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9 Must-Visit Pubs in Bolton for Great Beer, Good Company, and Top-Notch Atmosphere
When we’re talking about pubs, you’ll want a place where the pints are cold, the food tastes like actual food (not just something deep-fried into oblivion), and the crowd doesn’t make you swear off socialising altogether.
Basically, you need a spot where you can sink into a chair, let out that long sigh of relief, and think, ‘Yep, this is the one.’
Well, good news—we’ve done the legwork so you didn’t have to. After plenty of ‘research’ (aka enjoying one too many pints in the name of journalism), we’ve rounded up Bolton’s best pubs!
Ready to quench your thirst? Read on to discover our top picks below and find your new favorite local!
Bob’s Smithy Inn
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Address: 1448 Chorley Old Rd
Contact details: +44 1204 841379
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 12 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu
Bob’s Smithy Inn has got a bit of everything: cosy nooks for quiet pints, a lively bar area for a proper knees-up, and an outdoor beer garden that’s a winner when the sun decides to show up.
The menu leans heavily into classic British comfort food, and it doesn’t mess about.
Their steak and ale pie is the kind that sticks to your ribs in the best way, and the Sunday roast is the sort of meal that demands an afternoon nap afterwards.
If you’re into real ale, they’ve got a cracking selection, and they rotate their guest beers regularly, so there’s always something new to try. It’s a pub that doesn’t need gimmicks or fancy branding—it’s just a great spot to grab a drink, have a meal, and unwind.
Pro tip:
Their Sunday roast is top-tier, book ahead because once they’re out, they’re out.
Ye Olde Man & Scythe
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Address: 6-8 Churchgate
Contact details: +44 1204 522975
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 12 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: ££
If you’re looking for a pub with a bit of character (and a few ghosts thrown in for good measure), Ye Olde Man & Scythe should be top of your list. It’s been around since 1251, which means it’s seen a few things—civil wars, executions, and more than its fair share of rowdy nights.
Inside, it’s everything you want from a historic pub—low ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and that unmistakable feeling that you’re drinking somewhere with a few stories to tell.
The beer selection is solid, with a good mix of cask ales and local brews, and the food is classic pub grub done right. Expect hefty pies, proper fish and chips, and a Sunday roast that keeps the locals coming back.
Oh, and if you’re into ghost stories, this place is supposedly haunted by the Earl of Derby, who met his unfortunate end just outside the pub.
Pro tip:
Ask about the haunted chair, it’s got more of a reputation than some of the regulars.
Hulton Arms
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Address: 2 Newbrook Rd, Over Hulton
Contact details: +44 1204 468090
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Pricing: ££
Hulton Arms is the kind of pub that understands the assignment: proper pints, solid grub, and enough space so you’re not elbowing someone mid-bite. It’s got that classic British chain-pub charm—clean, reliable, and ideal for a fuss-free meal with mates or family.
Inside, it’s all polished wood and cosy booths, the sort of place where you settle in for a long lunch and end up staying for “just one more.”
The food menu covers all the usual suspects—burgers, steaks, fish and chips, and their Sunday roast, which is a full spread of meat, Yorkshire puds, and all the trimmings. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a safe bet for a decent meal, and they do it well.
The drinks selection is exactly what you want: cask ales, lagers, wines, and cocktails for those who like a bit of flair. They’ve also got plenty of outdoor seating, making it a solid choice when the British weather decides to play nice.
Pro tip:
Their carvery is worth the visit, go early before the best cuts disappear.
Elephant & Castle
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Address: 4-10 Deansgate
Contact details: +44 161 834 3333
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 12 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Elephant & Castle is smack in the middle of Deansgate, making it a prime spot for a pre-night-out pint or a casual weekend hangout. The name might make you think of London, but this place is all about Mancunian energy—friendly, unpretentious, and lively without being unbearable.
The menu is an all-day affair, mixing British pub classics with a few modern twists. Their must-try burgers are massive, their pies are rich, and their fish and chips have that perfect crunch. They’ve also got a decent range of plant-based options.
Beer-wise, it’s everything from local cask ales to international favourites, plus a proper selection of spirits if you’re feeling fancy. The interior is all exposed brick and warm lighting, giving it that ideal mix of old-school pub and modern comfort.
Pro tip:
Their steak and ale pie is a standout, pair it with a pint of local bitter for the full experience.
Pine Tree Farm – Dining & Carvery
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Address: Cutacre Ln
Contact details: +44 1942 665668
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 11 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Pine Tree Farm is one of those places where you walk in hungry and walk out questioning your life choices because you’ve eaten way too much—but in the best way possible.
This spot is all about hearty portions and traditional carvery, so if you’ve got a thing for slow-cooked meats, Yorkshire puddings, and enough gravy to drown in, you’re in the right place.
The carvery is the main event, with a daily selection of roasted meats, seasonal veg, stuffing, and crispy roasties. But if you’re not in the mood for a full roast, the menus are stacked with everything from fish and chips to loaded burgers.
It’s a proper family-friendly joint, so expect a mix of regulars, big groups, and folks who just want a solid meal without breaking the bank. Drinks-wise, it’s standard pub fare—cask ales, lagers, wines, and a few cocktail options.
Pro tip:
Go for the carvery, obviously, but don’t sleep on their desserts, the sticky toffee pudding is spot on.
The Cherry Tree at Blackrod
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Address: Chorley Rd, Blackrod
Contact details: +44 1257 481234
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 12 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: £££
Website
Menu
If you’re after a pub that dials up the elegance without losing that warm, welcoming vibe, The Cherry Tree at Blackrod is exactly that. Expect top-tier steaks, seafood dishes that actually taste fresh, and beautifully presented mains that go beyond the usual pub fare.
Their Sunday roast is a work of art—perfectly cooked meats, crisp Yorkshire puds, and a gravy that ties it all together. But if you’re feeling fancy, their a la carte menu is stacked with dishes like pan-seared scallops and slow-braised lamb shoulder that are worth every penny.
Drinks-wise, they do a cracking selection of wines and craft beers, plus well-made cocktails for those who like a little extra flair with their meal. It’s the kind of place that’s ideal for both date nights and big family meals, striking that perfect balance between upscale and relaxed.
Pro tip:
Their steak is aged to perfection, pair it with a bold red from their wine list for the full experience.
The Spinning Mule
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Address: Nelson Square
Contact details: +44 1204 389460
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 9 AM – 12 AM
Pricing: £
Website
Alright, The Spinning Mule is a Wetherspoons, so you already know what you’re getting—cheap pints, reliable food, and a no-nonsense atmosphere. If you’re after a proper pint without burning a hole in your wallet, this is the spot.
It’s got all the ‘Spoons’ trademarks: a solid selection of real ales, an extensive spirits menu, and food that, while not Michelin-starred, does the job. You can get a full English at 9 AM, a burger and a pint for under a tenner, and a steak deal on Tuesdays that’s actually decent.
If you’re in the mood for something simple and budget-friendly, this is one of the better Wetherspoons out there. The layout is spacious, with plenty of seating so you’re not fighting for a table.
It’s a popular spot for football fans pre-match and post-match, so expect a lively crowd depending on when you go. It’s also one of the few places in Bolton where you can get a pint before noon, which is worth keeping in mind if you fancy a cheeky breakfast beer.
Pro tip:
Check their app for table service, ordering from your seat means you can avoid the bar queues.
The Courthouse Bolton
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Address: 4 Mawdsley St
Contact details: +44 1204 380001
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 12 PM – 12 AM
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu
The Courthouse Bolton is exactly what it sounds like—an old courthouse turned into a pub. And honestly, they’ve done a cracking job of it.
The original features—grand ceilings, big windows, and imposing architecture—make this place feel a bit special, while the buzzing atmosphere keeps it from being too serious. The food menu is a step up from your standard pub fare, with dishes that show a bit more thought and care.
Burgers are stacked and juicy, the steaks are well-seasoned, and the sharing boards are perfect if you’re just in for a few pints with mates. They also do an excellent Sunday roast, which is a must if you find yourself here at the weekend.
They’ve got an impressive drinks list too, with craft beers, classic ales, and plenty of gin and cocktail options. If you’re after a pint with a side of history, this is a top spot—it’s one of those places where the setting makes the experience.
Pro tip:
Try their house gin selection, it’s one of the best in town.
Victoria Inn
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Address: Victoria Inn, 26 Markland Hill, Heaton
Contact details: +44 161 368 7770
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday 12 PM – 11 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Right, if you’re looking for a proper old-school local, Victoria Inn is as classic as it gets. This is the kind of place where you can walk in, find a seat without having to elbow anyone out the way, and be greeted with a friendly nod from across the bar.
Even if it’s your first time, you’ll feel like you’ve been coming here for years. The beer selection leans traditional but well-kept—expect a few cask ales, the usual lagers, and a back bar stocked with all the essentials.
If you’re after some proper comfort food, their homemade pies are legendary, and they don’t skimp on the portions either. The menu sticks to classic pub favourites—think steak and ale pie, proper fish and chips, and a Sunday roast that comes out piled high with all the trimmings.
Inside, there’s a proper mix of regulars too—old-timers catching up over a pint, younger locals popping in for a pre-match drink, and the occasional stray wanderer who gets pulled into the friendly atmosphere.
Pro tip:
The steak and kidney pudding is an underrated gem. If it’s on the specials board, order it, you won’t regret it.
