Copyright manchestereveningnews
A pub in Greater Manchester has been dubbed one of the "most haunted" in the country - just in time for Halloween. From centuries-old inns to historic taverns with chilling backstories, the UK is seemingly brimming with venues where spirits aren’t just found behind the bar. Ahead of Halloween , Eat Drink Meet, a website that helps punters to discover nearby pubs, bars, and restaurants , is unveiling the spooky tales lurking in drinking establishments across the UK. From souls lost to the blaze of the Great Fire of London, to pesky poltergeists and even some famous ghosts, discover top haunted spots to explore this Halloween, for those who dare. The Toby Carvery in Bolton came in at ninth place out of the most haunted pubs in the UK. Bolton ’s Watermillock House, a grand 1880s manor turned carvery, is renowned as one of the town’s most haunted locations. Its history spans a military hospital during WW1 and a children’s hostel for Spanish Civil War refugees, whose suffering has seeped into the ornate furniture of the pub. Visitors have reported sightings of a mysterious lady who creeps on the upper floor, leaving the eerie sounds of footsteps. A chilling reminder that some guests never check out. Coming in at number one most haunted pub in the UK is The Lord Aberconway, in London (owned by Nicholson’s Pubs). Located just moments from Liverpool Street Station in London, The Lord Aberconway pairs classic city charm with a hint of haunting mystery. Dating back to the 19th century and named after the last chairman of the old Metropolitan Railway, this historic pub bears a plaque outside linking it to the Great Fire of London. It’s said to be visited by the spirits of those lost in the blaze, and guests have reported eerie whispers and a lingering chill in the air. In second place is the The Old White Swan in York, Yorkshire. Located in Goodramgate in the heart of York, The Old White Swan is one of the city’s oldest pubs, dating all the way back to the 16th century. Among its many legends is the tale of a group of Catholic escapees who once sought refuge here before fleeing to France. Their presence is said to still linger in this Grade II listed pub, where centuries of history and intrigue meet. In 2018, punter Kerrie Smith-Jankowskyj made the headlines when she snapped a selfie that supposedly features the ghost of a man. Other tales suggest the venue is haunted by a group of papists who can be seen gathering around the fire in the wee hours of the morning. A truly hair-raising sight. Other top haunted jaunts in the UK include the Toby Carvery in Cleadon Village, The Last Drop in Edinburgh, The Punch Bowl in York, The Castle in the Peak District, The Mansion House in Reading and The Spaniards Inn in Hamsptead. The ever-so-spooky Toby Carvery in Bolton can be found at Crompton Way, Bolton BL1 8TJ.
