The Flying Horse Hotel

Locals know it simply as The Flyer, an institition that carries more than three centuries of Rochdale history. The Flying Horse Hotel first opened its doors in 1691 on what was once known as the town’s most dangerous street, serving over time as a post office, court house and coaching inn before being demolished in 1923 and rebuilt into the elegant Edwardian-style building that stands proudly in Town Hall Square today. Reopening in 1926, it remains the oldest free house in the borough and still radiates old-world charm.

Step inside and you’ll find a lively, welcoming pub that strikes a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary. There are real fires in winter, a dozen hand-pulled cask ales and ciders behind the bar, and an interior that feels both historic and homely. The place has always had strong ties to the community – it even hosted Rochdale’s first Magistrate’s Court meetings in the 1800s – and that sense of belonging still runs deep.

On the food front, the Flyer keeps things comfort-first. Its menu celebrates classic pub fare done properly: homemade three-cheese and onion pie served with thick-cut chips and beans (of course), beer-battered fish and chips, stacked burgers, loaded fries piled high with chilli or feta and hot honey, and big Sunday roasts complete with Yorkshire puddings, cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets. Weekend breakfasts have also become a local ritual, whether it’s a hearty full English or a plant-based alternative.

Then there’s the entertainment, beating heart of the Flyer. The pub has earned its reputation as one of Rochdale’s premier live-music venues, hosting bands and comedians every week and a monthly open-mic night that welcomes everyone from first-timers to seasoned performers. Over the years, its stage has seen Paul Heaton of The Beautiful South, The Animals, The Irish Rovers, TFB, and comics like John Bishop and Justin Moorhouse, alongside a steady stream of up-and-coming local acts.

From its centuries-old foundations to its modern-day buzz, the Flyer stands as a true Rochdale institution, a place where history, humour, good food and great music meet under its stately roof.