We love to shine the spotlight on some of the best local venues that the borough has to offer in our Pub of the Week feature.
This week, we spoke with Mary Winter and Lesley Walker, landladies of Unsworth’s Queen Anne pub for the past seven years.
The tradition of a village pub situated right next to the village church is certainly upheld at the Queen Anne.
In its time it has counted the father of esteemed ITN news correspondent Lawrence McGinty as a landlord, and Guy Garvey is believed to have worked there as a potman in his pre-stardom days.
Mary and Lesley have created a pub which is a hybrid of the traditional and the contemporary pub. It's an extremely welcoming and cosy pub, thanks to its wood burners and dining and drinking alcoves.
The outdoor areas are among the best in Bury and help to make it a perfect destination whatever the time of year, whether it's relaxing in the evening sun, or cosying up next to one of the real fires.
The zoned interior – dining room, snug, back room, – could have resulted in the pub being a series of disjointed, individual “rooms” but, instead, they flow well to make an excellent “whole”.
Can you give us some history about the pub?
“I think it might date back to the 1930s, but I can’t be sure.”
Do you serve food at the Queen Anne?
“Yes, we serve food 12pm to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and do Sunday lunches.
"We don’t rush people or do timed sittings. People usually have at least two hours to enjoy their meals.
"I’m trained in Spanish and French cuisine so we also have gourmet nights. It’s a very foodie pub.”
Is there an outdoor space?
“The beer garden seats 150 and we have a ping pong table, a pizza shed and an outdoor bar. There’s a children’s play area with a climbing frame and a slide.
“Last year we extended outside and built the indoor/outdoor timber room, which is very popular and can seat 60.”
What’s the most popular drink served at the Queen Anne?
“Premium beers and premium wines. Our wines tend to be in the mid to high range, rather than the cheaper stuff, but people want quality. Spritz are our most popular cocktails at the moment.”
Do you have entertainment at the Queen Anne?
“We do a weekly pub quiz on Thursdays at 8.15pm. Occasionally we have singers and karaoke.
“For Bonfire Night we have a two-hour firework spectacular, with stilt walkers and fire eaters, and we have a Christmas Market.”
What’s the best thing about running the pub, and why?
“I like to be in an environment where people choose to come, they don’t have to come. It’s all about the customers. We’re a real family pub.”
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