Iceland and River Island but I always had this draw to working in pubs. So, 17 years ago I joined the Roebuck, which like the Spread Eagle, is owned by the Joseph Holt brewery in Manchester.
I started as front of house staff, working my way up to pub manager four years ago. I joined the Spread Eagle last July.
Chris Southworth has been pub manager at The Spread Eagle since last summer(Image: The Spread Eagle)
What is the significance behind the pub’s history?
Pubs often use the name Spread Eagle to mark the heraldic depiction of an eagle – possibly from the arms of Germany.
Historically, pubs might have done this to suggest German wines were available here as the German Empire’s coat of arms featured a double-headed eagle.
What’s your best-selling drink?
All our Holt beers are so popular. But definitely Trail Blazer, which is Joseph Holt’s own stout. It’s a really full-bodied drink, brewed from roasted barley and has this dark roasted coffee aroma with hints of treacle, liquorice and nutty notes.
What’s lovely is that it’s popular with all ages, including the younger generation.
What’s an unusual thing or particular moment that’s happened at the pub?
When Chorlton Pride took place on the church-ground across the road in September, we had a spontaneous after event at the pub which was fantastic.
It continued all the joy of what’s a wonderful local celebration that brings together all members of the community.
‘There’s a real feeling of living together in this lovely community hub'(Image: )
Have there been any famous or notable guests who have visited?
Not I can think of – but they should come. We are such a warm and welcoming pub!
What is it about your local community that you love?
Everyone is very friendly and warm. There’s a real feeling of living together in this lovely community hub. It’s very much reflected in The Spread Eagle.
Anyone can walk in, whether they are local or new to the area and feel like they are at home. It’s why out-of-towners tell us they like to stay here.
The pub also hosts drama and chess clubs throughout the week, as well as live music each weekend(Image: The Spread Eagle)
Have there been any spooky or haunted encounters in the pub?
The Spread Eagle is a Victorian building – with lots of traditional features like wooden bars, tiled floors, snugs, and booths. We also have eight hotel rooms. I don’t think the pub is spooky, but it certainly all adds to the atmosphere.
That said, we have a gentleman called ‘Old Jo’, who is said to appear in the back areas. If the area isn’t warm enough, he is said to start banging doors – I have had experiences of this. Otherwise, you can hear the building creaking and sometimes doors will slam by themselves – especially in some of the unused rooms. But I think that’s part of the charm!
How can people support their local pub?
Of course, pubs are places to enjoy a drink – and, in our case, a pasty – in good company. But they’re also places where community happens. For example, people love coming here to watch all the Premiership and Championship games together.
We also host drama classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings, a chess club on Tuesdays, and Spanish classes on Thursdays – all of them are open to anyone who fancies dropping in. For us, it’s about being part of everyday life and sitting at the heart of the community.
The Spread Eagle is on 526-528 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9LD.