The Waterside Inn, Leigh

A subsequent visit to the Waterside Inn was more fruitful on the cask ale front, with Blonde Witch and Windermere Pale available. However there were no pump clips and the beers are listed on a small chalk board next to the pumps. The Windermere Pale was hazy - I can't remember if it's meant to be, but it tasted OK. That, and a pint of Coke Zero, set me back the grand sum of £9. Visited again more recently, the chalk board listed the same two cask ales but despite the best efforts of the inexperienced chap behind the bar, a half pint could not be coaxed from the pump and it was declared to be off. The other pumps were dry as a bone. In summary, don't come here expecting the availability of real ale to be guaranteed.

Recently reopened following its closure in 2020. As far as I'm aware, this is no longer affiliated with Greene King. First visit so no idea what it was like before, but it has been nicely done out inside. I get the impression their focus is food, but it was certainly popular with drinkers enjoying the sunny canal side terrace on Sunday afternoon. The sign outside boasts cask ales and indeed there are three hand pulls atop the bar, but all unclipped at the time of my visit. Presumably there are plans to bring these into service. On the day of my visit they did warn us that they would be closing early - 5pm - which was fine by me calling in for a drink but would have been a bit disappointing for someone planning to have an evening meal. Still, they haven't been open long so there are bound to be some initial teething issues. In the absence of any cask ale, I went for the Camden Stout on keg. I noticed Camden Pale Ale was also available, as well as a selection of lagers etc. Hopefully on a future visit I will find the hand pulls in operation; it's a nice location and some decent ales will bump my rating up!

Official site of The Waterside Inn - www.instagram.com

Facebook page of The Waterside Inn - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Waterside Inn - linktr.ee

Official site of The Waterside Inn - www.instagram.com

Facebook page of The Waterside Inn - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Waterside Inn - linktr.ee