The Pendle Witch, Manchester

The Pendle Witch is tucked away down Warburton Place, which is a narrow road off the main street, so is not somewhere you’d happen upon. The friendly and chatty barman informed me that the council wouldn’t allow a pub sign or A-board on the main street so they rely on word-of-mouth and live music that happens every Friday and Saturday night. Being geared towards live music means that the furniture is sparse leaving much standing room. To the left is a games room that houses a pool table, dartboard and pinball machine. The bar counter along the rear wall supports premium keg alongside Fruli. I only counted five hand pumps, and only one was in operation drawing Hophurst Brewery’s Snuggle Mild. Thankfully I’m a big fan of chocolate stout so would have probably chosen this beer if all the pumps were on. The barman assured me that all five pumps are normally active and he was just waiting for a delivery. I’d give this place another go if in the area, if only to see more beers on the pumps.

Enjoyed our visit to this 2019 entry in the Good Beer Guide. Up an alley and into a lovely conservatory area. Bar full of Moorhouse beers plus a couple of guests. We enjoyed Wigan Old Boston.

Just down an alley off the main street this pub isn't easy to find the first time. You enter through a nice conservatory area which is unusual. Once inside it feels a bit sparse and not really very pubby. There's a pool table to the left and a selection of dining tables and chairs throughout the pub. 8 handpumps on the bar 7 from Moorhouses with Premier doubled up plus Okells Bitter as a guest. A pint of White Witch was a very reasonable £2.40. I visited the pub early on a Friday evening and was offered a mini sausage roll by one of the bar staff. This was followed up by a mini chip butty and a mini pizza. All free and offered to regulars and visitors alike. A very nice touch. I liked this pub and the friendly welcome and generosity was much appreciated. This pub is quite rightly in the CAMRA GBG2013.