The Horse & Jockey in Chorlton has been named our Pub of the Week, following a major £1.4m renovation and a top award. The pub, known for its black and white Tudor frontage on Chorlton Green, was taken over by Neil Burke and executive chef Ben Chaplin, who have breathed new life into the historic building.
Award-Winning Transformation
The pair renovated the building as part of the £1.4m project, added a brand new menu, and won awards for their efforts, having been named the best in Greater Manchester at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 back in June. The pub first became an inn and coach house in 1793, with its building dating back to 1512, and is described as 'one of the most photographed buildings in Chorlton'.
Community and Events
Neil Burke, who also runs the Salford pub the Black Friar, spoke about the pub's role in the local community. He said: “The community has been incredible. They've really got behind us and supported us through all the changes we've made. We see so many familiar faces coming back week after week. It's become a real community hub again and that's exactly what we wanted to achieve.”
Events have been brought back to the pub and the village green, including a community event at Easter and the first JockeyFest with stalls, music, and activities. It's the first time markets have been held on the green in a very long time.
Ghost Stories and Local Legends
Being more than 250 years old, the pub has plenty of stories attached to it, including local legends and ghost stories. One famous story among locals is the death of a Police Constable in the late 19th century in an alleyway at the back of the pub.
Supporting the Pub
Neil encourages people to support their local pub by simply visiting, even for a coffee. He said: “The biggest thing is simply to visit. You don't have to come in for a meal or a pint, even stopping by for a coffee helps keep these community spaces alive. We'd also love people to keep an eye on our social media because we're always putting on events and so far, they've all been free.”
Horse & Jockey is on 9 Chorlton Grn, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9HS.
