The Flying Horse, Rochdale

This is an attractive hotel and pub in the middle of Rochdale town centre. The front of the pub has a single large area with plenty of seating either side of the front door. It looks quite smart, with a nice carpet, a couple of tiled fireplaces, an attractive bookcase and a band of ceramic tiles running around the walls. Those lucky enough to get a seat under the windows at the front of the pub will be treated to good views of the impressive town hall over the road. Several TV screens were on showing the afternoon’s early FA Cup tie and there were numerous blackboards throughout listing menus, upcoming events and the like. To the right of the servery is a wallpapered rear room with wooden floor and bits of sporting memorabilia on display included framed rugby shorts and a pair of Joe Calzaghe’s boxing shorts. There is also a picture of the Rochdale Cobras rugby team, who are based at the pub and a large trophy cabinet highlights their successes. A good range of ale was available on my visit, with Taylor Landlord and Golden Best, Lees Best, Moorhouse Black Witch, Roosters Cream, Pennine Real Blonde (£2.60) and Phoenix Arizona on the row of hand pumps. The Real Blonde was in good condition, if not the most inspiring pint of the day. The staff were friendly and seemed pretty industrious, dealing efficiently with a busy bar and a lot of food orders. I was glad that this place felt more like a pub than a hotel bar, and felt very comfortable sat here with a pint and my paper. A decent place to while away an hour or two over some good beer.