Here are some of our Holt’s favourites, fully-refurbished and looking rather fine
If you’re looking to try somewhere new for your festive meet ups, you can’t go wrong with a traditional British pub – pints of freshly-pulled ale, cosy snugs and classic winter warmers like a steak and ale pie.
Bag a seat round the original fireplace if you can. It’s our favourite spot
Joseph Holt’s have cracked it when it comes to creating the atmosphere for a perfect pub, George Orwell would be impressed.
The Eagle & Child in Whitefield is perfect for meet-ups with family and friends in North Manchester. It’s looking particularly lovely after its recent refurb; bag a seat round the original fireplace if you can. It’s our favourite spot.
The menu is hearty and wholesome with favourites like Sunday Roasts and beer battered cod and chips – Holt’s of course. Families are welcome and there’s even a kids menu so little ones can join in with the pleasures of freshly-made pub grub too.
It’s not far from Besses o’ th’ Barn tram top so getting there is easy as pie. As easy as one of their delicious three cheese and onion pies in fact.
Another Holt’s pub with a smart new refurb is The Griffin in Heald Green. This should be your go-to pub for get-togethers south of Manchester.
It mixes contemporary touches with the old-school beauty of a solid wooden bar, wooden panelling and tiles.
Catch up with family or friends – both kids and dogs are welcome – it’s ideal after a bracing walk round Bruntwood Park. Or, very handy for John Lewis if you want to mix hitting the sales with hitting the ales.
The menu impresses with a quality mixed grill, very popular hanging kebabs and superb vegan options like the sweet potato, bean and red pepper chilli. Our favourite is the braised beef featherblade with cheddar mash. Just what you need on a frosty December day.
There’s plenty of parking or you can walk from Heald Green train station.
