The Pied Bull, Newton-Le-Willows

Visited on a Friday afternoon back in September while in the town with some time to kill. At the bar, four hand pulls offering Bull Brew (by Laine Brew Co), TT Boltmaker, Doom Bar and TT Landlord. My Bull Brew set me back £4.35 for a pint and I suspect it was in slightly less than tip-top condition. This is a large pub set back from the road. There is outdoor seating to the front, which at the time of my visit a couple were risking for a meal on what was a rather overcast September day. The bar faces you as you enter. There is seating in front of and wrapping round to the left of the bar, a room off to the left laid out for dining, and another to the rear of the bar with wood panelling and a glazed wall so you can see through from the side. It all looks very nice and traditional. There is parquet flooring in the seating area to the rear left of the bar, the rest appears to be boards. There is a car park to the rear but this requires the input of your registration into a terminal at the bar to save you getting a big nasty fine. Music was playing, I noted this as not being anything particularly classic, but inoffensive - whatever I meant by that! Probably the kind of stuff you used to find in the 'easy listening' section at Our Price. There was a lone front of house guy manning the bar and serving food, so there was a small but not unacceptable delay in being served. Dogs and children appear to be welcome, with both making appearances during my short stay. Not somewhere I'd seek out again for exciting ale, but a comfortable enough place to spend some time if in Newton-le-Willies.

Facebook page of The Pied Bull - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Pied Bull - www.pied-bull.com

Facebook page of The Pied Bull - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Pied Bull - www.pied-bull.com

The parking at the front of the Pied Bull has been replaced by a raised patio area with seating either side of the entrance which is covered by jumbrellas. Steps lead down to a row of picnics at the front and this welcoming outside area is separated from the passing path by a row of planters. The dimly lit interior is L-shaped with a bar counter along the rear wall to the right where it faces some high tables along the centre and then banquette seating in the front windows either side of the entrance. To the left is split-level seating and at the rear is a short banquette next to the rear entrance. Premium and craft keg was available and three of the four hand pumps were drawing Sharp’s Doom Bar, Black Sheep and Laine’s Bull Brew Pale Ale, the latter being on the turn. I was hoping for more, but I’d give this place another chance if passing.