Traditional boozer meets sensational sushi at The George Charles 

Victorian institution with an Asian twist 

Set in a Victorian terrace in West Didsbury, The George Charles is named after the Armenian gentleman who originally owned the building – back when it was a greengrocer. He moved to Manchester and married an English woman, before his shop became a focal hub for the local community from its prime location on Burton Road. Current owner David Vanderhook, who is also the successful restaurateur behind The Con Club in Altrincham and Lime Bar in Salford, did his research when he first acquired the building, tapping into the history of the premise and deciding to honour its previous life as an exotic fruit shop in the 1890s. This history is embedded in much more than just the name, as the Victorian heritage of the venue is celebrated in both the exterior and interior design – such as a unique feature wall. The decor of the venue has been kept as traditional as possible, offering that cosy atmosphere that you associate with a beloved neighbourhood watering hole.

Drawing inspiration from the freshness of a greengrocer, the food at the George Charles focuses on local produce with big flavours and cooking everything from scratch – even the homemade cakes and traybakes. Starting with brunch from 11am, the menu focuses on a traditional full English, alongside a choice of more inventive breakfast dishes such as a ‘brunch burger.’ The lunch and evening menus are almost identical, including a range of hearty pub dishes such as lamb leg skewers, pork chops and fish and chips.

However, most of the main menu belongs to Unagi, a pan-Asian street food eatery that specialises in sushi and other Japanese classics. Unagi moved into The George Charles’ kitchen during the first lockdown and never looked back. The unique dishes were such a hit that fast forward over two years, and the team are firmly part of the family. When it comes to the small plates, choose from authentic wings, gyozas and spring rolls, as well as innovative dishes such as breaded pumpkin and Unagi tacos with a vibrant combination of mango and fish. There’s also Hawaiian poke bowls and stir-fried classic plates, including katsu curry and yakisoba noodles. The star of the show, however, is the expertly crafted sushi platters, with countless variations of inside-out uramaki, hosomaki, sashimi and nigiri. Alongside staples such as salmon and tuna, you can also enjoy more unusual options such as seared eel, crab meat and yellowtail. Top tier sushi in a pub environment might sound like a questionable combination but The George Charles is determined to change your mind.

Ales from every corner of the North West

It’s not only the food that makes The George Charles one of the most exciting neighbourhood venues, with a lengthy drinks menu to match. The cocktails, while predominantly focusing on the classics, feature some inventive ingredients, such as yuzu sake in the negroni and watermelon sugar in the daiquiri. All the ales and lagers are sourced locally, with the signature Federation ale brewed down the road at sister venue The Con Club, which houses a microbrewery onsite. When it comes to the spirits, the gin selection includes various small distillers from the North West, including nearby favourites Manchester Gin. 

Even the hot drinks have local roots, with Heart and Graft providing the coffee and teas coming from independent speciality supplier, Worker Bee MCR. While the quality of the food suggests that The George Charles is first and foremost an eatery, it maintains the casual ethos of your favourite local pub – you can even try your hand at one of the themed pub quizzes, from Halloween to the World Cup.