Kennedy's Didsbury best town pub finalist | The Great British Pub Awards 2026

This time last year, Kennedy's Didsbury wasn't even open. Now we've been named a finalist for Best Town Pub at the Great British Pub Awards 2026, the only Greater Manchester venue in the category.

The building that went from 'eyesore' to award contender in under a year

It's a proud moment for a building that had stood empty for more than eight years. When plans first went in for the former CAU and Zizzi unit on Wilmslow Road, our choice to paint the building red raised a few eyebrows locally. The colour is a nod to the red and black of the Kennedy clan coat of arms, and it's also right at home alongside the traditional colours of Irish pubs everywhere. Since opening our doors last August, the doubts have faded and the venue has become a genuine part of the Didsbury community.

Kennedy's Didsbury in best town pub awards for atmosphere, music and traditional Irish feel

We've drawn big crowds for live music from Thursday through to Sunday, live sport, and our happy hour specials including the £5 pint club. Guinness is a favourite, and it's part of why we were named in the Guinness Harp Guide 2026, but you'll also find Poretti, Carlsberg, Estrella, Somersby Apple and Coors on tap. Add a strong range of Irish whiskeys, gins and Club Orange, and there's something for everyone.

Kennedy's Didsbury is shortlisted for Best Town Pub alongside The Ship Tavern in London, The Keynsham Courtyard in Bristol, The Dog & Collar in Liverpool, Dr Foster in Gloucester and Cock 'N' Bull Co in Stourbridge. It's great company to keep, and we're in good company closer to home too, with Stockport's Puss in Boots, and Urmston's The Garricks Head all recognised elsewhere in this year's awards.

As our team from Didsbury told the Manchester Evening News:

"We're absolutely delighted to have been nominated for Best Town Pub at the Great British Pub Awards, especially as the only Greater Manchester venue in the category. What we've achieved in such a short space of time has been fantastic, and the response we've had from the local community has been incredible. We think people are simply happy that we've been able to bring something special back to this iconic building, which had stood empty for more than eight years."

Natalie, our manager at the Disbury venue continued:

"From day one, our aim has been to create a space that everyone can enjoy; somewhere people can come together, let loose, sing, dance, socialise and have the craic. Seeing the venue embraced by so many people in the community has been hugely rewarding, and we believe that's a big part of what makes this nomination so special."

A huge congratulations to our team over at Didsbury and those behind the scenes who continue to bring the best in Irish hospitality and atmosphere to our customers, daily!