The Flying Horse Hotel in Packer Street in Rochdale has recently undergone a refurbishment and reopened for business on February 1^st. Nothing unusual in that although a somewhat bold move at a time when the hospitality sector is in crisis.

What is newsworthy is that, according to Ben Boothman the landlord, while Fred – it always is Fred – was smashing out the cellar, he found a bottle of vintage Gordon’s Gin behind some wooden shelving in the walls. Complete, although missing its paper label, the 75-cl vintage gin dates back to the 1950s and has an estimated value of between £300 and £500.

The gin bottle is going to be raffled with the proceeds going to the local Springhill Hospice, with the draw taking place on February 29^th.

The pub will also house its own in-house brewery boasting 37 brew lines.

Seems well worth a visit if you are in the area.