The Riverside, Northwich

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Bucking Fastard left this review about The Riverside

From the mainroad this pub looks unappealing,it's a Marstons 2 for 1 eatery but with a beer garden that overlooks the River Weaver Navigation ,which is why it can get very busy in fine weather.The side entrance leads straight to the bar with a drinking area to the left side comprising a rank of booths and some casual seating.The large wait to be seated sign is where most people gather for table service in the rest of the building.If eating outside you need to order at the bar and give a table number.It's very much a chain pub,and the advice on when food would be available depended on who you asked.The barmaid said any time until 9.30pm,while after a sudden influx the lady who shows you to a table said they were fully booked at 8.15pm,while the manageress said that food could be ordered if you sat outside but it may take up to two hours to arrive.At this point I gave up on the idea of eating here.
The bar has three real ale options on my visit,Pedigree,Hobgoblin and a pretty decent Wychwood Jester Jack at £3.12.The clientele at busy times can be somewhat mixed,a hen party were asked not to display a large inflatable organ in what is a family pub,and my two sons were asked to provide i.d. before I could buy them a beer which has never happened before.Tatoos and morbid obesity were much in evidence.
It's probably a better pub when not quite so busy as it was on my Saturday night visit,but I can't see any reason to hurry back.

On 29^th July 2014 - rating: 5
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