A charming pub in Manchester’s Gay Village has been left ‘thrilled’ after it was named CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2023.
Part bar, part hideout, The Molly House on Richmond Street shared the news about its win on Twitter this week, writing: “Thrilled to be awarded Central Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Year 2023”, accompanied by a championship cup emoji.
The decadent, alternative boozer in Manchester’s Gay Village – known for its dazzling choice of ales, craft beer, wines, spirits and tasty tapas dishes – is something of a favourite amongst locals in the know, split across two floors with a lovely upstairs terrace.
House in a former worsted tailors shop, it sits just off the main bustle of the area’s main thoroughfare Canal Street and has been a fixture here since opening in 2010.
Image: The Molly House
Image: The Molly House
Not just a boozer, it also serves twenty different styles of tea as well as coffee and specialist spirits, all in its post-Victorian ‘shabby chic’ settings.
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Downstairs, the ‘Tea Room’ is where the kitchen is situated. Here you’ll find a cask ale bar and large wooden tables, chairs and benches for dining, whilst upstairs in the Bordello the decor is more intimate with low-slung sofas and armchairs and more of a focus on cocktails.
On the tapas menu, served from 12-9pm daily, you’ll find the likes of prawns cooked in wine with paprika and chillies, mushroom croquetas and asparagus in tahini, alongside halloumi in harissa, John Dory with orange, artichokes and romesco, and chorizo on salsa.
As for drinks, the bar specialises in local brewers and the policy is to serve examples of many different beer styles – so you’ll find all sorts on offer here, ranging from Cloudwater craft beers to kegs and casks from RedWillow and Mallinsons.
Taking its name from a term used in 18th- and 19th-century Britain for a meeting place for homosexual men, the boozer keeps alive the history of those taverns, public houses, coffeehouses and even private rooms where men would often socialise in secret.
Andy Burnham’s favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast
Daisy Jackson
Andy Burnham’s favourite pub, restaurant, neighbourhood, and Sunday roast have been revealed – and the man’s got taste.
Old footage of now-PM Andy Burnham chatting to content creator Isaac Likes has been doing the rounds again, and while the interview dates back to before Andy left us and headed down to the big smoke, his Manchester recommendations still stand.
From his go-to neighbourhood and favourite pub to where he heads for a Sunday roast, and even the song he likes to play when he gets behind the decks, Burnham gave us a glimpse into his ideal Manchester day.
First up, there’s the Northern Quarter, which Burnham reckons has to be his favourite neighbourhood in the city.
He said: “Got to be the Northern Quarter. It’s the place where it’s all happening.”
When it comes to food, he singled out Firehouse, sitting on the edge of the Northern Quarter, as one of his favourite places to eat. He also gave a shoutout to its sister venue Ramona, where he’s been known to get behind the decks.
Andy said: “On the edge of the Northern Quarter, Firehouse is a place I love to go. Ramona Pizza, I’ve DJ’d there – if the mayor DJs there it’s gotta be alright.”
For a proper pint, Burnham’s choice is a little more traditional, saying his favourite pub is the ‘proper old school’ Peveril of the Peak.
The beautiful tiled pub was recently named the best in the UK, just days before its legendary landlady Nancy passed away.
When Sunday rolls around, Burnham said he has a couple of options up his sleeve. The Wharf in Castlefield gets a mention, as does Edinburgh Castle up in Ancoats.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterThe Edinburgh CastleFirehouseSome of Andy Burnham’s favourite places in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
He said: “We love our gravy, we drink it by the pint in Manchester.”
Of course, no conversation with Burnham about Manchester would be complete without talking music.
Asked to name the best Manchester band of all time, he offered a few contenders – The Smiths, New Order, and, ultimately, The Stone Roses.
“The band I think are quintessentially Manchester is The Stone Roses. That was peak Manchester,” he said.
The amazing new doughnut shop that’s opened in a churchyard in Wigan
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new doughnut hatch has landed in Wigan, serving fresh bakes and speciality coffee from inside a beautiful local churchyard.
This is Holy Grounds, the latest independent spot bringing together freshly made doughnuts, excellent coffee and a spectacular setting, right beside the Wigan Parish Church.
The Lancashire-born business expanded to Wigan just three weeks ago, and it’s already proving hugely popular with the locals.
As we’re seeing all over Wigan these days, Holy Grounds have taken on a beautiful characterful space and turned it into a great new independent hangout.
The doughnut hatch is connected to the church itself, with the room believed to have once been an old school space. Today, it’s been given a very different purpose, with the smell of freshly baked doughnuts and coffee filling the building.
And you can still get a very real reminder that you’re sitting inside a church – the bells ring twice a day.
Holy Grounds was set up by Sam, who was previously a vicar, alongside his partner Hannah.
They and their team are making doughnuts fresh every day, using a 48-hour proving process, before transforming them into a monthly-rotating selection of flavours.
This month’s specials at Holy GroundsThe selection of Holy Grounds doughnuts in WiganA peach and almond doughnut, and an OGHoly Grounds stands in the churchyard of Wigan Parish ChurchFreshly-made doughnuts and coffee in Wigan
This month’s flavours include The OG, peach and almond, chocolate cornflakes, and blackberry and white chocolate.
Holy Grounds serves speciality coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters in Bristol, making the doughnut-and-coffee combination feel less like a quick sugar hit and more like a proper little ritual.
A beautiful old building, fresh doughnuts, excellent coffee and church bells ringing overhead?
We’re not saying we’ve found heaven, but we’re definitely getting closer.
Georgina Pellant -
28th April 2023 
