The Help Me Thro' in Bury, believed to be the only pub in the world with that name, has been transformed under new owners Stephen and Tom Haworth. The couple took over nearly a year ago and have turned the traditional drinkers' pub into a vibrant community hub serving homemade pies, beer-battered fish with hand-cut chips, and chicken tagliatelle.
Unique Name and History
Dating back to the mid-19th century, the Help Me Thro' is one of Bury's oldest pubs. Stephen Haworth explains: 'We believe the name came from a sign out the front directing travellers to Brandleshome in Bury centre and Tottington with Help me Thro on it - our new logo was created with this in mind. It's the only pub in the world with the name.'
Food, Drink, and Entertainment
The pub offers a wide range of drinks, with cask ales from Thwaites being particularly popular. In warmer months, spritzes and ciders have seen a big increase in sales. 'We try to have something for everyone, whether they're a real ale enthusiast or just calling in for a glass of wine after work,' says Stephen.
Beyond the menu, the Help Me Thro' hosts live music, karaoke, bingo, and quizzes throughout the week. Special seasonal events include a sold-out Burns night earlier this year, featuring a traditional addressing to the haggis and a bagpiper.
Unexpected Campervan Stopover
One of the nicest surprises has been becoming an unexpected stopover for campervan owners from all over the country. 'Word spread online that we welcome motorhomes, and we've had visitors from Scotland, Wales and the south coast who have stayed overnight, enjoyed a meal and ended up making new friends with the regulars,' says Stephen. 'It's become something we're really proud of.'
Community and Regulars
Stephen emphasizes the importance of regulars: 'We haven't had Hollywood stars walk through the door, but to us our regulars are the celebrities. One of our regulars Anne used to work at the pub almost 40 years ago and is due to celebrate a big milestone birthday - we can't wait for the party!'
The pub also hosts the Thwaites shire horses during Christmas markets, drawing a big crowd. They are scheduled to return on December 12th.
Haunted Tales and Psychic Mediums
Every old pub has its stories, and the Help Me Thro' is no different. 'We've heard plenty of tales from customers over the years about unexplained noises and mysterious happenings - usually after a pint or two!' Stephen laughs. 'We've never had anything that would convince us the pub's haunted, but the stories certainly add to its character.' Earlier this month, they hosted a psychic medium, and 'lots of spirits came through reconnecting people with loved ones and, in one case, giving someone closure.'
Supporting Local Pubs
Stephen urges the community to support their local: 'The biggest thing people can do is simply use it. You don't have to come every day - even calling in once a week for a drink, booking a Sunday lunch or bringing the family for a meal makes a real difference.'
He adds: 'Our pub traditionally is a drinkers pub but we have changed that by serving traditional homemade food - Tom jokes that all he dreams about now is making pies. The regulars comment on all the new faces that come in which is great. Leaving a review online, sharing a social media post or recommending your local pub to friends all helps too. Community pubs only survive if the community gets behind them, and we're incredibly grateful for the support we've received.'
The Help Me Thro' is located at 141 Crostons Rd, Bury BL8 1AL.
