Highland Laddie, Spotland, Rochdale

Way back in the 70s, I and a lot of my peers used to effectively have 3 locals. Here, The Bowling Green across the road and The Albert (now closed). It’s not 30 years since I was last in here, but it’s probably over 10. I even remember playing pool against a young Lisa Stansfield (namedropper) in here years ago (she won). Sadly this pubs heyday has long gone and the slide has been dramatic. There are two large rooms, both getting a bit shabby. The one on the left is the lounge and was packed to the gills with four people. To the right is the tap room with a pool table and dart board. There was no-one in here at all. There are two handpumps but only Lee’s bitter available. The barmaid asked the landlord if this had been pulled through yet, he said no, it was about 8:15 and they were just serving their first pint of cask. “That’s a bit worrying” I thought, correctly as it turned out. The beer was clear, had a decent head but sadly it was pretty crap. I think I’ll wait a bit longer than 10 years before my next visit, although it will very likely have closed by then.