Bridge Inn, Sale

Clean well furnished canal side pub that is well described by Malden Man although I had no idea of it's state in a former life.There were 6 handpulls with 4 functioning and the pint I had was certainly in good nick.Quite liked this one and will make a return visit if ever in the area again.

A bit of a nostalgia trip for me, The Bridge was possibly the pub I bought my first pint in way back at the end of the 70's, certainly it was the one I frequented most regularly in my formative drinking days. A basic Boddington's house back then, with the standard two room vault and lounge format, the areas being split by the central bar. Derek the landlord in the day (aka The Toucan....huge nose) ran a tight ship and woe betide any cheapskate or miscreant who dared to buy his pint in the vault and sneak through to the lounge, saving one whole new penny in the process! Thirty years or so on, the pub is unrecognisable, the whole area has been opened out, there is an extension to one end and a large integral conservatory added to the rear. The bar is now on a back wall, with the conservatory space returning behind it from where there are good canal views. Opposite the bar, the area is semi-divided into three individual spaces, each feeling like domestic living rooms done out in different styles. Decor includes wood panelling in various shades, canal related pictures and new brewery, JW Lees related history, including old hand written bills and suchlike. There are a couple of TVs and a selection of board games on a dividing shelf unit. At what was once the vault end, a pool table and dartboard remain. As said, JW Lees beers now, Bitter (£2.52), Brewers Dark and "The Governor" on handpump. Beers served in the distinctive Lees straight glass with the finger holds along the side. Food is served, there is a reasonably priced simple pub menu, mains around £5-£7, basic sandwiches £3.50. Extensive outdoor seating to the rear of the car park adjoining the Bridgewater Canal, a good spot on a warm sunny afternoon.