Blue Pits Inn, Rochdale

The first of a couple of pubs in Castleton, this was my 8th successive JW Lee's pub of the day, but also the last Lee's pub on this crawl. I was at least rewarded with a beer that I hadn't seen in the previous 7. Their Bitter is the regular beer here. However, they also had Dragon's Fire & The Boilerhouse Craft Pale. I went for the Dragon's Fire, which was quite pleasant. There's plenty of seating in this pub, including a side room to the right-hand side after entering, where I retreated to. Locals seemed friendly, as was the barmaid. Not a bad pub at all.

A proper locals local. Very busy on my Friday evening visit, but I was still served quickly by the efficient bar staff. There's a room to the right, but everyone was in the room to the left. Very male dominated and full of bar leaners. Several animated conversations going on, but all very amicable and a real mix of ages. Only Lees Bitter available on handpump at the bar, but it was a decent pint. If I lived in Castleton I'd be in here regularly.