The Didsbury

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DIDSBURY IS NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. PAUL & PAULA JOHNSON HANDED OVER THE REINS IN APRIL 2011 AND ARE NOW MANAGING THE AXE & CLEAVER IN DUNHAM MASSEY.

The Didsbury Pub, located at the entrance of the beautiful Fletcher Moss Gardens, is a real institution in our community. Unlike many pubs encountered today, The Didsbury is steeped in history and tradition. As you sit down to eat your chef prepared meal, or relax by the fireside with a glass of wine, just think about how many other people, from years gone by, have done the same.

A Little History...

The present fine building stands on the site of a much older inn known first as the Ring O' Bells and later the Church inn. This older inn appears to date back to at least 1644, when the English Civil War was in full sway.

The open space in front of The Didsbury was once the village green and so placed the Ring O' Bells at the heart of this ancient village. There is little doubt that cock-fighting and bear-baiting were carried out here, the thirsty spectators crowding into the inn to quench their thirsts. Many a wager was placed in the Ring O' Bells that's for sure. A fair was held once a year with booths and side shows and on Guy Fawkes night, a bonfire was lit with much drinking and merriment. On the 28th January, 1793 the effigy of Tom Paine, author of 'The Rights of Man' was burned as the local gentry took fright following the French Revolution.

Indeed the Ring O' Bells was the centre around which the administrative and social life of Didsbury revolved. Here, for instance, the people of the township met to elect constables and many social clubs of the village such as the Didsbury Archers, the Didsbury Hunt and the Didsbury Female Friendly Society held their functions. Dinner was provided for working people at 1/- and more luxurious meals for the gentry were provided at 2/6d. There was no counterparts of the modern day police station and hence no prisoners cells. It was fairly standard practice, when an arrest had been made, for the constable to hold the prisoner over night at the Ring O' Bells where they entertained themselves at the Parish's expense in some style. The Ring O' Bells was also a shop where a variety of goods, ranging from farm implements to newspapers, could be purchased.

The Didsbury Today...

Here, at the present day Didsbury we have a fine heritage of which we are justly proud. The choice of hand-pulled fine ales and wines are better today than ever before, and the quality of our food is outstanding. Chalkboards on the walls display a host of special dishes created and prepared by a team of skilled chefs using the finest ingredients but what ever you choose the same enthusiasm and commitment will be put into creating the perfect dish.

The current landlord & landlady, Paul & Paula, are passionate people and are committed to giving the best food and drink in fantastic surroundings.

So, why not step inside, see what The Didsbury has to offer and soak up a piece of real local history...