Live Sports — Pubs in Bolton
Discover live sports pubs in Bolton. Browse our directory to find the perfect pub.
Found 51 live sports pubs in Bolton
Ainsworth Arms
606 Halliwell Road, Bolton BL1 8BY
A large landmark pub at the junction of Halliwell Road and just off the ring road. It is named after the Ainsworth family, who made their wealth from bleaching and were owners of the nearby historic Smithills Hall during the 1800's. Ownership of the pub transferred in 2014 to Welcome Taverns and in 2020 to Tonge Leisure. There was an extensive refurbishment to create a high quality finish with solid wood floors and leather seating. Thankfully the layout has been preserved. The main bar area has a split level and a small and cosy snug has been retained. The pub has up to six changing guest beers from a combination of local and national breweries varying from week to week, note that the number of beers will be reduced midweek. There is a dart board and pub games are available. The pub now seems to be regaining its status as a popular and welcoming community venue.
Swan & Barristers Bar
7, Bradshawgate, Bolton BL1 1EL
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
Bay Mare
651 Blackburn Road, Bolton BL1 7AA
The Bay Mare retains some of its historic layout with a small snug at the front and a separate room at the back now used mainly for pool. The pub has a friendly welcoming local feel that you would expect from a street corner local. There are two handpumps with one often selling Sharp's Doom Bar.
Beaumont
Armadale Road, Ladybridge, Bolton BL3 4XB
One Cask beer is usually available in this recently refurbished estate pub, Note the mural of nineteen famous 'Boltonians' depicted on the wall near the pool table- how many can you name? Best accessed from A676 Wigan Road to avoid lengthy 20 mph ring road which goes round this sprawling estate where the pub is located.
Bolton Castle
520 Tonge Moor Road, Bolton BL2 3BQ
Large community pub on major road junction with lounge, snug and vault.
Doffcocker Inn
780 Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QE
Large community pub, with a central bar splits the drinking area in two. The main front doors take you into the spacious and lively bar area in which there is dart board and TV. The rear can be accessed from here or via a side door from the car park. This has a comfortable and quieter lounge with separate bar access. Regular Holt's beers are supplemented by one occasional guest often from Bootleg which is owned by Holt's. Unusually a 'calendar' pub, with windows with 365 panes of glass, 52 Doors, 28 rooms (days in a 4 week month), 12 rooms in the cellar, 7 bedrooms, 4 floors for full weeks in a month or perhaps each season.
Dragonfly
60-62 Bradshawgate, Nelson Square, Bolton BL1 1DP
Large landmark pub in the heart of the nightlife area of Bolton situated on Nelson Square/Bradshawgate corner near the Samuel Crompton Statue, War Memorial and the now closed subterranean Victorian Toilets. Various refurbishments have stripped out most of the buildings internal charm leaving it as a large open plan floor space with many different seating areas on different levels. There is a Disco floor with DJ area and suspended flashing lights. By day the pub serves a menu of pub grub with discounts for Students! Whilst at weekend evenings it acts as a popular base for younger drinkers. There are a many TVs showing major sporting events during which time it can get very busy. The pub includes the only Table Tennis table in town, as well as Pool and Darts. The main area surrounding the long linear bar is painted matt black and has the Disabled Toilets at the far end. Students 20% discount
Stork Tavern
548 Halliwell Road, Bolton BL1 8BP
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
Hope & Anchor
747 Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QH
Situated less than 2 miles from Bolton town centre near to Doffcocker Lodge, which is a well known nature reserve, this traditional pub with a modernised bar area but which retains the wonderful snug complete with bell pushes. A new extension with disabled access leading to a garden area also has a pool room.. Sandwiches are always available. Convenient for RSPB visitors to nearby Doffcocker Lodge. Often referred to as the Little Cocker in deference to the larger Doffcocker Inn across the road.
Mosley Arms
117 Red Lane, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 5HP
Opens at 10am for Breakfasts Mon-Sat. Large comfortable vault with two pool tables, two dart boards, dominoes and cards. The large function room can accommodate up to 120 people with weddings, christenings and other occasions catered for. The lounge has many tables all with silk flowers! There is a heated covered smoking shelter to the rear of the pub. Large car park at the front. Very much a locals pub, but well worth the effort to find. Large Horse Chestnut tree at the front of the pub. Note: there is a small 'blue plaque' at the front of the pub from Northern Music Heritage stating that the Bolton based five piece punk, ska, reggae, indie, electronica and rock band was formed on the premises- they are well known throughout the North West and further afield and still going strong. See photo.
Red Lion
1-3 Salford Road, Over Hulton, Bolton BL5 1BJ
Large Hungry Horse outlet with Wacky Warehouse attached at the rear of the pub. Situated at the junction of the A6/A579 and half way between Junctions 4 and 5 of M61 which runs along the back of the pub. A very large open plan interior (with a newly constructed doorway added at the bar with part of the pub cordoned off for over 18's only) incorporating the original pub which was rebuilt in 1905 and then extended into the quaint stone cottages at the side of the pub which are used mainly for the restaurant. The Wacky Warehouse (play area for the little ones - a charge is made to use this facility!) opens 9.30am-7pm Mon-Thu; 9.30am-8pm Fri; 9am-8pm Sat and 9am-7pm Sun: Drinks may be taken in here from the bar in plastic glasses! Outdoor seating areas are at the front of the pub and at the rear next to the Wacky! The car park is accessed from the A6.
Elephant & Castle
4-10 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1BR
The Elephant and Castle is a large town centre pub in the heart of Bolton's main nightlife area. Weekend evenings can be very busy when the pub acts a meeting point for revellers while DJs play tunes old and new. The host of large TV screens are also a magnet for football fans during big games. The pub supports an interesting selection of cask ales which make it worth a visit. There are 5 handpumps, with two Bank Top beers as well as Moorhouses Blond or White Witch. There are food theme nights and special offers during the week. Outdoor seating at the front of the pub is popular. Popworld has a separate entrance for the upstairs nightclub which has no real ale.
Star & Garter
11 Bow Street, Bolton BL1 2EQ
The process of refurbishment has at last been completed (Aug 2019), however cask beer is not currently available, though the handpump remains on the bar. It was expected that the closed Epicurus Brewery in Denton was going to relocate here during 2018, it has physically moved in, but it becoming operational seems some way off. The refurbishment has been in good taste and has made the pub a lot lighter and airier. There is a small beer garden which also serves as the smoking area.
Tansy Green
Brodick Drive, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 6UF
No Cask beer available now, though the three handpumps rem,ain on the bar
Tempest Arms
1110 Chorley Old Road, Heaton, Bolton BL1 5SE
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
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.
Millstone
12 Crown Street, Bolton BL1 2RU
Town centre pub down a side street just off the the main pub area. Only serves Joseph Holt Bitter but it is always in fine condition. This pub should be included on any trip around Bolton town centre. There is a large function room adjacent to the main bar on the lower level.
Three Pigeons
820 Wigan Road, Bolton BL3 4RD
A Large Pub on the outskirts near the end of the ring road, which offers food and sports TV Quiz night from 9pm Tuesday and DJ Live on last Saturday of the month.
Victoria
26 Markland Hill, Bolton BL1 5AG
Restaurant-style pub during the day and evening. There are areas for those that want only a drink. Being in an area otherwise poorly served by pubs, it does attract locals who enjoy the well-kept beers including one from local award-winners Bank Top. Note after 6pm Fridays and Saturdays over 21's only and Dress Code applies.
Volunteer
276-278 Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever, Bolton BL3 1RS
Lively community pub with a friendly welcome
Yates
36 Bradshawgate, Bolton BL1 1DG
Large Town centre pub that no longer sells real ale. The large curved bar though is a leftover from the days when this was Yates's Wine Lodge and customers would form an orderly queue at the bar to be served in order and then leave the bar with their drinks. The upstairs drinking area has its own bar, two pool tables, with great views over looking the busy road at the front of the pub. Also upstairs is a large outside drinking/smoking area with tables/seats, this closes 30 minutes before closing time. Closing times Wed to Sat are those expected but are 'late' Grade II listed building http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-475937-yates-wine-lodge- and http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1387943
Balmoral
94 Bradshawgate, Bolton BL1 1QQ
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.
51 Fifty Moonshine Bar & Grill
28 Nelson Square, Bolton BL1 1JT
The UK's only Moonshine and Moonshine Cocktail bar and grill
Bowling Green
271 Bury Road,, Bolton BL2 6AX
Reopened after refurbishment, with new bar.
Churchgate
11-13 Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HU
Extensively refurbished in 2017, it now has a contemporary style with wooden bar and flooring, white walls and some exposed beams. There is a plaque on the wall describing the pub's history and various name changes since 1772. The pub is now split into two open areas linked by a disorientating sloped floor. The lively bar leads to a rear seating area with doors opening to a comfortable and partially covered beer garden and smoking area. There are numerous TVs and a large screen at the back, making it an ideal place to watch sports events. The bar itself is now on the side wall and has four handpumps The pub has joined the trend for hosting an extensive gin selection and this is sure to help cement the venue as one which will attract a boisterous and lively crowd at weekends and provide a welcome addition to the town's nightlife.
Colliers Arms
1051 Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5SX
No Cask Beer Available even though signs outside advertise that there is.
Cotton Tree
15 Prince Street, Bolton BL1 2NP
No Cask Beer available in this archetypal estate-style pub on the edge of town. The atmosphere is friendly and lively. At weekends there is usually entertainment in the comfortable lounge area. At the rear is a large function room.
Crofters Arms
494 Halliwell Road, Bolton BL1 8BP
No Cask Beer Available. Large comfortable well run locals pub with the only remaining separate 'tap room' in all the surviving pubs in the Halliwell Road area.
Gilnow Arms
258 Deane Road, Bolton BL3 5HP
No Cask Beer Available
Henighans Bury Road
1043 Bury Road, Bolton BL2 6PY
Lively sport and entertainment driven pub offering food. Some gigs may require tickets in advance or buy at the door, others are free entry - check website.
Keg & Thread
423-425 Halliwell Road, Bolton BL1 8DE
No Cask Beer Available
Lever Bridge Inn
206/210 Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever, Bolton BL2 1PF
Large open plan pub dominated by old Bury to Bolton Railway Bridge in background above - which has recently opened as the Bolton East Cycle and Path Way- which starts at Scholey Street off Manchester Road (Bolton Central Police Station) and will eventually end up in Bury.
Little John
184 Lever Street, Bolton BL3 6NN
No Cask Beer Available Well run two room pub. Children welcome upto 7pm. Pub teams for pool, darts and cards. A large car boot takes place just down the road and is very popular every Sunday. Note the original Little John/Walkers Brewery plate glass window displayed in the bar area (see photo)
Lord Raglan
384 Halliwell Road, Bolton BL1 8AP
'The Rag' is a true locals pub run by an enthusiastic landlord. A central bar serves several small drinking areas. There is comfortable seating throughout and Sports TV is popular. Darts, dominoes and pool are all part of this busy local. There is an outside 'beer yard!' at the rear for the smokers and those wishing to be outside. Muffins, Toasties and Paninis now available until 6pm
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.
Park Hotel
259 Bridgeman Street, Bolton BL3 6RR
No Cask Beer Available despite the prominent signs outside indicating otherwise, they are even more out of date than the impressive collection of the now long defunct Tetley Brewery signs
Pineapple
562 Blackburn Road, Bolton BL1 7AL
Large Pub at busy crossroads, that looks nothing like their Facebook photo!
Queen Elizabeth
230 Fletcher Street, Great Lever, Bolton BL3 6NQ
No Cask Beer Available
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
Royal Hotel
56 Vernon Street, Bolton BL1 2PP
Nice Pub, shame about the lack of cask beer.
theBar
Provincial House, Nelson Square, Bolton BL1 1JT
No Cask Beer Available now.
Vulcan Inn
10/12 Junction Road, Deane, Bolton BL3 4LT
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.
Hogarths
37-41, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HU
A large and lively town centre pub in the centre of historic Churchgate by the Parish Church. It was refurbished in the early part of 2019 and a staircase added to a mezzanine VIP room was added. Named after the 18th century painter and satirist William Hogarth and themed, without any association with the man himself, as a Victorian gin palace. Gin fans will be blown away with the choice on offer. Guest beers seem to be restricted now to ones from the Marstons range, so far removed from when the onsite brewery was here. The historic theme of the pub is somewhat dominated by the vast number of TVs which are difficult to escape from.
Roundhouse
Kenton Close, off Tennyson Street, Bolton BL1 3TZ
No Cask Beer available. Large Pub tucked away. Very large function room in this ex club.
Heaton Cricket Club
Lower Pools, Church Road, Bolton, Bolton BL1 5RH
The Club house is at an elevated level loooking out over the cricket field in 2016 the Club is being sponsored by Bank Top Brewery. Wells Bombardier and Butcombe Bitter have been noted as the changing beers but often it is Wainwrights. Club members receive 30p a pint discount. The club also houses the Moss Bank Juniors football teams who play on pitches adjacent to the cricket ground. Only open to club members at the moment.
Ellesmere Road Recreation Club
24, Ellesmere Road, Morris Green, Bolton BL3 3JT
Camra Member with Card Free entry for first trial visit, otherwise be signed in as a guest for £1 or become a member, guest beers often shown on Facebook page with photo. Finalist in Branch 2019 Club of the year.
Bolton Irish Centre
95, Lever Street, Bolton BL3 2AB
Membership available at £10 per annum
Astley Bridge Conservative Club
Moss Bank Way, Bolton BL1 8NP
No Cask Beer Available, membership is available at £16 a year
Victory Reform Club
25 Victory Street, Bolton BL1 4JA
No Cask Beer Available
Definitely Maybe Bar
18, St Andrews Court, Mawdsley Street, Bolton BL1 1LD
This cellar bar (thirteen steps to negotiate and no lift!) started life as Bergeracs a night club many years ago. Reopened February 2020. Wooden Casks maybe in the doorway but not in the cellar