Bolton praised in CAMRA Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bar guide

Matthew Curtis is the author of Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bars which is soon to publish its second edition.

In the book, releasing on April 2, he praised Bolton’s drinking spots as “heaven for lovers of cask ale” and recommended a day in town exploring “its many fine pubs”.

The famous Bank Top Brewery Tap was named as his star pick, and the writer complimented the other two pubs owned by Bank Top Brewery as “superb” too.

Bunbury’s on Chorley Old Road was also named in the guide, with Matthew saying the drinking spot “feels closer to your mate’s front room than it does a licensed drinking establishment”.

Owner Darryl Leech said they’re “craft ale and real ale specialists” with seven rotating lines that guarantee a unique drink every visit.

Darryl Leech at Bunbury’s (Image: Darryl Leech)

He said the pub’s changed over the years but “it feels like a real place where anyone can come and be part of something”.

Earl’s was also given a shout out for its “great beer” and “seriously well-made sandwiches”.

Matthew said the Northern Monkey Bar was a “nice counterpoint” to the more traditional pubs common in town – such as Ye Olde Man and Scythe, one of the oldest bars in the country.

One for the Road in Bolton Market was lauded for its “concise” beer selection and Matthew said the traders “are well worth pursuing” before settling down with a beer.

John Monaghan at One for the Road (Image: Newsquest)

Westhoughton was also visited in the guide and Matthew said it “certainly punches above its weight in terms of great beer destinations”, naming The Beer School and The Brewery Tap as two standouts.

The Beer School recently took home three awards at the Best Bar None Bolton nightlife awards including the Platinum Award, Special Recognition Award and the Community Award Winner.

Owner Rachel Birch, who worked as a teacher before starting the bar in 2016, said the journey has been “an absolute rollercoaster”.

Rachel Birch at The Beer School in Westhoughton (Image: Rachel Birch)

With nearly a decade in the town, she’s built their reputation as “an independent, permanent beer festival” with every cask on rotation.

Bolton CAMRA Chair John Mitchell said they were “delighted” that the guide “shines a light on the diversity of the Bolton pub scene”.

He said: “From traditional favourite the Olde Man and Scythe in Bolton town centre with its range of cask beers and ciders to the café bar Earl’s up towards Doffcocker, which sells a variety of craft beers, there is something for everyone in the guide.

“Bolton’s breweries are also well represented with bars operated by both Bank Top and Northern Monkey included.

“It’s good to see Matthew is encouraging drinkers to get out of the city centre to visit Bolton and its surroundings where there are lots of pubs and bars where you’ll get a warm welcome and a great pint.”

The refreshed version of the award-winning guide features pubs across every borough in Greater Manchester – with the revised edition featuring 50 new additions and detailed reviews of over 200 pubs, bars and taprooms.

Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bars will be released on Thursday, April 2, 2026.