Wigan Central, Wigan

Wigan Central is without doubt one of the best pubs in Wigan. It had been 8 years since my last visit here and I've been looking forward to a return for some time. Situated in a couple of railway arches, it is a railway-themed pub with one room in each arch. The bar itself is in the left-hand side. Toilets are there to the rear also. The house beer is Bank Top Signal, which I tried. Guests on cask were Gan Yam Yan, Theakston Old Peculier, Rooster's Demoncracy Manifest, Fyne Ales Highlander, Pentrich Hidden Verse, Brewsmith DDH Pale & Wigan Brewhouse Porteresque. Ciders were Ascension Shimmy & Tranquility of Solitude & Weston's Rosie's Pig. Craft beers I could see were Pastore Il Vigneto Mela, Twisted Wheel Last Light, Makemake As The Sun Sets Slowly in the West & Rivington The Guy Was An Interior Decorator. Departure screens for both North Western and Wallgate stations give you an idea how long left you have to finish your pint. Whilst there is a temptation to leave this place until last before taking a train, I've always ended up with insufficient time here. So, maybe I will start here next time. Wigan Central is certainly a popular place and I sensed that it's not a completely transitory set of customers here. They seem to have built up regular business with the locals, many of whom appeared to be here for a session on our late Monday afternoon visit. Indeed, it was very busy for a Monday.

I still love the place but the Swan now has the edge in my view. The main change is that pizza can now be brought in from Hideout next door. Staff can seem a bit aloof and on my last visit one pint was well below par. On the whole it’s still a quality pub and Wigan is lucky to have it , but i’m not sure it’s national award winning standard.