The Trackside, Bury

This really is a real ale lover’s paradise. There were nine ales on from diverse breweries, and when one of the ales went off it was replaced immediately by something else, which is a sign of a well managed pub. I had pints of the Kelham Island Pale Rider and Outstanding Beer Co (a local brewery according to the barman) Trackside Broke Piston. Both were in superb nick, and prices ranged from £2.30 to £2.80. I didn’t see any sign of food or menus, but it was doing a very good trade with real ale drinkers during my mid afternoon visit on Tuesday. The pub is located in a building located on one of the platforms at the old Bury Burton St railway station. The building itself is purpose built and relatively new, and is built in the traditional style of a railway booking office. This line is apparently no longer part of the national railway network, but is owned and utilised by railway enthusiasts. The bar itself is fairly long and narrow, which is inevitable being housed in a building looking like a booking office. The ceiling is covered by hundreds of pump clips, as testimony to its ever changing ale policy. Furnishings are normal tables and chairs down both sides of a central aisle – a bit like a train I suppose. I spotted a small TV on one of the walls (switched off) and there no fruit machines, games machines, etc. There are also a fair number of picnic benches outside on the platform. There’s no reason to visit here unless you want to visit somewhere seemingly dedicated to the provision of an impressive selection of well kept ale at decent prices. Therefore it’s a must visit pub for any discerning drinker visiting Bury.

Called in on Tuesday and found a good selection of 9 ales, all listed on a board with indicators to show whether light or dark and the prices as well. Selected 3 ales new to me, 1 from Batemans and 2 from Acorn brewery, plus one from Moles. All in good condition and served by friendly staff.

A lovely country village inn. Excellent food, 3 real ales, 2 of which change regularly. Under new ownership since end of July. Really friendly & relaxed atmosphere. Also 7 en-suite bed and breakfast rooms - 4 in the base of the original windmill!

Fantastic Real Ale Pub, situated on the East Lancs Steam Railway platform. You'd think you were back in the sixties!