A pub and restaurant in Rochdale which customers have described as 'quaint and quirky' is one of a handful to have been awarded a slice of a hefty grant to make improvements.

With many independent restaurants continuing to face significant challenges, American Express has launched a £220,000 'backing international small restaurants' programme.

The programme has awarded equal grants to 20 recipients in London and Greater Manchester to help support operational improvements, enhance dining experiences and help these businesses grow.

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Grant recipients will each use the £11,000 funding to help them continue to thrive, through making essential upgrades to their venues, from kitchen operations, improved marketing, to enhancing the dining experience. 

Among the recipients include The Baum on Toad Lane, Rochdale.

Customers on TripAdvisor rate the pub highly, describing it as "lovely, quaint and quirky" with "appealing decor" and welcoming staff. 

The Baum says it brings "exceptional" and "creative" British food as well as an impressive drinks menu to the heart of Rochdale, including cask and craft ales.

Customers also praised the pub's choice of music, its comfortable seats, "excellent" beer garden and its "great" selection of beers.

The Baum has also been crowned 'National Pub of the Year' by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

CAMRA said the pub has "never let the mantle slip" having been a repeat winner of Rochdale, Oldham and Bury's 'branch pub of the year'.

The organisation describes the pub as being laid out in an "intimate" way with "bare wood floors and a traditional feel to it" while, beer-wise, "there is an ever-changing menu of seven real ales, all immaculately kept and served by knowledgeable and friendly bar staff".

Other winners of the American Express grant in Greater Manchester include Wax and Beans in Bury, MOST Bakery in Altinrcham, The Italian in Stockport, Cibus Pizza in Manchester and JS On the Corner, also in Manchester.

Dan Edelman, general manager - UK merchant services at American Express, said: “We’re delighted to once again support some of the country’s independently owned restaurants, and are particularly proud to have expanded the grant programme to Manchester.

"These venues bring vibrancy to our high streets and local communities, and American Express remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting them to thrive.”

David Downey, executive director at the IDA Foundation, added: “We are thrilled to announce the third cohort of restaurants selected for the Backing International Small Restaurants programme.

"This year, we’ve expanded our reach to nine cities globally through the continued generosity of American Express.

"We are proud to empower these extraordinary restaurants to thrive and strengthen the fabric of their neighbourhoods.”

Globally, the programme has more than doubled the annual grant funding to $1 million, up from $435,000 last year, and expanded its support to restaurants in nine cities around the world.

In 2024, 70 small and independently owned restaurants have received grants, with this year’s programme reaching four new cities – Manchester, Melbourne, Montreal, and Osaka – in addition to London, Mexico City, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto. 

The Backing International Small Restaurants programme is part of American Express’ ‘Backing Small’ initiative, focused on providing financial support and resources to help small businesses address critical needs. 

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk