BOLTON.

The green tile entrance hall is quite striking, so much so, that the rest of pub looks '80s dated , with flowery wallpaper, but don't let that put you off. The pub is a single room with a long bar far away from the door. Seats are traditional chairs and tables. It's across the road from the bus and rail stations, so good for a night out. Monday nights is folk music night and quiz night is Wednesday. It has regular mini-beer festivals too. Beers on at the time were Jennings Bitter & Marstons Pedigree. The Clifton Arms does food only at lunchtime, though not on a Sunday. Open all day, don't be put off by the Tetley's sign outside. Easy wheelchair access. No accommodation here but try: 

This is a corner pub down the far end of the main street near the bus station and not too far from the rail station either. Inside it looks like an old Victorian pub crossed with a family pub with flowery wallpaper and carpet. A gas fire warms in winter. The bar is a horseshoe shape and covers two seating areas. Food is served at lunch times and for two hours in the evening. There is a particularly large and varied vegetarian choice. The pub has as standard Bass Toby and Stones Bitter. Serving two guest ales (this time Kitchen Tubby Tangerine and Castle Eden Ale) regularly (though overly cold I thought). Friendly landlord welcomes you on entrance and there is easy access for the disabled. Quiz night is Wednesday. No accommodation here but try:  available.

Across the main road from the rail station this is a corner pub which looks modern on the outside, but has a more traditional inside. A Tetley Bitter pub it serves guest ales, usually two. On this occasion there was Burton Ale and Moorhouses Nicks Choice 4.7% and the house beer (made by Moorhouse) Sweet Green Special 4.2%. The big 'L' shape bar takes in three main areas, though there are some 'U' shaped alcoves with padded green benches. One area has a pool table and another has fruit machines. Most areas have tongue and groove wood panelling and all areas have round tables and stools. The TV room is to the left of the entrance and shows sports and satellite programmes. The atmosphere is friendly, but when visited was not busy. No accommodation here but try: 

This is a Burtonwood pub in the heart of Bolton. A single room pub situated opposite the bus station, made out of many smaller ones (two terrace houses). Victorian inside, Tudor looking outside. It has a large marble fireplace with a large mirror above set in red and grey/blue carpet throughout. There are two dartboards and thriving teams. There is also a pool table in a small screened off area. A CD jukebox plays loud music which is free. Tables are set round the edges and are the small round wood and metal variety. There are only stools to sit on, though there are benches/settles against the walls. Plenty of space in the centre of the room for standing (Fri and Sat nights). On the walls is wood paneling which can get oppressive at times. In one corner is a TV for sports events. Beers on at the time were all Burtonwood: Tophat, Forshaws, Advent Ale (I received an incredulous laugh when asking for the sparkler to be taken off?). Bolton is not busy during the week (due to the councils wishes), its almost a ghost town. The weekend gets busy though. It can get smoky even when not busy. OK for wheelchairs. Near the rail station. No accommodation here, but try: