SEE NEWS PAGE FOR DETAILS OF OUR FIRST BEER FESTIVAL AT THE END OF FEBRUARY

In December 2008, Peter Dalton and Simon Davis, aka Hoi Polloi Pub Co, acquired the Horse & Jockey, a landmark pub in the South Manchester suburb of Chorlton, with a simple plan: to transform a much-loved but tired boozer into what Chorlton is crying out for - a family-friendly, female-friendly local pub for local people with great food, great beer, great wine and a relaxed, laid-back-almost-horizontal atmosphere. In other words, a pub for the noughties.

The Horse & Jockey couldn't be in safer hands. This is a long-term project for Peter and Simon. Although no longer 20-something party animals, they don't plan - so please don't expect - a corporate make-over, a pretentious over-priced gastropub (we hate that word!) or a bland, soulless space. Whether it's an exhibition by a local artist on the walls, the book club monthly meeting in the corner, or simply a bunch of regulars catching up for the day, it's the local community that makes a great pub, and it's on them that we focus our efforts.

A sun trap in summer and a cozy, intimate place in winter, the setting couldn't be better - The Green is at the heart of Chorlton's conservation area, a stone's throw from vibrant Beech Road, with its multitude of bars, pubs, restaurants, boutiques and shops, and a five minute walk from Chorlton Meadows and Water Park.


Phase 1 (April-May 2009) saw a complete refurbishment of the pub inside and out (yes that included the loos!) and a return to a traditional three-room operation: a tap room, a snug and a spacious lounge. Likewise, the terrace on The Green has been transformed, with heated and lit canopied tables, neat rows of planters and hanging baskets galore replacing the tired benches, picket fence and stark vegetation.

Most important to Phase 1, however, has been the introduction of food. With bells on! A remodeling of the Beech Road elevation and better use of existing space has made way for a new courtyard entrance, a 36-foot kitchen and a split level dining room with some great views of both The Green and Beech Road.

In terms of decor, think open fires, Victorian tiling, Yorkshire stone floors, Persian rugs, comfy furniture. Timeless stuff that befits the building and not the current fad. However, the low beams that in places make even a munchkin duck remain. We're not that clever!

In terms of atmosphere, think natural light and intelligent lighting rather than moody corners and dark spaces. Think eclectic, handpicked background music you can hold a conversation above - not juke boxes and DJs. Think the hiss of a coffee machine and the sound of knife on plate rather than the roar of a crowd around a pool table. And finally, think of the buzz of a contented crowd chewing the cud with one another rather than the eerie silence of a space filled with televisions.


Phase 2 will see the pub returning to its Victorian roots, with the restoration of the existing brew tower and the installation of a modern microbrewery and brewery tap room alongside it in the former bottling plant.


Exciting times indeed. Over Easter weekend we said farewell to the pub in its current guise, and the refit is complete. We re-opened on Friday 22 May, just before the late May Bank Holiday, marking the completion of Phase 1 of the work.

OPENING HOURS PUB
Mon to Wed 12pm to 11pm
Thu 12pm to 11.30pm
Fri to Sat 12pm to 12am
Sun 12pm to 11pm

DINING ROOM HOURS
Monday to Friday 6pm to 10pm
Saturdays/Bank Holidays 12pm to 10pm
Sundays 12pm to 6pm

FOOD SERVICE TIMES
Mon to Sun 12pm to 10pm