The Pack Horse Inn

Someone from this business manages this listing.

529 reviews

#50 of 432 Restaurants in Bury££ - £££, Bar, British, Pub

+44 161 764 3620+ Add website

Hours

Sun

12:00 - 22:00

Mon

11:30 - 22:00

Tue

11:30 - 22:00

Wed

11:30 - 22:00

Thu

11:30 - 22:00

Fri

11:30 - 22:00

Sat

11:30 - 22:00

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.0

529 reviews

#50 of 432 Restaurants in Bury

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours

features

Location and contact

Elbut Lane Birtle, Bury BL9 7TU England

+44 161 764 3620

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Is this a British restaurant?

Yes

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Details

Manage this business?

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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4.0

529 reviews

Excellent

291

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

GlynM537

Manchester18 contributions

Midweek tea out

Aug 2020 • family

Given the fact it was a Tuesday night during 'eat out to help out', we only booked a table same day for a 5pm reservation and was suprised to get in. Upon arrival were greeted warmly by the staff sanitized hands, filled in questionnaire re covid 19, shown to table immediately and advised it was table service which is understandable during these strange times. Took drinks order shortly after being seated, quickly followed by request for good order, food arrived very quickly and was hot and tasty I ordered off the special menu fillet steak which was cooked to perfection and of a quality standard, wife had a burger which looked ace and was delicious and little girl had sausages and chips off the kids menu, the onion rings with mine and Mrs mains were the biggest I've ever seen and the best we've ever had!!!. I was stuffed after the main course the wife had a chocolate brownie with ice cream which was ok, daughter had ice cream which comes as standard with kids meal and is a huge portion for a child!!!. We have been here many times before as we only live 10-15 minute drive away 1st time posted a review, lovely countryside location staff very friendly and helpful will definitely come again (even outside of eat out to help out), after speaking to a member of staff he advised they were booked up from teatime to closing especially Mondays to Wednesdays which I'm really pleased about for them after being closed for 3/4 months due to the pandemic.

Written 18 August 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tony_Rogerson18

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave this review! We hope to see you again soon!

Written 20 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

donna n

Bury15 contributions

Gluten free - not a problem 👍

Feb 2020 • family

So last night my husband, son and I decided on a visit to the pack horse. It was Friday and we had just finished work/school for half term. As we looked at the menu I could see that there was quite a good selection of gluten free options, I opted for the fish and chips, which is something I've personally not been able to eat due to the gluten contained in the usual batter. The result was outstanding! The batter was crisp and not at all 'heavy' as some batters can be. I just want to say that it's quite refreshing to be able to order a meal with confidence, reassured by knowledgeable staff in a lovely relaxing environment. My husband and son both enjoyed their meals too. Husband had fish and chips and my son had the chicken blt. All meals were presented beautifully and served by pleasant, warm and friendly staff. I think a few other eateries in the locality could take a leaf out of the pack horse's book. Well done and thanks for a very enjoyable meal. 👍

Written 22 February 2020

Tony_Rogerson18

Thank you very, very much for this glowing feedback - the team we’re thrilled to read it. We hope to see you many times to come!

Written 22 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ImogenCollinge

Bury1 contribution

Amazing Food

Jan 2020 • couples

Me and my partner come here to eat a lot and it is safe to say we are never disappointed! The staff are always so warm and welcoming, cant praise them enough. The food is always fresh and tasty would 100% reccomend the cheese and onion pie, always my go too if I am unsure! Great selection of drinks too. If you ever need anything there is always someone around to help with whatever you need, they cannot do enough for you. Will always be my go to pub for food!! Thank you guys at the packhorse for always making our experience enjoyable!

Written 5 January 2020

Tony_Rogerson18

Thanks for the great review Imogen - we so glad you enjoy your visits as much as we look forward to seeing you!

Written 6 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

john d

Manchester20 contributions

Very poor service and meal

Aug 2020 • none

Just got back from The Pack horse, very disappointed to say the least. Firstly the meal I ordered the half chicken should have come with skinny fry’s, when brought it had chunky chips, I asked the Male server ( assistant manager) who forex me off and said that’s how it comes. I left half of it which isn’t good for £12.95. I then ordered a drink with the female server when ordering a desert, no drink came. The table had some wet patches on and was sticky, the whole experience was very poor hence the 2 stars.i know it might come across trivial with the chip situation but he blatantly lied to me. Take care if you go and don’t expect much.

Written 31 August 2020

Tony_Rogerson18

I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy your visit on this occasion. I do hope you visit us outside of the Eat out to help out scheme to see our usual levels of service.

Written 1 September 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Keith Milli

Rochdale40 contributions

Disappointed.

Jun 2021 • none

I hadn't been here before and the good reviews were very encouraging. We booked a family (5 people) night out for 19th June. I was a little surprised at the number of empty tables for a Saturday night out but maybe this was due to covid restrictions. Because of this the atmosphere was somewhat subdued. We were quickly attended to and ordered drinks followed by starter and main courses. The menu is not extensive but there was some nice sounding meals. Starter came very quickly, almost too quickly as if pre-prepared. No sooner had we finished the starter when the main courses appeared, again far too quickly for our liking, they hadn't even had time to replenish the cutlery. My son had ordered the Greengate Stack Burger but hadn't realised this was a vegan meal so when it appeared it was not to his liking. Actually it looked more like a falafel than a burger. We asked the waitress if this could be changed for a chicken burger but we were told we would have to pay for both meals. We accepted the mistake as there was a small VG sign under the description but no real mention that this was actually a vegan burger. By the time the replacement was served for my son we had all finished our meals. We didn't bother with any sweets as I think our mood was tarnished a little. Overall I wasn't that impressed with the meals we had but I guess that reflected in the cost. It was a little disappointing that having spent over £140 on the meals and drinks the restaurant made no effort to share the cost of the wasted meal. I don't think we will be rushing back.

Written 21 June 2021

Tony Rogerson

Hi, thank you for your feedback. Firstly you visited on a very busy night. We have 80 tables between inside and outside and at least 50 were in use when you visited. 30 empty tables may seem like a lot but we can assure you, 50 tables is a lot to look after. We’re sorry your son didn’t read the menu as clearly as you did. As you say, it’s not extensive and with only 3 burgers; one beef, one chicken and one garden - we don’t think it’s unreasonable for your son to have read the ingredients correctly. It’s a shame you won’t be returning and we hope you change your mind in future.

Written 28 June 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Paul F

Manchester100 contributions

Family walk with the dog

Mar 2020 • none

We stopped off here yesterday for a drink after a walk around the area of the pub. Firstly the pub has great access and is set on one level, perfect if you mobility issues. We only had a couple of drinks and spent an hour but the staff seemed nice and very welcoming. The pub was busy for a Saturday afternoon with people eating as well as people stopping for a drink. Big open fires were on in a few rooms which felt very good after a walk. Dogs were allowed in the pub and all seemed well behaved. We did not eat but the food passing our table looked very nice and there was definitely no plates with food left on them which we saw going back to the kitchen. The pub was good, well priced, definitely returning again for a drink and possibly food. The local area is fantastic with walks straight from the pub. You can spend an hour viewing some lovely countryside with great views over the Pennines and across to Manchester. Well worth a visit if you have not been before.

Written 7 March 2020

Tony_Rogerson18

Thanks for the great review! We hope to see you again soon!

Written 8 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

alisquires

80 contributions

Under New Management

Mar 2020 • none

Wasn’t aware the management had changed until he very apologetically asked if we’d mind moving into the restaurant so he could showcase the new menu/train staff in the separate eating area. We’d almost finished our meals so it was no issue and as a very kind gesture he generously gave us the meals and drinks for free. Will definitely be back to try out the new menu as the food smelt lovely as they passed from the kitchen. Thanks again!!!!

Written 9 March 2020

Tony_Rogerson18

Thanks for the great feedback. It was lovely of you to be willing to move into the restaurant so I could show my team the new menu in the conservatory. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Written 9 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

John M

4 contributions

Funeral Wake

Jul 2021 • none

We recently (July) asked the Pack Horse to host a mid week wake for 30 people following the death of our Mother. We were greeted at the door by friendly staff and shown to a private area reserved for us. Service was attentive and welcoming and the food provided was plentiful and high quality. The cost was good value for money and we were left feeling we had made an excellent choice. Highly recommended

Written 15 August 2021

Joanne H

Heywood335 contributions

Sunday lunch

Aug 2020 • family

Visited for Sunday lunch, family of 4; was during the COVID Pandemic however place was well organised and service was great. 3 of us had Sunday lunch, beef, gammon and turkey were ordered with extra sides of cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets to share! Portions were very generous, only thing I’d add would be for the gravy to be served in a jug and maybe a bit more too but this is personal preference! One son ordered 2 starters for his lunch as a main, again generous portions and not a problem to have the tzatziki on the side for dipping. Food was hot, tasty and reasonably priced too. We didn’t order dessert as were full so can’t comment on these.

Written 10 August 2020

Tony_Rogerson18

We’re glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon - feel free to always ask for extra gravy and we will bring more to you 😊

Written 15 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Paul M

Blackpool305 contributions

More Dos and Don’ts signage and notices than a Prison

May 2021 • family

We visited for lunch today 3rd June, the staff are very professional , efficient and very welcoming we had a table booked we sat outside in the lovely setting. The food wasn’t brilliant to be honest the menu choice is extremely small, and not what I remember from my last visits . We had the cheese and onion pie which the pastry was over cooked and the filling very dry, the cheese sauce was only Luke warm, and the mushy peas cold, the chips and onions rings were the saving Grace of a very mediocre meal. The price for the food we had was expensive. The pub is absolutely littered with posters and signage everywhere with dos and don’ts, yes everyone is now aware of covid safe practices, but the signs and notices are completely OTT, and spoil the experience. The pack horse was always a favourite but today it’s obviously “lost its sparkle”.

Written 3 June 2021

Tony Rogerson

Thank you for taking your time to leave feedback. Firstly, I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy your meal. A quick mention to a member of staff would have sorted this for you as we are always looking for guests to leave happy. Our menu is slightly smaller than last year as it only has our best selling dishes on. A new specials range is starting this weekend which will take our menu choices back to their previous levels. With the uncertain trading times and the threat of future lockdowns and stock losses etc it was a pro-active decision by our company to keep stock levels and menu choices lower in order to financially protect ourselves should we be closed again. Our next menu will be back to previous choice levels. It’s a shame you rate us on the signage as these are mandated by law and local council rules who dictate signage per square meter of building etc so the signage we have up is what we legally need to have up - at least we don’t have tape all over the floors as well eh? And we can assure you “everyone is now aware of Covid safe practices” is not correct - our jobs would be easier if it were.

Written 3 June 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Michelle B

Manchester8 contributions

Sunday Roast

Mar 2020 • couples

Now that’s a roast dinner! We both had turkey with all the trimmings plus cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets. It was gorgeous! The portion size was too much for me but I had a good go at it. Would definitely recommend. We went today because I won a Facebook competition for two free Sunday roasts and we will certainly be back. Set in a beautiful location, you receive a warm welcome and great service.

Written 8 March 2020

Tony_Rogerson18

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a great review! We look forward to seeing you again!

Written 9 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Joanne H

Heywood335 contributions

Visited today food as tasty as it usually is

May 2021 • family

Visited today, with my sons and parents, group of 6 in line with Covid restrictions, ‘checking in’ was quick and parents were able to give details on paper due to not having a smart phone. Food was just as great as it usually is however service a little slow, waited a good 20min before food order taken. That aside it was tasty and a welcome change from home cooking. My youngest ordered lasagne and messy chips, he couldn’t eat them all, so were wrapped up to take home, some take home boxes might be useful rather than wrapped up in foil!

Written 23 May 2021

Tony Rogerson

Hi Joanne - thanks for leaving feedback. We’re so happy to hear that overall you enjoyed your visit. We’re sorry to service was little slower than normal. This was most likely due to it being the first Sunday since we re-opened and a lot of our new team are still learning the service and we had a huge number of bookings. We’re sure this will speed up over the coming weeks. We’re sorry about the lack of takeaway containers but JWLees have actively stayed away from the “takeaway” food fad as we believe that our food is best enjoyed in our pubs with friends and family. I will however pass on that a better solution could be found. We hope to welcome yourself and your family again soon.

Written 24 May 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alison R

Manchester87 contributions

Not as good as the last time

Aug 2021 • none

We visited here on 30 August 2021 as we’d eaten here a few months ago and were very happy with everything. It was late afternoon and although we hadn’t booked in advance, we were found a table straight away. I ordered a Pimms, which was served properly the first time we ate here. However, although I asked for fruit, (as it SHOULD be served), the waitress put a slice of lime in it. When I asked her where all the fruit was, she stated that it had got fruit in it!! I promptly advised her how it should be served. More horrifyingly was that it was served to me in a brandy glass, to which I asked for “a proper glass”! When it was brought back to me, she had put a few strawberries in it – nothing else and not even any mint, which they definitely had, as there was mint on the desserts. We were able to have a little taste of two of the wines, which was very good of them and chose a very nice one, which was a Chilian that I am not usually very keen on. For a meal, I had the Brewery Tower Burger. This was lovely, although very filling. My partner had the fish and chips, which he really enjoyed. For our desserts, I had the caramel and cheesecake sundae and my partner had the strawberry sundae. We both enjoyed them. My double espresso was perfect and served nice and strong. Despite the mishap over my Pimms, it won’t put us off from eating here again.

Written 3 September 2021

tarangelaben

Heywood258 contributions

Not as good as usual

Aug 2021 • family

This is a popular restaurant for my family that we visit for many occasions. It was the first time we'd all been together again properly since pre-covid and we normally enjoy all the food we've had in the past. The service was good although when I rang to confirm my email booking I requested a high chair for a member of the family and when we arrived we had to wait over half an hour for one. The staff were friendly though. Their garlic ciabatta bread with cheese is amazing so you must have this as a side! I normally go for their famous cheese and onion pie but thought I'd try something different so went for the vegan fish and chips (banana blossom). I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the batter hadn't have been slightly raw and undercooked. A member of the family said their batter was the same. The portions are very generous which is good! With the little tweaks of staff communication at point of booking and mastering the batter it will be back to perfect again and this less than perfect experience hasn't deterred me from going again as I know they usually do so much better.

Written 10 August 2021

Patricia S

1 contribution

Disappointed

Jan 2020 • couples

Used to be a regular but not been for a while. Disappointed today, jacket potato skin was soft,decent size wedge of pie but hot pastry with barely warm middle of filling although filling was tasty. Lovely waitress but when settling the bill the girl on desk appeared very put out when I made an 'observation'(not a complaint) that maybe the pie needs to be reheated a little longer. Probably will give it a miss for a while which is a shame but lots of other eateries in the area to try.

Written 24 January 2020

Tony_Rogerson18

Hi, we’re sorry you feel that way and hope you come to see us again soon. Take a look at our other recent reviews and we hope this encourages you.

Written 24 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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