Dog Friendly — Pubs in Bolton

Beer Festivals

A prominent pub at the heart of the town centre nightlife is a Grade II listed building dating from 1845. There are two distinct bars with shared cellar and bar staff. On the corner is the Swan which is open from 12 noon-7pm Monday to Thursday and 12 noon until late which may be 6am on Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays 12 noon until 9pm. On weekend evenings it becomes a nightclub with DJ and dancefloor. At other times it is a quieter and spacious bar with TV showing racing or news, often without sound. Barristers is open the longer hours shown. It has a wood-paneled interior and is tastefully decorated to successfully recreate the traditional relaxed atmosphere of a local. There is a small TV near the bar and a larger screen around the corner. Both usually show news or sports news without sound. In the evenings, especially at weekends, the atmosphere is livelier, boosted by karaoke nights. With a mix of different atmospheres, the bars provide a welcoming and popular venue for all those who enjoy enjoy quality well-kept real ale in the town centre. It was awarded Bolton Branch Community Pub of the Year in 2019, recognising the way it actively welcomes all visitors and drinkers in the Bolton community with student nights and LGBT+ nights during the week and local music promoted at weekends. The range of cask beers varies, sometimes with more beers at weekends. Those available are usually listed on their Facebook, twitter or instagram pages. Both bars share the same cellar. There are up to 8 beers on handpump in Barristers. The Swan has a four handpumps serving a selection of the ones available in Barristers. Beers usually comprise ones from local breweries such as Bank Top, Blackedge and Moorhouses supplemented by interesting beers from further afield such as Fyne, Coniston and St Austell. There is usually at least one dark beer. A heated courtyard with tables is used as a smoking area and through which the shared toilets are accessed. Disabled toilet facilities are available. See website for details of listing - https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1387974

Bob's Smithy

1448 Chorley Old Road, Heaton, Bolton BL1 7PX

Real Fire

An intimate stone-built hostelry on the edge of the moors with panoramic views. Now has its own restaurant, it's handy for walkers and visitors to University of Bolton Stadium. The inn is some 200 years old and is named after a local blacksmith who allegedly spent more time in the pub than he did in his smithy across the road. This is a genuine free house which offers guest beers from small independent breweries. Dogs are welcome, there is a covered smoking area at the side of the pub.

Stork Tavern

548 Halliwell Road, Bolton BL1 8BP

Cask Marque Accredited

A friendly and welcoming Grade II listed, stone-built community pub in an historic part of Bolton. It is one of the few remaining pubs on the famous old Halliwell Mile. The pub has recently been refurbished in a way which has sympathetically married a modern feel to its traditional features. The multi-room layout has been retained. The front room has a stone fireplace and a corner bar dispensing up to 4 well-kept and well-consumed real ales from local breweries Holts, Bank Top and occasionally others. The etched windows advertise the long lost local brewery J Sharman & Sons as well as the name the Stork Tavern, to which the owners have recently reverted after a spell as the Fox & Stork. Note the large hand painted wall mural in the passageway to the toilets! The two back rooms can provide a quieter atmosphere although, unusually, there is a dartboard in each and regularly entertain games during weekday evenings. Outside at the front is a small walled area with benches from where you can sit, sip and watch the world go by. At the back is a large beer garden which, in August, provides the venue for Fox Fest, a festival of music and fun which raises considerable sums for charity. http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-476053-fox-and-stork-public-house-/photos and http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1388055

Kings Head

52/54 Junction Road, Deane, Bolton BL3 4NA

Cask Marque Accredited

The pub is a late 18th century Grade II listed Building which was extended in the mid 19th Century. Located near to Deane Parish Church in the Deane Village conservation area, it is set back from the road with a two tier car park, which is partially surrounded by woodland. The pub has three rooms, one with an aluminium (cast iron looking) range which is never used and the other two with low wooden ceiling beams. The back door from the middle room near the gents leads to the outside garden complete with a children's playground and a full size crown green bowling green which is available for hire. see website for more details of listing - https://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-476089-kings-head-public-house- and https://list.english-heritage.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1388091

Olde Man & Scythe

6-8 Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HL

The pub is reputedly the 4th oldest in the country and sits near the Parish Church on the historic Churchgate, site of a famous Civil War execution . Long referred to as the Cider 'Ouse, though none of the ones available now meet Camra's revised definition to be classed as real cider. The pub retains some traditional features such as wooden beams, leaded windows and stone floors, though there have been modifications to the layout in recent times. Nevertheless, the pub does retain a cosy snug and a separate room, often used for jamming and open mic nights. On weekend evenings there is usually a local band playing and the pub can be very busy. On the back wall is a painted mural of the much-missed former landlord John Jewitt. Outside is a small enclosed yard which doubles up as a smoking area. Beers are from the more adventurous side of the Enterprise Inns list supplemented by the ever-popular local brewery Bank Top. Grade II listed building see https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1387975

Sweet Green Tavern

127 Crook Street, Bolton BL3 6DD

Real Fire

Small multi-roomed pub with 2 handpumps. The range varies from local ales to breweries rarely seen in the area and may showcase both beers from the same brewery. There is a warming real fire in the winter while the expansive and sumptuous covered and heated beer garden provides comfort in all seasons. The walls of the beer garden are wonderfully decorated with murals as is the end wall of the pub and the wall adjacent to the main road and are a must see. The pub retains a beautiful hidden snug at the back which has recently had a door fitted making it ideal for holding private meetings. On the walls are histories of some of the families that used to live and work on Crook St. The houses and factories are now gone and a supermarket dominates the area. Note the hundreds of different pump clips on the ceiling beams showcasing the diverse beers that have been served up at the pub over the years. Fortunately the pub remains as a record of the industrial history of this part of town. The pub's name refers to the aromatic wetland plant meadowsweet which must have grown in this area long before the industrial and retail developments.

Tempest Arms

1110 Chorley Old Road, Heaton, Bolton BL1 5SE

Smoking Area

Sports TV

A true community pub with a pool team, mens and ladies darts, and a football team.

Brewhouse

987 Blackburn Rd, Astley Bridge, Bolton BL1 7LG

Lunchtime Meals

The pub has recently been refurbished with comfortable distinct seating areas including the original brewery area, this provides a light airy interior, food and accommodation are available too. The number of beers available at any one time varies and they come mainly from the north west. There are two outdoor seating areas both at the rear near the car park. Wednesday night is quiz night. The pub is open until 'Late' so closing times may vary from those quoted.

Volunteer

276-278 Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever, Bolton BL3 1RS

Karaoke

Lively community pub with a friendly welcome

Wilton Arms

883-885 Belmont Road, Belmont, Bolton BL1 7BT

Lunchtime Meals

Evening Meals

Stone built moorland pub on the outskirts of town on the busy A675. Very much geared up for dining. The smaller car park next to the pub is maintained by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) for access to the quarry at the rear of the pub which contains hazardous cliff faces with loose rocks!

Balmoral

94 Bradshawgate, Bolton BL1 1QQ

Traditional Pub Games

Converted to a Craft Union branded pub in 2019, this resulted in the pub being opened out with the central bar being moved. Much of the original coving remains (see photos) and the upstairs function room is awaiting a makeover. There are several screens showing sport throughout the opening hours. A DJ plays music Fri & Sat evenings and a Karaoke entertains on Wed & Sun evenings. Occasional live entertainment at weekends. Dog friendly.

Britannia Hotel

Beaumont Road, Bolton BL3 4TA

Lunchtime Meals

Evening Meals

Typical Hotel bar with no cask beer available, only the routine national brand keg products at premium prices. Former Holiday Inn with 96 Bedrooms situated on the Ring Road and near J5 M61. Three Conference Rooms available catering from 10 to 120 delegates.

Morris Dancers

14 Sapling Road, Morris Green, Bolton BL3 3QL

The Dancers was built in the 1950's as the first pub in Morris Green by Magee Marshalls-it was to be their last one before being taken over by Greenall Whitley of Warrington. Three handpumps adorn each of the two bars. The 'tap room' has a pool table and dart board with cards and dominoes also featuring as well a live TV sport. The pub has not one but three football teams! The lounge doubles up as a function room and is well appointed with a large kitchen range (unfortunately not the real thing!) and a raised seating area. Quiz nights on Monday and live entertainment most Saturdays. Outside are a few tables and benches for smokers with extra table/benches placed on the car park to increase outside seating accomodation,and are well used in the summer. Morris Green Park is across the road and completes the small village of Morris Green. Please note that those using the Pub Car Park need to validate your full and correct vehicle registration mark on the 'tablet' situated in the entrance hall of the pub.

Queen Anne

25 Junction Road, Bolton BL3 4LT

Situated in the Deane Conservation Area and across the road from St. Mary the Virgin-Parish Church of Deane, whose bells can clearly be heard several times a week!. Access to the pub can also be made from Wigan Road via its car park. A large open plan pub with sizeable extension which can be used as a function room when the folding doors are closed, there are many seating areas dotted around the perimeter of the large room. Now has two handpumps serving a Robinson's beer and one other from a brewery further afield. A large outdoor seating area is adjacent to the car park

Vulcan Inn

10/12 Junction Road, Deane, Bolton BL3 4LT

Karaoke

Real Fire

Sorry no Cask beer available. Fine traditional well run local in the Deane Conservation Area. The large room to the left doubles up as a well used function room for parties, Christenings and the like. There is a pool table in the rear part of the bar as well as an original turnstile from Burnden Park the former home of Bolton Wanderers (the landlord is a big Bolton Fan!). The landlord has even bought a bouncy castle available to hire for children's parties in the spacious rear outdoor area/yard which includes a large covered smoking shelter. Note the unique acid etched windows at the side of the pub inscribed with the name of the pub and its former Brewery Owners at the 'Diamond Brewery' (Tongs) which was situated a few hundred metres (yards in old money!) down the road towards town.

Over Hulton Conservative Club

Motorway Embankment, St Helens Road, Over Hulton, Bolton, Bolton BL5 1AA

Smoking Area

This Conservative Club is tucked away from the main A579 and situated at the side of the M61 between J4 and J5. There is ample car parking and a Scout Hut is between the club and the main road. Non-members can sign in for £1 or membership costs £10/year, £7 for Seniors. The club boasts two full size snooker tables as well as a large function room. There are in house caterers for anyone wishing to hire the rooms. Club Members get a discount on the price of their drinks. Popular with local community groups.

Bunbury's

397, Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 6AH

Micropub

This cosy micropub is named after a fictitious character in Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest. It was converted from a shop by teachers Darryl and Sarah Leach in 2015, Darryl giving up his job to develop his passion for selling good beers and encouraging people to try new styles and breweries. The bar has three handpumps serving real ale and a range of keg offerings, occasionally ones which are keg conditioned. Beers vary in their origin but are usually from highly-regarded breweries, often local such as Rivington, Holywell and Northern Monkey. There is also a fantastic range of bottled and canned beers from the UK, Europe and the US, some of them rarely seen, which offer the drinker the opportunity to try many different styles of beer. Real cider is also available and a small range of spirits and wine. The bar has the intimate atmosphere that you would expect of a micropub, focusing on friendly and varied conversation, often about the beers. It attracts regulars from the local area as well as those who travel to sample the more exciting and unusual beers which are on offer. Bolton CAMRA Pub of the Year 2017. Opening times may vary slightly as Darryl may be out sourcing new beers.

Bob Inn Cafe Bar

Bolton Market, Ashburner Street/Moor Lane, Bolton BL1 1TQ

Disabled Access

No Cask Beer Available. It's the smallest pub in town! and much smaller than the one in Southport that claims to be Britain's smallest! The small bar inside has a mock fireplace and just enough room to serve up a few keg beers/lagers and a small hot drinks machine to for those wishing to have a tea/coffee on the cold days to keep the chill off! There is room to fit only a small number of drinkers inside with several tables outside where you can watch the world go by and maybe enjoy the sun ! The Market Car Park adjacent to the pub is free after 5pm though charges are made from 9am to 5pm every day including for Blue Badge Holders. One of the few things to survive from the days when Bob (the founder of the pub, who has now sadly passed away) is a large Monkey seated on a stool at the entrance which welcomes one and all. Toilets are situated inside the market a few minutes walk from the bar and are open on Market Days only!

Astley Bridge Conservative Club

Moss Bank Way, Bolton BL1 8NP

Smoking Area

No Cask Beer Available, membership is available at £16 a year

Northern Monkey Bar

Nelson Square, Bolton BL1 1AQ

Beer Festivals

This pub was set up by Northern Monkey which is run by two proud Boltonians. They renovated the bar from its previous use as a restaurant. The space was once part of the Pack Horse Hotel, historically the place where the classiest visitors to the town stayed but are now student residences. The brewers decided to create a destination bar which initially served as the brewery, but in order to create more space has moved out to an industrial unit with its own limited opening bar called Northern Monkey Brewery Tap. They use the bar to showcase local craft beers and also to run community events promoting the town such as a monthly artisan market and regular comedy nights. Four cask beers are served. These are usually split between Northern Monkey beers and guest beers from some of the top brewers in the North West and beyond. At least one dark beer is normally available. Real cider can be available in the summer months and is served bag-in-a-box from the rear of the bar. The eight keg fonts dispense rare and interesting offerings and these are unlikely to be found anywhere else in the town centre.

Piggy Banks

128, Newport St, Bolton BL3 6AB

Traditional Pub Games

Dog Friendly

A former double glazing store and more recently a cafe bar which has morphed to a 'Cocktail and Bottle Bar' (opened 23rd April 2019) and situated opposite the Rail/Bus interchange. Can almost be titled as a micro-bar. There is a smoking area at the front with a few tables and chairs and then the doorway leads to the bar and seating area with two disabled toilets in the middle of the premises and another area at the rear where there is also a dart board, piano and pool table. The bottled beers/alcopops etc are displayed in a chilled cabinet behind the bar and are all priced at £3 each. Hot drinks are also available throughout the day. Handy place to call in if waiting for your bus/train. Phone/iPad charging sockets are available as well as wifi connections. Cask Ale started flowing through the handpump on 20th September 2019.

Red Bank Cider & Wine

Unit 22b, Bradley fold Trading Estate, Radcliffe Moor Rd, Bolton BL2 6RT