It's not all black pudding lobbing and horse bits, Rammy is food and booze heaven.
Ramsbottom, or Rammy if you’re a proper insider, is all hills, indie endeavours and vintage petrol stations. A small market town just outside of Bury, the scenery is almost as lovely as the people, and the local biz game is thriving. There’s also a giant sculpture of an urn smack bang in the middle of the main road - but don't worry, it's part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail.
Ramsbottom has also got a massive list of great places to stuff your face and get a bit squiffy. If you’re out for brekkie there are bakeries and local coffee, lunch can come in the form of sushi, potato cakes, or charcuterie, and the tea time offerings are well worth the calf pain as you trek up and down the town’s peaks and troughs.
There's also one of the best views in our region from the top of Holcombe Hill. A not-too-challenging hike up and down it should help you work up an appetite.
Read on for the inside scoop on the best places to eat and drink in Ramsbottom.
Baratxuri
Baratxuri is known for its ever-evolving menu of meat, fish, and classic pintxos. Tucked away on Smithy Street, the restaurant is "Basque dining at its finest". The brainchild of the team that is also behind Rammy's Levanter, Baratxuri specialises in open-fire cooking as fresh produce is grilled over the piping hot embers of a Pereruela wood-fired oven. To order, you choose several pintxos (small plates) from the menu, collect the sticks for each dish, and add up your total at the end.
Baratxuri, 1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AT
Casked
We hope you like the colour orange because every single nook and cranny of this place is painted bright tangerine. Casked is home to five hand-pulled cask ales, 15 craft keg lines, and over 60 carefully selected gins. It’s also got a range of hand-stretched pizzas and offers out free dog treats (only if you have a dog in tow though, obviously). Open from 12pm til 10pm every day except Tuesday, this little gem’s most recent booze offering comes in the form of the Shuffleboard, a collaborative brew from LERVIG and Bin Day Brewing Co. Just like a proper local, Casked also has a quiz night every Monday, a load of live gigs on, and some outdoor seating to enjoy when the sun’s got his hat on. Fancy half a pint before you stroll off into the hills? You don’t have to cask us twice.
Casked, 2-4 Prince Street, Ramsbottom BLO 9FN
The Chocolate Cafe
Correct me if I’m wrong, but after a cat cafe and Cafe Patrón, the next best cafe sub-genre is a chocolate one. Packed with crates full of unusual creations like lemon chocolate buttons and cookies and cream pizza, The Chocolate Cafe has space to sit in and enjoy a hot choc as well as a front of house shop that sells all of their unique treats over the counter. Blending together Colombian cocoa with locally sourced ingredients, you can visit the mini chocolate factory at the back of the shop to watch and learn as the team build some serious bars behind the scenes. Ramsbottom’s annual chocolate festival is hosted here every year on the weekend before Easter, and you can order goodies by the box thanks to the spot’s monthly subscription service - time so start planning your next sugar rush.
The Chocolate Cafe, 2 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9HX
Colleen’s
We already raved about Colleen’s when it opened in February 2022. This neighbourhood bistro has taken over the old Hungry Duck site. The food is all made from the best local produce, the wine comes courtesy of Pollard Yard’s Le Social, and the cheese is from the icon that is The Crafty Cheeseman. Hanging onto some Hungry Duck classics, the menu still features the famous steak and chips with béarnaise sauce, but new offerings include tarragon-stuffed chicken, poached mussels with saffron mayo, and braised rabbit. Chefs Ellen and Tom are determined to make this spot Rammy’s “go-to restaurant, a Saturday night tradition, and the monthly treat for people travelling from near and far”, big up Colleen's.
Colleen’s, 76 Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AG
Eagle & Child Inn
Eagle & Child is a Confidentials fave, and it seems like you lot love it too as it was voted “The Best Roast Dinner in Greater Manchester” in one of our hotly contested public Twitter polls. A new menu of small plates was launched recently and the addition of snag bangers, vegan black pudding, and seafood on toast will surely be very much welcomed by hungry and wet Ramsbottom wanderers. Aside from these small plates, Eagle & Child also boasts one of the loveliest views in Rammy from the outside patio, and the team consists of young people of all abilities and backgrounds as part of an inclusive employment policy. If you’re after a proper roast, an award-winning “double bomber” cheese pie, or a haunch of slow-cooked venison, the Eagle & Child is a proper cosy by the fire job - and the staff are fab.
Eagle & Child Inn, 3 Whalley Road, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 0DL
Grape to Grain
An offie with a difference. Grape to Grain opened back in 2017 stocking wine, beer, spirits, and deli items from its store on Bridge Street. A good spot to pop in for a bottle to go with dinner or to take to a party, the shelves are stacked with booze from all across the globe, and they have a pretty extensive cheese selection as well. If you'd rather sit in and catch up over a glass or six, you can also enjoy the booze in-store for a small corkage fee.
Grape to Grain, 43 Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AD
Grind & Tamp
I don’t see nothin' wrong with a little tamp and grind. If you’re after some Mancunian coffee, a turmeric latte, or cheese and onion potato cakes, Grind & Tamp with its impressive list of suppliers is your go-to, right on Bridge Street. Opening up around five years ago, Grind & Tamp became Rammy’s trendiest coffee spot and somewhere to sit with your book or laptop for a people-watching party. The menu also has Turkish eggs, Lupo doughnuts and mushrooms on toast, and the spot opens bright and early Monday - Friday. Also open on weekends 'til mid-afternoon, brunch is served all day and there’s a load of mags and zines to pass the time as you sip away.
Grind & Tamp, 45 Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 9AD
Hearth of the Ram
Euan and Dena Watkins opened the Hearth of the Ram back in 2012 after lovingly refurbishing the 200-year-old building, with period details picked out over three floors. Local produce is strong here, with mains that might include Bury black pudding with scallops and pigs cheek or Goosnargh chicken liver parfait. The seasonal menu comes with matched wine suggestions and there are dedicated menus for vegan dishes, Sunday lunches and pizza. Thirteen different draught choices including four local cask ales are on offer at the inviting bar, and the whisky list stands out - a dead giveaway of the owners' Scottish roots.
13 Peel Brow, Ramsbottom, BLO 0AA
Kimji
At Kimji “eating is a communal experience”, but if you’re not down with the sharing is caring approach, you can always order bibimbap for one. If you’re more of a “what’s yours is mine” kinda dinner date, Kimji does sizzling Korean barbecue dishes with beef, chicken, pork or mixed vegetables, and there are loads of appetisers like spicy cheese rice cakes, traditional homemade kimchi and crispy seaweed rolls that are great for sharing between a group. Kimji’s interiors are all sleek, minimalist, and packed with bamboo, and with buddha beer and brown rice tea on the drinks menu, it's like a real taste of Busan just outside of Bury. You can order a Kimji for collection if you fancy stepping up your takeaway game, but the restaurant is open every day except Monday.
Kimji, 41 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9HU
Levanter
The original endeavour from the team behind Baratxuri, Levanter is an Andalusian tapas bar influenced by the flavours of Malaga, Cadiz, Huelva, Granda and Cordoba. A good spot if you want to dine al fresco whilst sipping your sangria, this spot has perfected the art of cosy outside dining, even in the middle of the Pennines. Ticking all of the boxes when it comes to classic tapas faves, Levanter has daily changing croquettas of the day, as well as Spanish classics like spicy chorizo, fried green peppers, seafood skillets and Spanish booze on the menu.
Levanter, 10 Square St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AT
Manning’s
Greggs is a no-go where Rammy is concerned, and with a Manning’s bakery on the main stretch, it's easy to see why. The chain was set up in 1947 by Michael Manning, and the counter is always packed with shortcrust pies, quiche Lorraine and sweet puff pastries. For lunch on the go, they also make fresh sarnies and salad boxes every morning. If you’re hosting a family do or a proper picnic in the hills one weekend, Manning’s does buffets for all different party sizes, and all the latest bakes can be found on the Manning’s Instagram page. To order a buffet or some baked goods in batches, orders can be made over the phone at 01706 825 237, but the counter is open from 8am ’til 3:30pm Monday to Saturday.
Mannings, 60 Bridge St, Ramsbottom BL0 9AG
The Mouse Trap
The Mouse Trap is "a fun place to brie", and the closest thing to a Rammy-based chain. With two joint ventures within the same town centre, Mousetrap has two spots, two concepts, and one great local brand.
The Mouse Trap cheese emporium sits just off Princes Court and has a whole counter packed with Buffalo Blue, Wyfe of Bath, and Fiore Pecorino. They also have cooking oils, healthy snacks, and various different crackers and accompaniments. However, if you're after a fully-fledged cheese experience with more cheese on top, The Mouse Trap has also opened a new sit-in site on Bolton Street for coffee by day and cheeseboards and wine by night. You can also order pre-made grazing boards for big occasions.
The Mouse Trap Cheese Emporium, 4, Princes Court, Silver St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9BJ
The Mouse Trap, 47 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 9HU
Northern Whisper
Imagine Liam Gallagher whispering “y’alright our kid” softly into your ear, well this kind of Northern Whisper is even better than that. There are craft beer joints all over the place nowadays, but Northern Whisper also has its own local brewing sites, taprooms, and collections of personalised glassware. On Fridays, there are live vinyl DJ sets, and every so often Northern Whisper hosts a social hike around the Rossendale hills, taking walkers to both the Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom taprooms. The bev offerings include a rhubarb and custard IPA, a 2.5% lemon Radler, and a Soft Mick Session Pale Ale, and there are the usual cask ales and fun gin flavours if you’re not feeling crafty. The 2022 hike will be taking place on Saturday 30 July, but if you just fancy a few scoops in the main spot, it's open Wednesday to Sunday into the evening.
Northern Whisper, 2 Market Place, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9HT
Owen’s
Owen’s is a laid back local restaurant that overlooks the old-school East Lancs Railway station. A spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant also has a cosy, fairy-lit beer garden and a seasonal menu that incorporates loads of independent producers. If you’re after some plates to share between pals, Owen’s has charcuterie, fish platters, and warm bread to mop up the juices. The rest of the menu includes “contemporary English classics” like roasted lamb shank, gammon and eggs and a homemade pie of the day. You can book out the whole place for a special occasion too, and the new spring specials board features a deconstructed banana split, just in case you needed one last push to book a table.
Owen’s, 10 Railway Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AL
Ramsbottom Social
Ramsbottom Social announced its new menu at the start of March, and although it doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, there are locally sourced pink mushrooms, surf and turf skewers, and Mexican chilli chimichanga that make the spot well worth the visit. Sticking to the "social" part of its name, a few handcrafted cocktails should get you in the mood for chatting and mingling, and there's loads of live music on a Friday night to get you prepped for a night on the hills.
Ramsbottom Social, 50 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, BL0 9HX
Room 54
Room 54 is usually too rammed to even open the door, which is always a good sign. Right next door to the Velvet clothes shop on Bridge Street, this cafe does fresh sandwiches, homemade cakes and desserts, and a range of gluten-free pies and quiches to eat in and takeaway. Run by locals Jackie and Dale, the caf opens Tuesday til Saturday every week and their blended and branded coffee beans are on sale for £5 a bag.
Room 54, Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AQ
Tap & Cork
If you were worried that Ramsbottom was missing some drag nights and £2 pints, you've missed Tap & Cork off your Rammy radar. Taking over the previous Ramsbottom Tap pub, the spot has cocktail nights for £25 a ticket, bottomless brunches, and sup up Sundays with £2 pints and £12 beer buckets. Situated on Bolton Street right near Kimji, Rammy Social, and The Mouse Trap, you could make a right crawl for yourself before wobbling back down the hill.
Tap & Cork, 43 Bolton St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9HU
The Ram
Another cafe by day, boozer by night, The Ram is right opposite St Paul's Church on Bridge Street. The right place to go if you want to watch the footie or some eclectic live music, the spot is open 2pm til 11 Monday - Thursday, 12pm til 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12pm - 11pm on Sundays. Pints start at two quid and there are some Carrs pasties on offer if you get a bit peckish.
The Ram, 38 Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AQ
The Shoulder of Mutton
Just out of Ramsbottom centre at the bottom of Holcombe Hill, The Shoulder of Mutton is ideal for a pre or post-hike feed. The kind of pub that you want to sit in on a rainy day and look out at the drizzle, the menu is all cheese pie, roasts, BLTs and chunky fat chips. The inside has old stone walls, mismatched furniture, and old pics of the village, and there's also a small outdoor beer garden if you just fancy a swift one halfway through your walk. The pub is open from 12pm 'til 11pm every day, and booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
The Shoulder of Mutton, Lumb Carr Road, Holcombe Village, Ramsbottom, Bury BL8 4LZ
Tre Ciccio
An all-weather terrace is every northern hillside town's haven, and Rammy's comes courtesy of Tre Ciccio. Serving up incredible roast chicken, fresh salads, and Neapolitan pizzas, the menu is inspired by one genius night in Campania, and that award-winning chicken comes from a local farm in Goosnargh. Tre Ciccio's specials also change depending on the seasons, and local foraging is championed throughout all of the menus. Sticking to the status quo, there's a hefty wine list, Italian beers, a range of classic cocktails to enjoy from the terrace, and tiramisu for dessert.
Tre Ciccio, 16-18 Market Place, Ramsbottom, Bury BLO 9HT
The Vineyard
Sourcing "vintage bottles, hard-to-find bottles, and seasonal wine cases", The Vineyard is Ramsbottom's top spot for vino, rum, whisky, gin and all the other fun stuff. You can pop in to get some gifts for a mate or host a tasting event with your colleagues, and a wine tour of "iconic Australian wines" is coming up on Friday 22 April.
The Vineyard Wine Merchant, 12 Square Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9BE
Zumuku Sushi
Zumuku Sushi has got several spots across the North West, and each one serves "authentic, award-winning Japanese cuisine". Open seven days a week, you could have a summertime lunch of sashimi and California rolls, or a hearty katsu with tofu, chicken or prawns when the weather's looking a bit more Mancunian. Zumuku also hosts sushi masterclasses on the last Monday of every month from 7pm to teach sushi super fans about the "art, techniques, and mastery of sushi making". If you'd rather take your temaki to go, you can call and collect your order on 01706 573 236.
Zumuku Sushi, 50 Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9QA
Read next: Ramsbottom favourite The Hungry Duck relaunches as Colleen’s
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