The Waggon and Horses dates from 1772 and was originally a farmhouse and smithy. It was extended around the 1840’s at the time when the Sheffield, Ashton-under-lyne and Manchester Railway (now known as The Trans Pennine Trail) was being built. At this time the barn of The Waggon was used to house and feed the navvies working on the railway which is where you could say its time as a hostelry began – although be it very different to how it is now.
In its early days the Waggon, like many country pubs on main roads, was visited by highwaymen …indeed rumour has it many a plan was hatched here or they simply needed to lay low.
In 1974/75 the old barns were knocked through and the pub was converted to its present layout whilst retaining its original features such as the original wrought iron stable seperators and hay feed and some of the old beams made from sections of the old railway line. This gives the Waggon its individuality and quirkiness whilst giving a salute to its history.
The Waggon has seen a number of Landlords and Landladies but on a cold December day in 1998 came us .. Tony and Sam. We were a relatively young couple as many people thought (and completely mad lol) for such a huge undertaking but we had a vision – to create THE best establishment around and be travelled to from far and wide for our fabulous food and hospitality.
Our USP was to provide quality dishes made using fresh produce sourced locally with everything made from scratch in house. We felt this was what people deserved and that dining out should be a fantastic experience as at that time most pub food we felt was unimaginative when chicken in a basket and mass produced microwaved food was the normal offering of many. So we went to work, converted the tap room into a catering kitchen and the adventure began…
Fast forward to 2023 and we feel this vision has been realised and that’s thanks to the sweat, tears, laughter and perseverance of not just us but our whole current team and that of those who have worked alongside us at times during the 25 years we have been here. Also our loyal customers who visit us week after week and the new faces as without our customers we would be nowhere.
Here’s to the next 25 years and we look forward to welcoming you, Tony and Sam.