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.