Eats
Eccles pub says it’s ‘a dream come true’ as it’s named the best pub in Britain
Daisy Jackson
The Good Food Guide has named its best 100 pubs in Britain – and it’s a local Eccles boozer who’s come out on top.
The guide has travelled the length and breadth of the country to single out the best pubs the nation has to offer, from community atmosphere and great drinks to top quality kitchens.
Greater Manchester is well-represented in the top 100, with the Marble Arch placing 36th and The Trof 76th, plus The Pack Horse (just outside the region in Hayfield) came in 16th.
But showing the country how it’s done is The Queens Arms in Eccles, a fantastic Victorian red-brick pub with an unexpected yet authentic Japanese izakaya-style menu.
This is a pub where you can get an eel rice bowl or a pork cutlet katsu alongside a pint of pale ale, or a Japanese Sapporo lager.
Since October 2024, the historic pub has been under the steer of Mr. Lo and Mr. Anthony Sit, and their efforts have meant that The Queens Arms has now been named the number one pub in Britain – something they said is a ‘dream come true’.
The Good Food Guide said: “Expect the unexpected. Rarely does this well-worn phrase ring truer than at this historic Victorian pub in an obscure part of Eccles.
“The small, red-brick tavern has a significant claim to fame in the annals of industrial heritage: built in 1828 and ranked as the oldest passenger railway boozer in the world, it has been sympathetically preserved in all its Grade II-listed glory. That might be reason enough to visit, but it doesn’t prepare the first-time visitor for the culture shock inside.
“Under Hong Kong ownership, and with an authentic Japanese izakaya-style menu, the result could be an aesthetic car crash – a cultural pile-up that does no favour to either tradition. Instead, the Queens Arms is as packed with Asian diners and Chinese tourists as any eatery in Manchester’s Chinatown – even on a dull Monday lunchtime.
“And the unlikely combination has been a great success, as much for the novelty as the excellent quality of the cooking and speedy service (as many repeat customers testify).
“The menu is short but expertly executed: best-selling dishes include pork cutlet katsu, a teriyaki ox-tongue rice bowl, eel rice bowl and teppanyaki mixed vegetable udon. The tempura batter on our visit was outstanding – meltingly light, fresh and crisp.
“Somehow, the whole thing fits together: etched ‘snug’ windows, comfortable padded booth seating, tiled fireplaces, wooden bar fittings and Victorian knick-knacks. One room still functions as a local drinking den with a dartboard – so you can practice your throws with a glass of cold Sapporo on draught.”
Sharing the news today, The Queens Arms wrote: “A DREAM COME TRUE – WE ARE THE WINNER
“We are incredibly proud and delighted to announce that The Queens Arms has been named the overall WINNER of The Good Food Guide Britain’s 100 Best Pubs 2026! What an incredible moment for our little pub in Eccles!
“When we first took over The Queens Arms, we had a dream of bringing new life to this historic 1828 pub, combining the charm and heritage of a traditional British pub with our passion for Japanese cuisine.
“It has been quite a journey, and this recognition means so much to us.
“A heartfelt thank you to our amazing team, whose hard work and dedication make everything possible, and to all our wonderful customers, friends and local community for your continued support. You have been part of our journey from the very beginning, we couldn’t have done it without you.
“Our sincere thanks to The Good Food Guide for this incredible recognition and for continuing to celebrate the great British pub, independent hospitality and the people who work so hard behind the scenes.
“This is not just our achievement – it is something for our whole community to celebrate!
“Thank you for believing in us. We can’t wait to welcome you and celebrate together!”
You can see the full Good Food Guide top 100 pubs in Britain HERE.
Read more
Featured image: Instagram, @queens.arms.patricroft
Daisy Jackson -
4th May 2023 
