Categories > Dining
The 5 Best Bolton Bars and Pubs
Raise your glass and toast to the vibrant bar scene of Bolton! Nestled within this bustling town are an array of bars and pubs, each offering its own unique atmosphere and selection of drinks.
Join us as we explore the diverse landscape of Bolton’s drinking establishments so you’ll know where to go on your next night out!
1. Ye Olde Man & Scythe
Services: Food, Drinks, Events
Website: https://www.yeoldemanandscythebolton.co.uk/
Address: 6-8 Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HL, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 1204 559060
Operating Hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM–12:30 AM
Google Reviews Score | 4.6/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4.2/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.3/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Accessibility | 4/5 |
Location | 4/5 |
Operating Hours | 4/5 |
Menu | 5/5 |
Quality | 5/5 |
Variety | 5/5 |
Ambience | 5/5 |
Pricing (A higher rating means better value) | 5/5 |
Customer Service | 4/5 |
Pros
- Historical pub
- Lively crowd
- Affordable drink selection
Cons
- Far from public transportation stop
- Closes early
Ye Olde Man & Scythe is a historical gem with roots tracing back to the 13th century. For us, it’s an ideal place to visit if you want to get to know the city and the neighbourhood better.
We stepped through their doors and we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The staff made us feel right at home, showing us to our preferred seats with a smile.
And let’s not forget the drinks! We were pleased with some of their cocktails such as Happy Daze, Black Dragon, and Farmhouse Scrumpy.
On top of this, we also appreciate that they offer affordability — with an average spend costing between £10 to £20 only per person.
Although, we think that it’s worth noting that there have been instances where the staff members came across as rude to the customers. According to our surveys, a crew dismissed a tourist when asked about the history of the place.
We’re also a bit concerned for commuters as they are 11 minutes away by foot from the Bolton stop. On top of this, they also close earlier than other pubs in the area.
Despite these issues, we enjoyed our stay here thanks to their lively crowd fueled by the upbeat live music.
2. Definitely Maybe Bar
Services: Food, Drinks, Live shows
Address: 28 Nelson Square, Bolton BL1 1JT, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 1204 866684
Operating Hours: Sunday: 4:00 PM–11:30 PM
Thursday: 5:00 PM–12:00 AM
Friday to Saturday: 4:00 PM–3:00 AM
Google Reviews Score | 4.6/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4.8/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.6/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Accessibility | 5/5 |
Location | 5/5 |
Operating Hours | 5/5 |
Menu | 5/5 |
Quality | 5/5 |
Variety | 5/5 |
Ambience | 5/5 |
Pricing (A higher rating means better value) | 5/5 |
Customer Service | 4/5 |
Pros
- Oasis-inspired pub
- Live music
- Accessible location
- Closes late
- Affordable menu
Cons
- Reports of slow serving time
The Definitely Maybe Bar is a lively Oasis-inspired establishment brought to life by Mark and Paul Gallagher. From our research, we found that they’re both well-known Bolton natives and lifelong devotees of the iconic band.
We also noted that this bar is loved for their energising live music performances that lead to a lively crowd all night long. With this, we think they’re ideal for those craving a night of endless fun and dance.
Furthermore, we like that they’re conveniently located at Nelson Square. We also commend them for their extended opening hours — until 3:00 am on peak days.
During our recent visit, we found ourselves drawn to their array of classic cocktails. Some of the must-tries are their Cosmopolitan, Mojito, and their selection of tap beers.
Additionally, their food menu offers a delectable range of options such as loaded fries and chicken strips. However, it’s their sumptuous buckets of wings that truly captivated our taste buds.
While our personal experience with the service was satisfactory, we think it’s worth noting that some patrons have voiced concerns about longer-than-desired wait times.
Nevertheless, we think that they’re worth the visit, especially when you consider their affordability. An average visit here costs between just £10 and £20, which is pretty great!
3. The Ainsworth Arms
Services: Food, Drinks, Events
Website: https://www.tobycarvery.co.uk/restaurants/north-west/ainsworthmanchester
Address: 465 Bury and Bolton Rd, Greater, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 4LJ, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 764 1405
Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.1/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4/5 |
Total Reviews | 5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Accessibility | 4.5/5 |
Location | 5/5 |
Operating Hours | 4/5 |
Menu | 5/5 |
Quality | 5/5 |
Variety | 5/5 |
Ambience | 5/5 |
Pricing (A higher rating means better value) | 5/5 |
Customer Service | 5/5 |
Pros
- Near tourist spots
- Inclusive and affordable menu
- Accommodating staff
Cons
- Closes early
The Ainsworth Arms is nestled near Newbank Garden Centre, Burrs Country Park, and the Bury Market. They stood out to us as a place where tourists can eat after exploring these places.
Another thing that sets them apart in our books is their all-you-can-eat carvery — something none of the other pubs in the area offers.
And for those with dietary restrictions, fear not! We’re happy to find that The Ainsworth Arms has various vegan and gluten-free options.
When it comes to their drinks, we found ourselves drawn to their selection of popular alcoholic beverages such as Corona Extra and Rekorderlig Strawberry & Lime Cider.
We also appreciate that they have non-alcoholic options like Rekorderlig Strawberry Lime and Peroni.
Our only concern? Their early closure at 10:00 pm every day can feel limiting to some of their customers.
On a brighter note, we give them props for the affordability of their offerings. In fact, an average meal here costs merely £10 to £20.
Moreover, we can’t help but applaud their swift and attentive customer service. The staff’s periodic check-ins ensured that we lacked for nothing throughout our visit.
On top of this, regulars also shared that the crew here makes an effort to remember the names of the repeat customers — so we give them plus points for providing a personalised experience.
4. The Courthouse
Services: Food, Drinks, Events
Website: https://thecourthousebolton.co.uk/
Address: 4 Mawdsley St, Bolton BL1 1LF, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 1204 527274
Operating Hours: Sunday | Wednesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.2/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Accessibility | 4.5/5 |
Location | 5/5 |
Operating Hours | 4/5 |
Menu | 5/5 |
Quality | 5/5 |
Variety | 5/5 |
Ambience | 5/5 |
Pricing (A higher rating means better value) | 4/5 |
Customer Service | 5/5 |
Pros
- Inclusive menu
- Pleasant crew members
- Accessible location
Cons
- Expensive menu
- Closes early
The Courthouse immediately caught our attention as they’ve transformed the old crown court into a vibrant dining restaurant and bar.
Beyond just dining, we learned that their beautiful and spacious interior serves as a popular event centre for various occasions.
We visited them and we were pleasantly surprised by the international flair of their menu. On top of this, we commend them for having vegan and gluten-free options.
Among their standout dishes are the small plates like beef fillet teppanyaki, ssamjang glazed chicken, and vegetable spring rolls — each leaving us wanting for more.
We also appreciated their drinks. We suggest trying their cocktails like New Woo Twist and Captain Jack.
Just keep in mind that they are pricier compared to other establishments — with a visit averaging £20 to £30 per meal. However, we think that the experience justifies the cost.
This is especially true when you consider their customer service. We gave them props for their fast and accommodating crew that assisted us with a smile on their face from start to finish.
Lastly, although they do have an early closing time of 10:00 pm on selected days, we think that their convenient location on Mawdsley Street still makes them an accessible choice.
5. Elephant & Castle
Services: Food, Drinks, Events
Address: 17 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5EP, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 414 0004
Operating Hours: Sunday: | Wednesday to Thursday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Monday to Tuesday: 3:00 PM–11:00 PM
Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–12:00 AM
Google Reviews Score | 4.5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Accessibility | 4.5/5 |
Location | 4/5 |
Operating Hours | 5/5 |
Menu | 5/5 |
Quality | 5/5 |
Variety | 5/5 |
Ambience | 5/5 |
Pricing (A higher rating means better value) | 5/5 |
Customer Service | 5/5 |
Pros
- TV screens
- Live DJs
- Accommodating staff
- Offers promotions
Cons
- Far from public transportation stop
If you’re a sports enthusiast, Elephant & Castle is the place for you. We love how they boast big TV screens that broadcast thrilling matches, ensuring their patrons will never miss a moment of the action.
And even when the final whistle blows, we think it’s great how they keep the energy high with live DJs and other acts. In our books, this makes them a perfect destination for those in search of a lively night out.
Another aspect we appreciate is that they’re open until midnight on their peak days. Just keep in mind that they are an 11-minute walk away from the Bolton stop, which might pose a slight inconvenience for those relying on public transport.
Upon arriving at their pub, we were greeted warmly by the attentive staff. We gave them props as their efficiency and hospitality remained consistent throughout our visit.
We also like how they always have offers for their guests, and they announce these on their website and social media accounts.
And although we weren’t aware of their current deals, we appreciate how the staff informed us of ongoing promotions, such as the Burger & Drink Offer priced at a tempting £8.29—a steal!
Going back to their menu, we liked their chicken wings, scampi, and freshly battered fish wrap.
Finally, we loved how we capped our night with their delicious cocktails. The strawberry daiquiri, pornstar martini, and sex on the beach made our experience extra special.