Rochdale pub named among the best in the UK

The Telegraph has released its annual list of The Best Pubs in the UK for 2026 and it features 500 pubs from England, as well as 75 in Scotland, 50 in Wales and 25 in Northern Ireland.

Each pub has been visited by a panel of judges, who have assessed the locations based on criteria such as "charming character, welcoming staff, rich history", as well as the beers on offer.

Nineteen Greater Manchester pubs have been recognised in the list and although no Oldham establishments were featured, there is one just a short drive away.

The Baum in Rochdale, located on Toad Lane, has been included in the prestigious list.

According to The Telegraph, The Baum is "not a historic pub, despite the interior", having only been converted from a hardware shop in the 1980s.

One of the biggest draws for the pub is the food offering and Oldhamers will be particularly pleased to know that the traditional Lancashire rag pudding features on the menu.

The pub offers both lunch and evening menu options, including a wide range of pub classics, such as fish and chips and pies, as well as small plates like seafood tacos and lamb kofta tacos.

It is also listed as family and pet-friendly, with a beer garden for punters to enjoy.

The Baum ranks highly on Google reviews, scoring an impressive 4.8 out of five stars based on over 1,000 reviews.

One recent customer wrote: "Excellent food, wide choice of drinks, beers, wines, non alcoholic. Service is impeccable, friendly, nothing is too much trouble."

Another said: "Dined here today, food was amazing, tried lots of starters, each one delicious.

"Cheese pie to die for. Great staff and owners, and amazing sticky toffee pudding. Dan and Nic well done, you got the place spot on. Can't wait to come back."

The full list of Best Pubs in the UK can be found on The Telegraph website.

More information about The Baum can be found on their website and social media pages.