The Poacher, Bolton

Marston's pub on the corner of a busy junction in the village of Blackrod and on bus routes. The drinking space is split into 4 sections. From the entrance, the far end had a record player, potentially for discos or karaoke. The second and third sections are separated by an unused fireplace. The third section contained a fruit machine, a jukebox and a TV showing snooker on mute. Music was playing instead. There are a fewer old pictures on the walls. Finally, the fourth room is a games room with a pool table. Flooring is a mixture of carpet and laminate. Seating is comfortable. There is also an outdoor seating area adjoining the car park. At the bar, three of the four handpulls were clipped with Wainwright Golden, Hobgoblin Ruby & Sunbeam. Beaverton Neck Oil & Marston's Smooth were amongst the keg options, whilst ciders were Inch's & Old Mout. A sign on the door said that children were allowed in, but if badly behaved, they would be turned into pies! This pub felt much more like a proper boozer than the Cherry Tree to the north of the village. However, it too lacked atmosphere. I was the only customer, accompanied by who I took to be the landlady and a barmaid. Just before I departed, they were joined by two blokes who looked like they were from the pubco or from a supplier.

Official site of The Poacher - www.poacherblackrod.co.uk

Official site of The Poacher - www.poacherblackrod.co.uk