TEN pubs in and around Leigh and the surrounding areas have been listed in the Good Beer Guide for 2023.

What is the Good Beer Guide?
 

The 50th edition of a popular pub guide has been published.

The Good Beer Guide 2023 reviews more than 4,500 pubs across the United Kingdom. It provides a drinking guide to the best beers in a variety of styles of pubs, both traditional and more modern-style venues.

The annual list is assembled by thousands of independent volunteers and is considered the definitive beer drinker’s guide to the very best pints in the most picturesque and welcoming pubs.

Which local pubs have been included?

 

  • Bobbin, Leigh Road, Leigh

On the northern edge of the town centre, this one-room micropub offers a warm welcome and has comfortable seating. The bar is decorated with pump clips and there are pictures for sale for charity. Beer prices are very competitive – a dark beer and real cider are always available. Beers are sourced from regional microbreweries, with current and forthcoming selections on the website. Open from 1pm on Sundays when Leigh RLFC are playing at home.

 

  • Thomas Burke, Leigh Road, Leigh

Popular with all ages, this Wetherspoon pub is named after a renowned Leigh tenor, known as the Lancashire Caruso. The pub divides into three areas: the main long bar, a raised dining area and, in what was once a cinema foyer, lounge-style seating. There is also a small courtyard at the back for outside drinking. A changing range of beers is sourced from breweries local and distant, including the house beer Tommy Burke.

 

  • Weavers Arms, Lord Street, Leigh

Located in the centre of Leigh just off the main shopping street, the Weavers attracts a wide clientele. During the day it has a relaxed environment with shoppers and families dining. In the evening it is a popular meeting place, with sports shown on the many TV screens. Entertainment features most Fridays and a DJ every Saturday. The beer selection has recently been extended, with a local ale as well as the usual regional choices.

 

  • Ram’s Head Inn, Slag Lane, Lowton

Traditional pub opposite Lowton St Luke’s Church, popular with locals for meals and sport on TV. A central bar serves a number of separate areas, with wood furnishings and a large brick fireplace. There is ample seating in the garden at the side of the pub, and a play area for children. Quiz night is every Thursday and live singers and bands entertain on Saturday nights.

 

  • Travellers Rest, Newton Road, Lowton

Traditional country pub and restaurant, dating back to the 19th century, between Lowton and Newton-le-Willows, popular with locals, walkers and cyclists. There are a number of seating areas and a separate restaurant, with a bar area to the right for drinkers. Outside, there is a large garden and car park. A private room is available to hire for special occasions and Haydock Park racecourse is only a mile away.

 

  • Union Arms, Castle Street, Tyldesley

This family-friendly pub is part of the local community, with regular charity events and occasional theme nights including live music. The interior is divided into a numberof separate connected areas. On the left is the vault and on the right is a lounge used at meal times. Outside is a large patio area. The guest beer is from Wigan Brewhouse, with California the most regular and popular choice. Fresh home-cooked food is served until 7.45pm, with Sunday lunch until 6pm. Sporting events are shown on TV.

 

 

  • Bull’s Head, Manchester Road, Astley

A large, comfortable pub next to the village green, offering a good range of beers. Serving good quality pub food, it is very popular, particularly at weekends. Outside, there are various seating areas, some with heaters for colder weather, plus lawns for sun-worshippers. Quiz night is Wednesday. The pub welcomes children over 14 when dining in the evening. Tables can be booked.

 

  • Taphouse, Market Street, Atherton

Micropub on the main street in the centre of Atherton. Inside this comfortable, friendly one-room bar there are four tables, with extra seating at the sides. Upstairs thereare two comfortable lounge areas, one of which is air-conditioned. There is also a small covered smoking area at the back. Beers are generally sourced from small regional microbrewers and are competitively priced. Areal-time beer list is available online.

 

  • Royal British Legion, Victoria Street, Boothstown

A large, friendly club, welcoming to non-members. A lounge to the right of the entrance leads to a games and TV room, and there is a large function room at the rear. The spacious garden is ideal for summer drinking. Live entertainment is a regular feature, and a beer festival is held in November. The steward and stewardess have been awarded the Queen’s medal for voluntary service. A regular winner in the Club Mirror awards and local CAMRA Club of the Year.

 

  • Hare & Hounds, Ladies Lane, Hindley

This small but traditional pub is located between Hindley railway station and the town centre. There is a large, comfortable lounge, a distinct bar/vault area and a charming beer garden to the rear. The lounge displays pictures from bygone Hindley and has a large screen TV for sports. The pub is home to darts and dominoes teams playing in the local leagues. Beers are from Wigan Brewhouse along with other breweries both local to the area and further afield.