The Baum, Rochdale

I can well believe this is the best pub in Rochdale, although ROBCamra describes it well as "wine bar meets real ale bar". A U shaped room decorated in Victorian style convincingly made to look the part with dark wood, anaglypta/lincrusta ceilings and a fine Jacobean style fireplace. It was very lively even on a late Friday afternoon, the four liveried staff coping well with what looked like a lot of groups of office/shop staff, so big faltering orders for Chardonnay and J2O as well as the fine range of very well kept microbreweries beers on the six handpumps or the selection of european and UK beers both prosaic and interesting. A bit of a walk from the railway station but a haven of fine ale.

Seen a few bands here in my time - it has now closed and has been replace by the old 'Dome nightclub' venue [Admin edit: actioned 4/1/10]

This is my local, it’s not my closest pub being about a mile from where I live, but it’s my local, because it’s such a good pub. It’s next door to the Co-op Museum in the conservation area so it looks the part. Wine bar meets real ale bar feel with wood panelling and floors, has old metal adverts all over the walls along with hundreds of pump clips from past guest ales. It’s one large horseshoe shaped room really, but with several distinct areas including a conservatory. Large walled garden with 2 boules pistes and lots of bench seating out the back. Has 6 handpumps selling ever changing guests which always include one from Phoenix and a real cider. Large range of bottled beers from around the world and a good selection of wines. Also does food throughout the day, both tapas and larger meals. GBG regular and won the Rochdale, Oldham & Bury CAMRA Pub of the Year award for 2009. What can I say, it’s the best pub in Rochdale, come along and try it.