The Chorlton institution has picked up a regional Pub & Bar Award just months after its restoration...
The Horse & Jockey in Chorlton has been named the best pub in Greater Manchester at the 2026 Pub & Bar Awards, less than a year after reopening under the stewardship of Bigger Boat Hospitality.
The historic pub, operated by the team behind The Black Friar in Salford, collected the regional title at the annual awards ceremony following an extensive refurbishment that saw the venue reopen in October last year.
The award marks an early milestone in what has been a significant restoration project for Chorlton’s most recognisable and historic pub.
Neil Burke, Director of Bigger Boat Hospitality, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the Pub & Bar 2026 Award for Greater Manchester. Since opening last October, it has been a true labour of love to restore this historic pub and bring it back to its full potential.
“As a Chorlton local myself, the Horse & Jockey is a pub that’s been really special to me. I’ve spent plenty of time here over the years and have seen first hand how important the pub is to the community. At Bigger Boat Hospitality, we work to take on venues that have been overlooked or left behind and breathe new life into them in a way that feels authentic to the people who use them every day.
“The Horse & Jockey offers something unique – the charm and atmosphere of a traditional country pub right in the heart of one of Manchester’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. We’re proud to serve Joseph Holt’s full range of bitters, ales and lagers, all brewed right here in Manchester alongside a seasonal food menu created using produce from trusted local suppliers.”
Since reopening, the pub has focused on combining the character of a traditional local with a food and drink offering rooted in Greater Manchester, serving Joseph Holt beers alongside a menu built around seasonal ingredients from regional producers.
Burke added: “This award is a huge testament to the hard work and passion our team has put into the pub over the past few months. Seeing the pub buzzing again and being embraced by the community has been the biggest reward of all. As we head into our first full summer of trading, we’re excited to build on that momentum, welcome even more people through our doors and continue creating a pub that Chorlton can be proud of.”
The win follows a strong first few months for the Horse & Jockey, which has quickly re-established itself as one of South Manchester’s most popular pub destinations since returning under new ownership.
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