Ancoats boozer The Crown and Kettle has been named among the best pubs in the north west, it has been revealed.
The historic Ancoats pub, famed for its intricately designed and very old ceiling, was acknowledged as part of the 2023 National Pub & Bar Award this week.
One of the oldest pubs in Manchester, it scooped a prestigious County Winner title which saw it listed alongside four other venues in the north west.
It is the only pub in Greater Manchester to be recognised ahead of the final awards ceremony, which takes place in June.
The other pubs to make the list are The Bay Horse Inn in Cumbria, The Swan at Marbury in Cheshire, The White Bull at Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, and The Windmill, Southport in Merseyside.
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Built in 1736, the Crown & Kettle has welcomed hundreds of thousands through its doors in the past 287 years.
It’s survived just about everything in that time, from global catastrophes to drunk journalists (who’d pop down after – or during – their shifts at the neighbouring Daily Express offices).
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In nearly three centuries, the closest Crown & Kettle has come to complete closure was it fell victim to an arson attack in 1990.
Image: The Crown and Kettle
Image: The Crown and Kettle
A blaze tore through the building and inflicted severe damage, but after more than 15 years lying dormant, the pub went on to make a full recovery.
Crown & Kettle continues to thrive today as one of Manchester’s most beloved and longstanding boozers – and this month its excellence has been acknowledged in a whole new way.
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Speaking on the awards, Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, said: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.
“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector.
“With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times. Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”
Featured image – Google Maps
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Huge Manchester street food event postponed amid severe weather
Daisy Jackson
A big food festival that was set to take place in Manchester this weekend has been postponed due to the severe storm warning.
GRUB at The Club, which is set to celebrate 11 years of the street food heavyweights, was meant to be taking place at Fairfield Social club this weekend.
The brilliant GRUB team had planned two nights of great food and DJs to celebrate their birthday, with free birthday cake for the first 50 people through the door on Friday night.
But as Manchester is battered by basically more rain than we’ve seen all summer, organisers have made the decision to postpone the event for now.
Remember when it felt like Manchester would always be sunny, dry and warm? Those days are over, my friend.
There’s a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms today, then a forecast that features a bit more rain than we’d like for a bank holiday.
GRUB have said that this severe storm forecast has made it ‘impossible’ for the event to go ahead as planned, as they prioritise the safety and enjoyment of everyone on site.
They’ve said that the event will be rearranged to take place in September, with the exact date announced very soon.
GRUB posted: “Due to the severe storm forecast this week we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the event. The safety and enjoyment of our guests, traders and team always comes first and this weekend’s weather makes it impossible for us to go ahead as planned.
“We’re gutted. This one meant a lot to us and we know it did to you too. But GRUB At The Club is not cancelled! It’s coming back in September and we cannot wait to do this properly. Keep your eyes peeled for the new date announcement coming very soon
“The launch of FSC’s brand new pizza menu is also being pushed back. But not for long! That one’s coming very soon and trust us, it’ll be worth the wait.
“Thank you for your understanding and sorry for any inconvenience caused. We’ll see you soon.”
Keep an eye on GRUB’s Instagram for the rescheduled dates.
Award-winning cocktail bar in Manchester announces shock closure
Daisy Jackson
Red Light, a Manchester cocktail bar that’s been named as one of the best in the UK, has announced its shock closure.
The beautiful bar on the cobbled Little David Street has said that ‘this Pride will be our last’, with the doors set to close for good on Sunday.
Red Light opened its doors at Kampus in 2023, an inclusive space with great drinks, events, and DJs.
The bar was the brainchild of Deana Ferguson, an adopted Manc originally hailing from Belfast, who created a cosy, welcoming space with a fantastic martini.
But now, the Red Light team have announced that they have just days remaining in their home.
They wrote that ‘sustained financial headwinds’ are partly to blame, along with the challenges presented by operating a late-night venue in a residential area.
Red Light in Manchester has announced its closureThe beautiful bar is on Little David Street at Kampus in Manchester
In a heartbreaking statement, Red Light wrote: “For so many years, this bar has been more than a place to drink. It has been a home, a dance floor, a refuge, and a place where people could find friendship, freedom, love, and themselves.
“We are immensely proud of the community that has grown within these walls, and grateful to every person who has been part of it.”
The statement went on to thank the DJs, performers, neighbours and friends who ‘made this bar what it was’.
Red Light added: “We want our final Pride to celebrate everything we have created together. Come raise a glass, fill the dance floor, and help us give this place the joyful, unapologetically queer farewell it deserves.
“We hope to see you over the weekend, for one last Pride together.”
Georgina Pellant -
5th April 2023 
