The oldest passenger railway pub in the world is in Salford — and it's thriving
“It was the perfect location, because it was off the high street, and we knew it saw something that we could make our own.”
In this week’s newsletter, we explore the oldest passenger railway pub in the world that has reopened with an exciting new twist.
The newsletter will also look at a nine-year-old gymnast that won a national championship, veteran councillor resigns from the Labour Party, and Salford Red Devils Women secure their first win of the season.
If you enjoyed it please forward this newsletter to someone who might enjoy it. Got a tip? Let us know at Now@Salford.ac.uk
The oldest passenger railway pub in the world — but with an exciting cultural twist
If walls could talk a pub would certainly be able to give you the best conversations; in the heart of Patricroft, one particular example would have more to say than most.
The Queens Arms has stood proudly in Salford for nearly 200 years old, boasting a varied history — from name changes to railway punters, royal visits, and even new ownership. Oh, and it is the ‘oldest passenger railway pub in the world.’
Tucked away behind the former Liverpool and Manchester Railway and near the Bridgewater Canal, this this Grade II-listed hidden gem has a mountain of history, with perhaps an even more exciting future.
Originally named the Patricroft Tavern, it initially opened in 1828, but it wasn’t until 1851 that it was awarded its long-standing name The Queens Arms, when Queen Victoria visited Worsley New Hall after arriving at Patricroft station.
The Queen walked past the pub to the Bridgewater Canal, where a boat took her to Worsley; however, it is worth noting that evidence does suggest that the pub gained its name after her majesty’s second visit in 1857.
Six years on from her first visit, local legend suggests that Queen Victoria used the ‘throne’ of the pub, with the same toilet bowl now sitting outside the pub as a planter — talk about the royal mark.
However, much to the devastation of Salford locals, the pub closed in 2024, marking what looked to be the end of its near 200-year history.
But the Queen’s Arms has evolved again, not for the first time: it is now a traditional pub in stature combined with a Japanese restaurant.
Owned by partners Anthony and the enigmatically titled Mr. Lo, the pair have bought the legendary pub back to life.
“We moved to the UK four years ago from Hong Kong and met through our kids being at the same school,” says Anthony. “But we always thought that we should do something together and own our own Japanese restaurant.
“I am a trained accountant, and Mr Lo used to own a restaurant of his own in Hong Kong, so it was the perfect mix for us both. As we kept looking, we came across this pub.
“It was the perfect location, because it was off the high street, and we knew it saw something that we could make our own.”
The duo were able to purchase the pub in October 2024, and did share that they had been cleaning and returning the pub back to its former glory.
“When we were cleaning the pub, we had a lot of people asking what we were going to do with it, and we kept telling them nothing.
“We couldn’t as it is a Grade II-listed building — but we didn’t want to!
“We also had the idea of serving traditional Japanese food because we didn’t want to be typical, and the locals didn’t want to have another pie, burger, or fish-and-chips place.”
“We wanted to be interesting, and when you sit here you will never suspect that you will be served traditional Japanese food.”
And with a growing Hong Kong population in the Salford area, the new owners hope it will cater for new patrons and former regulars alike.
“One thing we love about this pub is there is something for everyone. The Hong Kong community sit and eat; the locals order beer and have a good time with the drinks.
“But when you look around the tables are close together, and it allows people to connect and surround themselves with each other, which we love.”
Anthony explains that many Asian restaurants are populated by people from the same community.
“That is why we like it here; it has allowed so many people to make friends and has brought so many together with traditional Japanese food in a traditional English pub.
“We have invited our friends to come along, but the locals who are so grateful to have the pub back.”
As I look around, I can see a group of builders at the bar supping their beer, while a family from the Hong Kong community chow down on their dinner nearby.
It would have been impolite not to sample the food and drink. Ox tongue, fried squid coated and a vegetable combo of lotus, purple sweet potatoes, aubergine and enokitake mushroom were testament to the authenticity of Mr Lo’s food.
I can honestly say it was the best food I have eaten since living in Salford, music to Anthony’s ears. He continued: “We have a confidence that we are making good food; we know the Hong Kong people will love it, but we surprise so many people with our food, especially the locals. They absolutely love it!”
Anthony recalls a recent interaction with the people who live nearby. “We have a local eight-year-old that just loves our Korean spice chicken wings, he ordered three portions - which was 18 wings, and he ate them all.
“Yesterday with his mother and ordered six portions, which is 36 wings! But his mother told us that he won’t eat anything else but our food.”
And with plans to bring more food on the menu, especially a large BBQ area in the garden, Anthony and Mr Lo are hoping to improve the pub.
The Queen’s Arms is not only a nod towards the traditional British pub but also celebrates the wonderful traditional Japanese food. It is a fascinating example, right here in Salford, of what can happen when worlds collide.
Inspiring 9-year-old gymnast from Salford bounces to national trampoline triumph
An inspiring 9-year-old gymnast from Salford has been crowned the National Schools Trampoline Champion.
Heidi Stafford, from Salford was named the National Schools Trampoline Champion in the Years 1-6 Category One Novice division at the BSGA National Trampoline Final 2025.
And despite only started trampolining six months ago, to complement her gymnastics training, she found remarkable success in the competition. Read more here.
Veteran Salford councillor resigns from the Labour Party after 34 years
A veteran Salford councillor has resigned from the Labour Party after 34 years claiming it has “lost its moral compass and no longer represents the communities that it was set up to serve.”
Councillor John Warmisham resigned from the Labour Party last night (Sunday 23 March) after directing a letter to Mayor of Salford City, Paul Dennett. He will serve out the remainder of the role as an Independent Socialist. Read more here.
“I couldn’t ask for more!” – Salford Red Devils Women kick start season with a win
Salford Red Devils Women have started their campaign with a strong and determined win against Sheffield Eagles.
The Red Devils Women beat the Eagles 12-4 at home, and were able to secure the win as the team looks to build for the season. Read more here.
Squash club in Monton dedicated to nurturing the next generation of players
A squash club in Monton has been a cornerstone of local sporting communities for over a century and continues to expand into a wider variety of sports.
The Monton Squash Club has been nestled in the historic Monton Sports Club in Eccles has been catering for players of different abilities since its inception in 1903. Read more here.
What’s On in Salford this week
🛍️ The newest Lidl store will open its doors on Cromwell Road this week on Thursday 27 March. The store will be open from 8am–10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sundays , and will offer residents "quality and affordable products." Find more here.
🌺 As Mother’s Day approaches this Sunday, there will be plenty of opportunities for residents to celebrate mothers and grandmothers across Salford. Find out more here.
⚽️ Salford City will turn their attention to Bromley, as they return to action hoping to push towards the playoff positions once again. Find out more here.
Our photo of the week: Ivy Cottage, Broughton, Salford
Ivy Cottage, situated in Lower Broughton, is the former home of Salford-born stargazer William Crabtree who was the first person to witness and record one of the rarest astronomical phenomena known to man: the Transit of Venus, 1639.
In 1639, just three years before England was plunged into civil war, Crabtree and his friend, the Liverpool astronomer Jeremiah Horrocks, were the first people to observe, plot and record the Transit of Venus, the passing of the planet between the sun and Earth.
Transits of Venus are among the most infrequent of astronomical occurrences, taking place in a pattern that generally repeats every 243 years, with pairs of transits eight years apart separated by long gaps of 121.5 years and 105.5 years.
The cottage was built in the late 1500s and was home to five generations of the Crabtree family on Worsley Road - with its long history it was Grade II listed in 1966.
Thank you for reading
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So interesting
I must go in and have a few