News: Two Greater Manchester pubs win prestigious CAMRA Pub Design Awards

We all knew Manchester’s pub scene was top notch, and now the rest of the country knows it too! As not one but TWO pubs in Greater Manchester have scooped up awards at the prestigious CAMRA Pub Design Awards.

Wigan’s Swan & Railway pub has been awarded the Historic England Conservation Award, for completely transforming the 1898 fine listed building without a scratch to its original design.

After being left empty for years, current owner John Brearley took over the pub in 2018, working closely with council officials to ensure maximum conservation. Now, the Swan & Railway stands proudly opposite the Wigan Wallgate train station, with a new roof, new toilets, a new marble bar top, new upstairs accommodation, and a completely restored traditional wood and tile interior.

As well as this, The Bridge Inn in Bolton picked up the Community Local Award, following an extensive refurb job, which has restored the 19^th Century pub to its former glory.

Left in a bad state under pubco ownership, The Bridge Inn in Horwich was in a sad condition when it was last purchased. Now, current owners have rescued the traditional beerhouse with a full refurbishment, including a brand new function room on the first floor – ideal for community activities. Once again, guests can enjoy a frosty pint surrounded by dainty tilework and big wooden beams.

The Pub Design Awards are held by independent consumer organisation CAMRA in collaboration with Historic England, to celebrate exceptional pubs across the country. CAMRA was formed by four beer lovers back in 1971, to share and support the work of the Nation’s ale producers. This year’s presentation ceremony marks CAMRA’s 50^th anniversary, and is set to take place via Zoom at 7pm on the 26^th August. Register to join via the book now link below.

Pictured here: The Swan & Railway, Wigan – winner of the Historic England Conversion Award

See the full list of winners via the link below.