Your shortlisted pubs have been revealed, now it’s time to vote for your winner
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We've almost made it to the end of January – a challenging month and one that most of us would rather put behind us. That said, there have been some positives this month including the launch of our Love Your Local awards in support of Greater Manchester's brilliant boozers.
This time of year is especially difficult for pubs – and more so than ever this year. As well as people quitting the booze for Dry January and cutting back on trips out to bars, pubs and restaurants, much like their customers, pubs are dealing with soaring winter bills amid the cost of living crisis.
It's for this reason that we launched the Love Your Local Awards and asked you to nominate your favourite watering holes across Greater Manchester – from canalside spots and hidden gems to storied, city centre boozers. We wanted to know what makes your local special, and you certainly delivered on that front, doffing your hat to your landlords and landladies, their dedicated staff, and their brilliant selection of drinks.
Read more: Is your favourite pub the best in Greater Manchester? Tell us why you love your local
We've whittled down the nominations to a final five and now we're asking you to vote for your winner using the form below. But just before we introduce you to your Love Your Local nominees for 2023, a note on how they have been selected.
The five selected all shone bright as community spaces where punters are truly made to feel a home. The idea of a pub has evolved significantly over time, and some of the below represent a modern iteration of a pub – some are traditional, some are more contemporary in style, but above all else, they make people feel welcome – something a great pub should always do.
Manchester's much-loved Grand Central pub, a 'second home' for the city's rock and metal scene, reopened under new management in 2021 and judging from the comments we received, it has managed to retain its bustling vibe and upheld its commitment to it's loyal customer base and alternative music.
The veteran watering hole on Oxford Road, which once housed a bar and club in its basement was applauded by punters for being both "welcoming" and "inclusive" and somewhere where "anyone can come in and not feel judged". The sentiment was echoed by a long-standing customer who described the pub as a "home away from home", where "the staff are the best, the owners truly care, the DJs are incredible, the drinks are reasonable and the band nights are brilliant and all in all its just the best place in Manchester".
For those that haven't visited, as well as resident DJs and open mike nights, there's also free pool during the week from 12-5pm and the jukebox that is also free during these times – just make sure to ask the bar staff for extra credits. Above else, the votes for Grand Central hammer home the sentiment that it's a place where community is its life blood.
The Grand Central, 80 Oxford St, Manchester M1 5NH
Built in the late 1970s, the Church Inn is a pub in Newton Heath that prides itself on being community orientated. Inside, punters will find music, live sports coverage and a large selection of beer including a range of Joseph Holt casks, keg beers and award-winning lagers and bottled beers.
Boasting a good-sized lounge area and vault equipped with a pristine pool table, which is used for league matches, there's plenty going on. Whether its sports action on Sky and BT, pool competitions or private parties and functions, it's clear from the comments we've received that it's catering to the whole community.
One local called its a "local gem" and said the pub has been a great support in difficult times, while others commended its "friendly atmosphere" and "great prices". The Church Inn's landlady has also received a special mention: "Tracey, the landlady, is like a mother hen to all her customers. She does a lot for charity and recently ran events to buy a defibrillator for outside the pub. She was so successful she has raised enough for a defibrillator and surpassed all expectations we are very close to buying a second one for another area."
The Church Inn, 1 Gaskell St, Manchester M40 1JB
Offering real ales, craft beers and gin galore, Albion Tap in Uppermill, Saddleworth, has been nominated for its varied selection of drinks sold from it's micro bar and bottle shop, as well as it's live music sessions. Housed in a former high street book shop, it features high wooden bar tables, exposed brick work and a stainless steel bar area. The boozer has been applauded for its community spirit, friendly service and great drinks range.
While one person praised its "proper ale" and "great live music", other praised its "warm and welcoming" staff. Another person added: "The Albion Tap represents all that is great about community, customer service and amazing selection of quality drinks. A warm welcome for locals and visitors always awaits."
Perhaps our favourite comment on The Albion is this though: "I have drunk in most pubs around Manchester – but this place (Albion Tap) is Special – there are no ego’s – it doesn’t matter if you’re a 'celebrity' or down on your luck – everyone’s equal and I have never felt more welcome anywhere."
Albion Tap, 72 High St, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6AW
Since opening its doors in 2019, The Longford Tap near Stretford Mall has picked up two CAMRA awards – having won Best Newcomer in 2020 and Best Local Pub Award last year. So it's really no wonder it's ended up being nominated for best local in our awards too.
Their commitment to supporting brewers from across the region and keeping their selection of ales from breweries within a few miles radius of Stretford has set it apart, while its regulars have also hailed it as a "very safe pub" with "lovely" staff".
One person, who nominated the Trafford spot, said: "It's always serving the community, and every year they raise money for something – it has been for Manchester children's hospital one year, and another they bought a defibrillator for the bar. Another added: "It has a great atmosphere with great local produced craft ales and spirits, plus charity, party and karaoke nights. It's always a warm welcoming friendly atmosphere in there, and nothing is too much trouble for the landlords and staff – a great little gem of a bar.
The Longford Tap, Unit 107, King Street Mall, Manchester M32 9BA
Dating back to the 1830s, the Coach and Horses is a historic pub serving Whitfield and beyond. The friendly and welcoming pub has lots of rustic charm, cosy nooks and a lively atmosphere. Also featuring a play area, children are welcome in the day and dogs are too.
As well as offering a selection of well-kept real ale and lager plus a varied range of bottled beers, there's also wines and a premium spirits to choose from. Entertainment wise, there's a number of TVs showing Sky Sports and BT sport matches, plus monthly live music events, plus a outside stage area and beer garden.
However, the special mention here goes once again to the pub's landlady Sue who regulars says goes "above and beyond" for the community. One person told us: "The landlady Sue Hawley looks after all ages by doing different events to suit all ages. Particularly love the way she does things for the older, lonely group. She cooks Christmas dinner for her 11am regulars and takes them to their houses – that's real care in the community."
Coach & Horses, 71 Bury Old Rd, Whitefield, Prestwich, Manchester M45 6TB
Voting closes on Tuesday, February 7 at 6pm.
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