Stocks Tavern, Wigan

stripped back to the extreme inside, all white and grey and sterile, dental surgery chic. Mostly laid out as a restaurant but a small bar area can be found with Wainwrights plus rotating Marstons beers. Sat outside but then a kids party bus rocked up so I just necked my pint and moved on. At least the staff were nice. I really can’t take to any of the remaining pubs in Parbold, what a crying shame the Railway had to close down.

The interior of this pub was surprisingly modern with greys and white painted walls and timberwork, the floor was a mix of light oak laminate boards and carpet. There was a separate bar area which was smart in appearance and hosted three cask ales, Marston's 61 Deep pale ale and Pedigree, plus a Wainwright. This was predominantly a locals pub and I found this pub to be spotlessly clean and the staff were very welcoming.

From the outside this looked like a regular village boozer,but the interior is clearly split into a lounge which is set up for dining with candles at each table while on the otherside of the island bar there is a public bar with only keg products,lots of bar stools for regulars,a flat screen and a raised section with a few tables and chairs.The footie was on,so the public bar was busy while the lounge virtually empty.The five handpumps are located on the lounge side but only two were functional,both modest ABV's and my Phoenix Hopsack was only average after being jerked into the glass by a very inexperienced barman.The 50p off per pint CAMRA discount seemed generous until the beer was tried.The sign outside boasting of five real ales raised expectations which were sadly dashed. We didn't sample the food,nor was anyone else so can't comment on that ,but I doubt if I would revisit this GBG listed pub if I was after a decent pint.