Stockport and Salford pubs shortlisted for Great British Pub Awards 2022

Hundreds of pubs have entered this year’s ‘pub Oscars’, the Great British Pub Awards – and several local favourites have made the shortlist.

Judges had to whittle down the entries across two rounds of judging, with on-the-road visits taking place this summer.

The shortlist comprises several different categories, with one winner to be announced in each category and one going on to be crowned overall Great British Pub of the Year.

“The tough judging process is always difficult due to the high standard of pubs that enter,” said Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards.

“However, those decisions have now been made, and we have a very strong list of finalists that will be in the running to take the title of each of the categories, with one exceptional winner going on to be crowned Great British Pub of the Year.

Best Pub for Entertainment

The Kings Arms in Salford made the shortlist for Best Pub for Entertainment.

Situated just off Chapel Street, this pub, music venue, theatre and community hub has been described as “Britain’s most Bohemian back-street boozer” by the Guardian.

The Kings Arms was first licensed in 1807 which marked a time where Bloom Street was lined with multiple shops, houses and other beer houses.

In 2011, the pub lease was taken over by Paul Heaton and Zena Barrie, accommodating art exhibitions, fringe festivals, gigs, poetry night and more, and in December 2015, Lisa Connor took over the premises with the intention to continue with the pub’s artistic vision and build on how the pub can help the local community.

The venue has been in the Good Beer Guide for over 10 years, and has also been used as a location for filming for TV productions such as Cracker, Fresh Meat, Hairy Bikers and several music videos.

Best Pub for Families

The Puss in Boots pub in Stockport has been shortlisted in the Best Pub for Families category.

The cosy tavern is known for its traditional carveries and classic pub dishes, and offers an extensive outside seating and drinking area.

There’s a dedicated kids carvery option on the menu, as well as favourites such as a little portion of mac and cheese, or pigs in blankets with mash.

It also offers live music on the last Saturday of every month, and a pub quiz every Thursday.

Community Hero

Over in Boothstown, Coal and Cotton has been shortlisted in the Community Hero category.

Previously The Greyhound, the pub opened as Coal and Cotton in 2019 and swiftly became a hit with locals.

The bar area wraps around an impressive gin distillery where they make their very own Boothstown Gin, while the food menu consists of British classics, with subtle influences from around the world.

There’s a dedicated outdoor grill menu, and they also serve breakfast, Sunday roasts, and a gin fountain afternoon tea.

Live bands play at weekends, while dogs are welcome – “with well behaved owners,” notes their website.

The Great British Pub Awards will be held on Tuesday 4th October at Escape to Freight Island, Manchester.