The Ashton Arms, Oldham

A brick built terrace building, inside is a mid sized square room on two levels reflecting the topography of the location. The lower level is given over to table and chair seating while the upper to the right has the brick built counter plus some banquette seating, a pair of sofas and what appears to be a dog cage. There are screens in all areas. The potted history of the pub is painted on a beam separating the two levels, but it’s minimal decor otherwise and it has a slightly tatty ambiance. No standing at the bar is allowed. Five pulls with two local brews (Pictish and Stockport), a Saltaire, a Goose Eye and a CAMRA approved cider, a couple of T -bars and solos complete the line up. Beer quality was up to scratch, it’s GBG2024 listed and it only took cash today but that may not be standard as WhatPub doesn’t mention it.

Paid another visit back in January but just realised I neglected to leave an updated review. My last visit before this had been back in 2019. At the time of my visit I found four cask ales available, one or two unused pulls, and one additional for real cider. My visit was on a Tuesday lunchtime and it was busy. The Ashton Arms has had a bit of a spruce up since I was last in here but without changing the character - nothing too wild but a new carpet and a lick of paint, and the rather dodgy dip in the floor outside the gents toilets has been sorted. I had a half of JPA by Portobello and that set me back £1.55. Food is still served and main dishes are now £6 so still great value for those choosing to dine.

GBG’23 listed and the only Oldham pub I’d heard of prior to jumping off the tram. A dull interior on two levels, done-out in a blueish grey colour scheme, yuk. Another town centre pub that was rammed with punters and a genial atmosphere prevailed. However it meant that the only space I could find was a teeny table next to the coat hooks – first world problems. Six pumps with four dispensing, my Holts Two Hoots was in decent nick (NBSS 3). Mention is made elsewhere of continental beers and ciders though in the scrum I didn’t get chance to note them. Whilst I didn’t warm to the interior, it was certainly a good place to knock back a half and I’d certainly check-in again should I ever find myself back in Oldham and it’s very close to the Metro too.

I visited the much lauded Ashton Arms on a recent Thursday evening and was surprised to find an almost empty pub. There is seating in the street level left hand side and steps to the right lead up to a couple more tables and the bar counter on the right wall. A muted television was showing Arsenal in the Europa League on BT Sport. The bar counter supports standard keg and two banks of three handpumps. I went for a pint of Izaak Walton Woolly Bugger, which turned out to be an excellent porter. Two of the handpumps were unused and because there is no standing at the bar I was unable to read what the other three cask options were. The barman was polite, but he was sat on the sofa opposite the bar on his phone for the duration of my visit. This is a cash only pub. Yes it was a great pint, but I have to admit that I was expecting more from this place.