Flying Horse wins Rochdale Town Centre In Bloom Award

Councillor Billy Sheerin, Roy Down, Mark Foxley, Ben Boothman, and Nigel Morrell

The Flying Horse Hotel on Packer Street became the first winner of the Rochdale Town Centre In Bloom Award on Monday (5 September).

Owner Ben Boothman said: “It was unexpected, but we’re very happy to have won with our flower displays.

“We’ll try to win again next year by improving on what we have by adding more to the side and back of the building.”

The winning hanging baskets are part of a year round display at The Flying Horse and are replanted twice each year.

The pub was part of Rochdale's entry into the North West In Bloom's (NWIB) new Town Centre Award. This award is separate to Rochdale In Bloom, which covers more displays across the town.

The NWIB judges visited Rochdale town centre this summer and followed a new route starting at Number One Riverside.

Other areas visited included the Wheatsheaf and Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centres, Yorkshire Street, the Baum conservation area, the Memorial Gardens and Touchstones, the Town Hall and the new area where the River Roch has been uncovered.

Town Centre Manager, Mark Foxley, said: “Ben and his team at The Flying Horse did a great job, with superb floral baskets and pots outside. We hope this will continue next year and beyond going from strength to strength.”

Rochdale will have to wait until October to find the outcome at the North West finals, which are held in Southport.