Iron Bridge, Castle, Northwich

To the right of the Iron Bridge entrance is some seating under the front window and a pool table. This area is served by the right edge of the bar counter that runs along the rear wall where it mainly serves the larger left-hand side of the pub. Seating runs down the left-hand wall and at the front is a dartboard next to some music equipment. I guess that there’s either disco or karaoke here some nights. The pub was half full with people watching Champions League football during a recent midweek evening visit. Standard keg was available alongside Sharp’s Atlantic Pale, a second pumps stood unused. The service was friendly and atmosphere was good, a decent local.

I passed by a few days ago and apart from the name change to the more appropriate Iron Bridge, noted on peeking through the window that real ale is now available. Two handpumps serving Doom Bar And Hobgoblin, ok, not exactly inspiring but a return to real ale nevertheless. I didn't have time to pop in but will try to when next in town.

I wondered if the pub name has been handed down from a previous building as this place certainly isn't thatched and clearly never has been. There are two rooms inside, separated by an arch. The smaller left hand area is the vault, and has darts and a pool table. The main room is carpeted, has traditional banquette and stool seating, bar against the back wall. Decor includes those often seen photos of American construction workers sitting on girders suspended above the city below. The pub has a local community feel and was reasonably busy on Friday late afternoon unlike others nearby. It looks to be a live music venue as there were a couple of lighting rigs suspended from the ceiling, and a model guitar hangs over the archway. The red coloured seats and lower walls give a warm feel. A bit of a let down was the lack of real ale; despite cask ales being advertised outside there isn't a single handpump. I ended up with a Guinness (£3) they also had keg Theakstons Mild. Not actually too bad as a pub but an ale or two would certainly encourage another visit when nearby. Without any I doubt I'll bother. There is a garden at the back somewhere but I didn't visit.