Rochdale says goodbye to pub legend as Flying Horse co-owner steps down after 16 years

Sunday, 6 July 2025 23:11

A heartfelt send off is planned as co-owner Ben Boothman departs Rochdale’s iconic pub, The Flying Horse.

Ben Boothman, co-owner of The Flying Horse Hotel in Rochdale town centre, is stepping away after 16 years. His departure was announced in a public message posted by the pub on social media.

In a heartfelt statement, Ben’s business partner wrote:

After many incredible years, it’s time to say farewell to someone who has been at the very heart of The Flying Horse.

Ben Boothman – my business partner, co-owner, and friend – will be leaving the pub, along with his family Sarah, Pat, Sabrina & Ian. Ben has been part of The Flying Horse for what feels like a lifetime and helped shape it into the place we all know and love today. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside him for 16 years, and I’m eternally grateful for everything he’s done for me.

We really could & should write a book one day as this special place has brought us so many memories from the hard graft behind the scenes to the laughs, the tears and the many pints shared along the way.

Myself & Ben have shared a vision for The Flyer for so many years now & I am excited along with our amazing team of long serving staff headed up by Lucy to be able to carry on and help this great pub remain at the heart of the community.

To give Ben & all the Boothman’s the send-off they deserve, we’re hosting a leaving do next Sunday, and we’d love to see you all there. The brilliant Boomin’ will be playing, and it’s guaranteed to be a night to remember.

Here’s to new beginnings – and to Ben, for everything he’s done for The Flying Horse and Rochdale’s pub scene.

Cheers, mate