Amid the picturesque landscapes of Ramsbottom lies a beloved countryside pub that serves as a bustling space for community life.
The Eagle and Child, familiar to locals for its stunning views across the valley of Holcombe Hill and Peel Tower, has long been a magnet for visitors from near and far.
While its charm and award-winning reputation is notable, it’s the pub's vibrant outdoor beer garden that truly steals the spotlight.
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Surrounded by views of the West Pennine Moors, this garden boasts a sizable tepee, capable of accommodating 72 people, complete with heating and a wood-fired pizza oven renovated in 2022—making it a welcome retreat for the winter months.
Jack Worsick, General Manager and part-owner of The Eagle and Child, emphasises the importance of outdoor spaces in all seasons and weather conditions.
"Since Covid-19, outdoor spaces have been a necessity for people, whether that’s due to health reasons or benefits in nature," he said.
"We know these open spaces are important—even in the colder winter months. We’ve tried to combat the cold and often wet with heaters and an overhead tepee that’s rain-proof. It’s a cosy space for people."
The pub, which has over many years won multiple awards including The John Smith’s Great British Pub of the Year in 2017, was taken over the reins by father and son operators Bill and Will Gallie in January 2022.
In the summertime, the garden transforms into a little oasis with an outside bar offering cask and draught beers, spritz, and wine menus but most importantly boasts its open space for the community to enjoy.
“It gives another offering to Ramsbottom with a space for local people and families to come together and enjoy company outdoors. It gets very busy in summer,” Jack said.
“It’s brought a little community together,” he added. “We’ve hosted a few events and we try to support local businesses from the butchers to fruit and vegetable suppliers. We hope it benefits everyone locally and brings more money to the scene.
“There isn’t much else like it in the area - we know outdoor space is just as important as indoor and we like to think we offer both for people who are appreciating open and greener spaces.”
Win our competition
This year, the RHS and MEN have teamed up to launch a pub garden competition, where entrants can win the chance to attend the new RHS Urban Show and also win a show-stopping garden for your pub.
We are aware pubs who have outdoor space could do with some TLC to help transform them into a new community hub.
Entrants will need to submit photos of their outdoor area and 250 words on why you would like the pub space transformed, how it would be used and how it would be maintained.
The winners would receive an invitation to attend the opening day of the new RHS Urban Show on 18 April and a pub garden designed by Emma Tipping, a former RHS Young Designer of the Year contender and Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal Winner.
The garden, which will be planted in transportable planters and containers, would then be delivered to the winning pub after the end of the show. Please note that the winner will receive containers most-suited to their pub garden space.
The garden, which will be planted in transportable planters and containers, would then be delivered to the winning pub after the end of the show.
Lex Falleyn, show manager for RHS Urban Show, said: “We all love a pub garden. But they don’t have to all be concrete squares with a few tattered tables and overflowing ashtrays. They can become spaces where the beauty of gardening inspires, welcomes, and brings us closer together.
“It’s nice to be connected with nature, even deep within the city. We invite Manchester’s pubs to send us their ideas on why they think they should win this garden. No matter how big or small you think your cause is, we want to hear from you. We can’t wait to see all your entries.”
Emma Tipping, the designer of the RHS and MEN Pub Garden, said: “I'm really excited to be designing the MEN pub garden for the RHS Urban show. Pub gardens are about much more than just enjoying a pint on a sunny day, they are key spaces in the community that encourage people to get together, socialise and spend time outdoors.
“They also present a really positive opportunity for greening in urban areas, to create a friendly environment not just for people but for wildlife too. Having a strong sense of connection, to people and to nature, is really important and especially necessary in urban environments, so I love the idea of bringing some more green interest and excitement to a pub garden and can't wait to see the entries.”
The competition closes at midnight on Sunday 31st March 2024 and shortlists will be notified after the closing date.
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