George & Dragon, Leigh

this one is certainly a busy bustling pub. Old building and you feel that inside with the low ceiling and beams. It’s now a brightly lit and fairly modern pub though with a big emphasis on the sports TVs. Mostly blokes in here, and a very high turnover of the real ale. On the pumps it was Theakstons Bitter, Coach House Dragonslayer and Moorhouses Blonde Witch. The latter was fine if a bit cold. I liked the atmosphere here and it feels cosy, could do without the single file queuing at the bar though. Not sure if this is pub policy or something the regulars are choosing to do…

Three hand pulls at the bar, all of which were in operation at the time of my visit. The cask ales available were Theakston Best, something by Coach House (may have been Innkeepers Special Reserve) and Moorhouse's Broomstick Bitter. My Broomstick Bitter was £1.45 for a half. The pub goes back a long way and has a separate entrance to the side that faces the bus station. Externally the pub is an intriguing Tudor style black and white affair, while inside is smart enough but reasonably standard in terms of carpet, dark stained wood and mix of seating including banquettes, tables, chairs and stools. Old photos are on display on the walls. There is a wood burner in the front section. No sign of food being served and children are not allowed. There are several TVs, all on showing sport at the time of my visit, albeit muted in favour of some music. Certainly not a terrible place and it's great to see a drinkers' pub so busy during the day. Perhaps its proximity to the shops and the bus station help with this. I imagine it can get rather lively of a Friday and Saturday night.

Right by the bus station. Large narrowish interior and the beers alright. Like a lot of pubs by bus stations it can be frequented by tramps and druggies trying to flog whatever it is they've just stolen.