A 19th-century railway tavern in Eccles has pulled off an improbable triumph: trading standard pub grub for a Japanese izakaya-style menu and claiming the title of Britain’s best pub. The Queens Arms in Patricroft nabbed the top spot in The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Pubs 2026 list.
The world’s oldest railway pub in Greater Manchester swaps standard grub for authentic Japanese cuisine
Dating back to 1828—built alongside the pioneering Liverpool and Manchester Railway and later renamed in honour of Queen Victoria—the world’s oldest railway pub has found fresh life under Hong Kong ownership. The Good Food Guide praised the venue for avoiding what could have been a “cultural pile-up,” instead turning it into a bustling destination celebrated for its “short but expertly executed” cooking. Standouts include crisp pork cutlet katsu, teriyaki ox-tongue rice bowls, and teppanyaki udon.
The historic interior strikes an equally charming balance. The Guide noted the etched snug windows, tiled fireplaces, and a traditional dartboard remain untouched, though patrons can now line up a throw with a cold pint of draught Sapporo in hand.
“What an incredible moment for our little pub in Eccles!”
Calling the recognition a “dream come true,” the owners celebrated the unlikely marriage of British pub heritage with Japanese cuisine. The pub said: “We are incredibly proud and delighted to announce that The Queens Arms has been named the overall winner of The Good Food Guide Britain’s 100 Best Pubs 2026! What an incredible moment for our little pub in Eccles!
“When we first took over The Queens Arms, we had a dream of bringing new life to this historic 1828 pub, combining the charm and heritage of a traditional British pub with our passion for Japanese cuisine. It has been quite a journey, and this recognition means so much to us…
“…This is not just our achievement – it is something for our whole community to celebrate! Thank you for believing in us. We can’t wait to welcome you and celebrate together!”
Greater Manchester and its surrounds also made a strong showing elsewhere on the list, with Derbyshire’s The Pack Horse placing 16th and Manchester’s own Marble Arch entering at 36th. You can find the full list of winners here.
📍The Queens Arms, 120 Green Lane, Eccles, Greater Manchester, M30 0SH.
