The Railway, Oldham

Visited around midday on a weekday in November 2017. Two pumps at the left bar and six on the right. Two were off. A half set me back £1.50. I had the Wherry by Woodforde's, a bitter which I think was not in the best of condition. Slightly hazy and had a bit of a strange sour taste to it. On my previous visit I had the Pippin by GreyHawk which was in tip top condition and very enjoyable, so maybe I was just unlucky on my more recent visit. I didn't make a note of the ales available but I think there were a couple of national brands on plus a poppy themed charity ale. Pub was very quiet on both my visits, but I daresay it is not always like that.

This traditional boozer is up the valley from the River Tame and has a small garden to the side with tremendous views over the town, canal, river and along the valley. Inside is a small bar to the left, a larger room to the right and another decent sized space at the back all served by a central bar. It felt slightly unloved on my visit but I read in the local CAMRA mag that it had recently been taken over with the new owner set to focus on real ales, sensible given the proximity to the rail ale station, so perhaps that will change over time. The friendly barman took me through the beer selection which was made up of: Woodforde's Reedlighter, Grey Hawk Pippin, Butcombe Original, Purity UBU, Wells Bombardier, Robinson's Dizzy Blonde, TT Boltmakers and Black Sheep Golden Sheep. Not the most imaginative of ranges but again, perhaps this is something that will develop under the new ownership. My Reedlighter was slightly hazy, a touch tired and not in the best nick but still perfectly drinkable. I was grateful for this place having missed a train from the station opposite and would hope that it becomes a draw in itself.

While this is undoubtedly an old pub it struck me that the main purpose of it is as a music venue. It was affected by the Ale Trailers as one moment it was full of shouty young types and then empty. It's a carpeted area with beams and a stage for the music. There were only three beers available on my visit, Jennings Cumberland, Greenfield Silver Owl and Millstone Tiger Rut. I went for the Silver Owl (£3.20) which was cloudy, not good for a GBG listed pub. I can't say I was that impressed with this one.

Called in on the16th of Feb it was mid afternoon i was the only customer had a nice pint of copper dragon its an old pub with character worth a visit called my taxi to Upper Mill. Will always call in when i get of the train at Greenfield

A great pub across from the railway station at Grenfield.We called here on the Real Ale Trail and it was another great pub we visited on the day Six cask beers of which we tried three Copper Dragon being the best.