They both featured in The Telegraph’s guide to the 500 Best Pubs in England
The Fletcher Moss pub in Didsbury Manchester(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Salford-based brewery Hydes has said that it’s a ‘tremendous honour’ for two of its pubs to be named among the best in England by The Telegraph.
The Fletcher Moss in Didsbury and The Grey Horse on Portland Street were both named among The Telegraph’s inaugural “500 Best Pubs in England,” list compiled by renowned pub expert Will Hawkes.
Both The Fletcher Moss and The Grey Horse are part of the Hydes estate, the independent family brewer founded in 1863 and headquartered in Salford.
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It’s known for its award-winning range of cask ales and pubs, with a strong reputation for preserving a traditional pub experience while delivering high standards of service and hospitality.
The Grey Horse pub
The Fletcher Moss, a cornerstone of the Didsbury community, was recognised for its timeless charm, warm welcome and beautifully kept cask ales. The Telegraph described it as a “traditional spot that has been refurbished in congenial fashion, with plenty of unique details to break up the classic ambiance.”
The Grey Horse, just off St Peter’s Square in the heart of Manchester city centre, holds the title of being one of the smallest pubs in the city. The Telegraph said that it might “be the best place in the city centre” to try Hyde’s beers. It added: “it’s certainly one of the cosiest, with a wood-panelled bar and plenty of comfortable seating.”
Adam Mayers, Managing Director of Hydes, said: “To have not one but two of our pubs featured in such a prestigious list is a tremendous honour. Both The Fletcher Moss and The Grey Horse are true gems, and their recognition reflects the dedication of the brilliant teams who run them.
“We’re incredibly proud to see them highlighted among the best in England, and this is a real testament to the hard work, passion and pride that goes into every pint, every day.”
The Telegraph said that local reputation, customer reviews, and personal visits all played a role in curating the list.
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Mr Hawkes said: “I’ve developed strong opinions about what makes a great pub, atmosphere, of course; fixtures and fittings that engender what Germans call gemütlichkeit, warmth, happiness and cosiness; good beer, particularly cask ale; and a sense of place.”
Adam Mayers, added: “This recognition helps shine a light on the enduring appeal of well-run, characterful establishments. As pubs across the UK face increasing challenges, such high-profile accolades provide a welcome boost for operators who continue to invest in quality and experience.
“For Hydes, the recognition serves as further validation of our commitment to maintaining and celebrating great British pubs. The inclusion of these two Manchester favourites is a proud moment, not only for the teams who run them, but also for the communities they serve. We believe all our pubs should be in the top 500 pubs, perhaps next year they will be.”
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