The Polished Knob, Todmorden

As others have noted, the focus of the Polished Knob is on music with a stage to the right of the large open plan area and seating to the left. On our Monday evening visit two large screens were showing world cup footy but that didn't stop the band's practise night. The jovial guvnor, who was also the band's singer, explained that he designates Monday as practise night as there are fewer people in to upset. Despite a late night gig the night before though they didn't sound bad. Two or three polished knobs on a shelf behind the bar raised a chuckle and the beer selection was ok without being spectacular. Green Mill Stellar, Thwaites Wainwright, Lees Bitter, Tetleys Mild, Naylors Bitter with Bite (complete with a picture of Luis Suarez's teeth on the pumpclip) and Hart of Preston Dishy Debbie were available on our visit. The Green Mill Stellar was a well kept session ale, more than good enough to stay on for the evening so I did. I liked it here and will nip in again if in Sowerby Bridge.

Nicely refurbished pub, an open room with 2 distinct areas, with band space on one side. Nice tiles floor to the bar. Rugby shirts on the walls and soft rock background music. 6 real ales of excellent quality. Good set up and a very cared for pub

Called in on the 1st of March a good few in its a music pub and looks as if it get busy with the bands but that's not my thing will call back the lad behind the bar was frendly and chated with every one

Recently re-opened after a ten-month hiatus, the Black Swan now rejoices under the rather suspect name of The Polished Knob. (‘Titter ye not missus’, as Frankie Howerd would undoubtedly have pleaded.) Having not visited before, it’s difficult to comment on all the changes that have taken place during the refurbishment, but I was told the (now) centrally positioned bar has been moved for one. Essentially, it’s a medium size, one-roomed pub, with a predominantly cream and bleached wood interior, mostly pared back in the modern style. If I said there were halogen spots above the bar, small leather sofas and tub chairs you probably get the gist. However, there’s still an old fashioned fireplace, with an attractive tiled surround, plus more traditional chairs and tables, to the left of the bar. At the opposite end of the room there’s a decent sized stage, suggesting music plays a large part in things. That’s backed up by the chalk written gig list, on a blackboard, promoting future events. To the rear there’s an enclosed courtyard, which I’m sure would be a real suntrap if it weren’t for the fact it’s dominated by a smokers’ canopy. It also, bizarrely, features a basketball ring. (For those who like to ‘shoot a few hoops’ whilst enjoying a Silk Cut?) According to the sign above the door it’s a free house, though three Thwaites beers were featured during our visit: ‘Bomber’, ‘Wainwright’ and ‘Nutty Black’. Also on offer were Old Bear ‘Honeypot’ and Bridestones’ ‘Polished Pint’ – which I should imagine is the house beer brewed down the road in Hebden. Normally ‘oldboots’ and I see eye to eye, but I felt the condition of my beer wasn’t that good. Trying the ‘Honeypot’ and ‘Nutty Black’, both were rather cold and the latter definitely on the turn. However, the young barmaid that served us was pleasant and welcoming. Atmosphere wise, it was a little restrained, possibly a little quiet for early Saturday evening. However, it may have well been the lull before the storm. Overall, I thought it was a reasonable place, but nothing special. It may just need a little longer to find its feet and on that basis I’d probably give it a second chance, if in the area. However, there’s no need for any fanfares just yet, or, in the spirit of the name, the blowing of any horns.

Formerly the Black Swan, reopened 2010 with a silly name but decent beer. It's an open plan room with the counter centre towards the back. One wall has two large cartoons of bare breasted women in a vaguely Roy Lichtenstein style; the other end of the room is dominated by a stage complete with mirror ball. Seating in the nude end is on tables and chairs with low tables and leather armchairs towards the stage area. There is a big screen at each end. The floor has a compass mosiac and the initials MBB, presumably a former owner brewery? Five handpulls on the counter, three of them with Thwaites beers the others with guests although one from Bridestones (Polished Pine) may have been a special for the pub or maybe just a bit of badge engineering. Which ever it is the beer was in fine condition.