Another year, another stunning victory for pubs around the North West, as our region holds its own yet again on the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs list.
The Estrella Damm pub guide awards, now in their 12th year, celebrate the best food-driven pubs around the country.
The 50 front-runners were announced last year but the pubs’ rankings were only revealed at a ceremony in London this week.
And for another year, Greater Manchester and the surrounding North West region has nabbed plenty of room on the Top 50 Gastropubs list.
The Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats, which stormed onto the list for the first time last year, has climbed even higher into 16th place.
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The pub’s kitchen is currently closed for a refurb as it readies to welcome a new head chef, following the departure of award-winning Shaun Moffatt last year.
The Edinburgh Castle said of the accolade: “We are all extremely proud of this, and although the kitchen is closed this month for a refurbishment, we have a new kitchen team all raring to go with some fantastic new menus that we can’t wait to share!
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The Edinburgh Castle has been named in the Top 50 Gastropubs again in the North WestFood at the Edinburgh Castle pub in Ancoats
“Thank you to all our wonderful guests, our dedicated team past and present who have helped us get here – and of course Top 50 Gastropubs for including us.
“Congratulations to the other 49 too, we can’t believe what esteemed company we are in and you all completely deserve it. 2025 is going to be a big year!
“Now, who’s popping in for a celebratory pint?”
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Also on the Top 50 Gastropubs list elsewhere in the North West was, once again, the Michelin-recommended The Pack Horse in Hayfield.
Just on the very outskirts of the region where Greater Manchester nudges the Peak District, this beautiful country pub quietly serves a fantastic pre-hike breakfast as well as a seasonal evening menu of modern British food.
The Pack Horse in Hayfield. Credit: The Manc GroupDinner at the Pack Horse in Hayfield. Credit: The Manc Group
Chef and owner Luke Payne said: “Four years in the top 50, three years in the top 20.
“It means so much to us to have the love and respect of our peers, fantastic business operators and beautiful people who continue to puts us among such esteemed company, it is an honour and a privilege, and we love you all.
“This consistency is a testament to our incredibly hard working team who continue to weather the storm of the hospitality industry with vigour and laughter every single day; our tireless, incredible suppliers, and of course our guests, who ultimately give us purpose.
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“It is a personal aim of mine to visit as many of these incredible gastropubs over the coming year, your support means the world.”
The Parkers Arms up in Newton-in-Bowland in Lancashire, previously a pub that took the top spot on the list, made it in again in fourth place.
It’s particularly well-known for its pies but at this lovely countryside spot you really can’t go far wrong.
Also making it into the top 50 in Lancashire were The White Swan at Fence, and the Three Fishes in Whalley.
Now that’s an achievement worth raising a pint to.
Viral Korean street food brand Bunsik is coming to the Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
Korean street food brand Bunsik is branching out, with a brand-new restaurant confirmed for the Trafford Centre.
Set to open later this year, the London-born brand will be bringing its viral Korean corn dogs – with cheese pulls that stretch as far as your arms will go – to the huge shopping centre.
As well as that, Bunsik is famed for classic Korean street food dishes like ttekbokki, crispy fried chicken, and kimbap.
The Korean favourite already has a popular site over in Manchester city centre, opening up on Piccadilly Gardens back in 2023.
Bunsik is set to open in the Trafford Centre’s The Orient food hall in June, taking over the old Shere Khan unit.
It joins other recent openings like Joe & The Juice, Jerk Junction, and the brand-new Eastern Garden dining area which is home to Blanchflower, Chit n Chaat, and Hello Oriental.
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Bunsik to Trafford Centre this summer.
“It’s a brand that brings something fresh, fun and exciting to our food lineup, and we know our visitors are going to love it.”
Korean corn dogs from BunsikThe existing Bunsik at Piccadilly Gardens
Jae Cho, founder of Bunsik, said: “We have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible love and support Manchester has shown us since we opened at Piccadilly Gardens.
“Seeing so many people enjoy our food every day gave us the confidence to believe that Bunsik could truly become a nationwide brand.
“It confirmed that the UK’s love for Korean street food is even stronger than we imagined.
“With that same energy and confidence, we are now thrilled to bring Bunsik to the iconic Trafford Centre. We hope our new home becomes just as beloved a spot for everyone in Manchester and the surrounding areas. We can’t wait to welcome you all very soon!”
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to Manchester next month
Daisy Jackson
One of the world’s silliest and most-loved experiences is returning to Manchester this year, offering people the chance to step inside the world of Fawlty Towers.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience sees immersive theatre blend with a three-course dinner, bringing Britain’s most infamous hotel to life.
Fans of the hit 1970s comedy will enjoy two hours of mayhem led by Basil, Sybil and Manuel, all while tucking into a delicious era-appropriate meal.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has become an immersive dining phenomenon, scooping awards and selling out venues across the globe since launching almost 30 years ago.
In the years since, it’s welcomed more than one million guests, celebrated 13 years of its West End residency in London, and hosted celebrations for 50 years of the original BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers.
And now it’s Manchester’s turn, with the event returning to our city between 3 and 15 February.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to ManchesterThe event is hosted by actors playing Basil, Sybil and ManuelAround 70% of the action is improvisedGuests are served a three-course 70s-inspired meal during the Faulty Towers experienceCredit: Rosie Powell
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience will be taking over the Voco hotel on Portland Street for a limited run, starring Aaron Millard as ‘Basil’, Rebecca Norris as ‘Sybil’, and Simon Hourihan as ‘Manuel’.
You can definitely expect two hours of theatre, chaos, and a 70s-inspired three-course meal, but with around 70% of the performances completely improvised, we can’t tell you much more than that…
Producer Jared Harford said: “It’s such a joy to be bringing Basil and the team back to Manchester. After such an incredible 2025 celebrating 50 years of Fawlty Towers, we can’t wait to continue sharing the laughter, chaos and community spirit that make this show so special.”
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience in Manchester:
Tuesday 3 February to Sunday 15 February
Tuesday to Saturday – doors open 6.45pm, seating and show starts 7.30pm
Saturday and Sunday – doors open 12.45pm, seating and show starts 1.30pm
Ticket prices, all including three-course meal and two hour immersive experience:
Tuesday to Thursday dinner, and Saturday or Sunday lunch – £67.50 pp (including fees) Friday or Saturday dinner £71.50 pp (including fees). Bookings can be made via the box office on (+44) 020 3700 3138 or online at www.faultytowersdining.com
Daisy Jackson -
31st January 2025 
