When it comes to choosing a pub in Greater Manchester, frankly, we’re spoilt for choice. Whether it's city centre pubs, country bistros or local boozers, there’s something for everyone, and at last count, the region boasted 1,912 public houses.
Mancunians reliably flock all year round to their favourite boozer, but there’s something about the quick succession of bank holidays and arrival of warmer weather that makes the pub a particularly attractive proposition. But, if we had to highlight just a few, as we are often wont to do , surely those offering great grub and unrivalled views of our metropolis would come up trumps?
Cue The Hare & Hounds Inn situated atop Werneth Low near Hyde, on the borders of Stockport and Tameside. A lot of pubs in this part of the world share the same moniker, but this establishment takes the biscuit.
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Just less than 10 miles from the city centre and sitting at the edge of Werneth Low Country Park, this rustic country pub, found just off a narrow country road, occupies a stunning Pennine location, whilst also providing a gateway to the Peak District beyond.
With panoramic views over five counties, this pub is the sort of place you can stay all day - and if you find yourself in the beer garden come sundown, you’re in for a treat. On long summer nights, as the light slowly fades, giving way to the night, the city lights in the distance blur into an orange glow, making for a memorable dining experience.
For daytrippers, meanwhile, there’s more than 80 hectares of moorland to explore just along the road. Established in 1980, the country park is a haven for wildlife and visitors alike, and boasts many walks and trails for all levels and abilities. When choosing a circuit around the park, many call first at the stone obelisk, a memorial which was commissioned to honour the 710 men from Hyde who died in the First World War.
From here, the country park truly is your oyster, and there’s plenty of footpaths and cycle routes to explore, not to mention beautiful picnic spots. For those heading to The Hare & Hounds Inn or something to eat and a well-earned pint afterwards, a host of pub classics and modern British fare awaits.
Built in 1728, it's all low ceilings, exposed beams and cosy nooks - a welcome reminder of its past - while the food offers a contemporary touch. Here, seasonal, but hearty pub grub tops the bill, but a number of seasonal options show off the kitchen’s creative flair.
Fairly reflective of prices in the area, starters range from £5.79 for Roast Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup with parsley oil and sourdough, to £6.29 for Creamy Garlic Mushrooms with a cheese and mustard straw, while sharing boards - think lamb and rosemary koftas, Korean BBQ chicken strips and crispy salt pepper squid will set you back almost £15.
Classic pub fare comes into its own by main course with a variety of hearty pies - chicken and ham hock, slow-cooked steak and ale, and mushroom and ale all featured, priced at £13.49 a pop. Similarly, hand-battered Atlantic cod with chips and mushy peas and Gammon with Rum & Cola Glaze (£11.49), will please seasoned pub goers.
Fish and grill dishes also feature, but at a slightly steeper price point, including Sea Bass and Seared Scallop at £16.79, and the 30-Day-Aged Grass-Fed Rib-Eye at £22.29, which may seem pricey but is by no means the most expensive steak you can get in Greater Manchester. Visit Monday to Saturday and you can choose from a number of lunch items, be it Wholetail Whitby Scampi (£8.29) or Chicken and Truffle BLT (£7.99).
If you’ve still got room for something sweet, there's plenty of options, but perhaps the most enticing dessert on the menu is the Triple Chocolate Brownie (£6.29), which can be downsized and paired with a hot drink of your choice for £5.79. For those who have nipped in for a drink, there's also a extensive range of drinks on offer including draft lagers, craft beers and a variety of flavoured gins.
Whether you've just popped in for a swift one, a post-walk pint, or a hearty serving of pie and mash, The Hare & Hounds Inn atop Werneth Low, has all the boxes ticked. And while there's of pubs to choose from across Greater Manchester, few will be able to boast views as good as this one.
