The Lamb Hotel in Eccles, previously named by CAMRA as one of the best in the country, is considered a real hidden gem thanks to its beer garden.
A historic pub with a rich heritage
The Lamb Hotel, on Regent Street, dates back to 1906 when it was built as a Joseph Holt pub, which it has retained for 120 years. The Grade II-listed building features carved mahogany screens, Jacobean doorways, and Art Nouveau-style hallways.
Described by Historic England as an 'elaborate and almost intact example of an early 20th-century gin palace', the pub was named the Salford CAMRA pub of the year back in 2019.
Character and charm
Full of character and charm, The Lamb Hotel is one of the first things you'll see when hopping off the tram at the Eccles Metrolink station. It has been run by Andrea Lithgoe for more than 16 years now.
The Lamb Hotel is known for its expansive beer garden which stretches out across the length of the pub at the back, and is hidden away from the main road. With plenty of picnic bench seats, it is a popular spot in Salford during the summer holiday.
Food and entertainment
Whilst it does not have a full food menu, the pub, like many Joseph Holt venues like it, serves a range of freshly-cooked Carr's pasties, spanning across the likes of cheese and onion, minted lamb and cheese and jalapeno, which go down a treat with a pint.
Recently, the pub has also become the home for the popular Heckles in Eccles comedy club, which has just concluded its yearly comedy festival which features up-and-coming performers ahead of their stints this summer at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Events and famous faces
Outside of comedy showcases, the pub also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including live music and shows from tribute acts, as well as psychic evenings, karaoke sessions and gamer nights. There is also a billiards room and regular live sports screenings.
Over the years, the pub has been frequented by a host of famous faces including Christopher Eccleston, Harry Hill and Coronation Street's William Roache. It also once appeared on the ITV soap where staff were shown on screen pulling a pint.
A warm welcome
“When people first visit us, they'll come in a stranger and leave a friend,” Andrea told the M.E.N last year when asked about the pub's significance to its local community. “It's a bit of a cliché, but it's so true for us. If anyone comes in and is feeling down, five minutes with us lot and they never come out the same again!
“It's nice, the staff are always trying to keep an eye out for anyone who's down or lonely and they'll go for a chat with them. I've always got time for a cup of tea and a chat with anyone.”
The Lamb Hotel is on 33 Regent Street, Eccles, Manchester, M30 0BP.
