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BEST RATED BOLTON, UK PUBS

3 Best Pubs in Bolton, UK

Expert-recommended Top 3 Pubs in Bolton, UK. All of our pubs actually undergo a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes local reviews, history, business standards, ratings, satisfaction, trust, price and their trading excellence. You deserve only the best!

Black Dog
Black Dog
Black Dog
8+ YEARS IN TBR
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BLACK DOG

(5.0 Score)
2-6 Church Street, Belmont, Bolton BL7 8AB, UK Directions

Since 1825

Speciality:

✓ Principato Pinot Grigio ✓ Tall Horse Chardonnay ✓ Tall Horse Sauvignon Blanc ✓ 7 Degrees Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ✓ Guillaume Aurele Viognier ✓ Murphy’s Shiraz ✓ Tall Horse Merlot ✓ Montgras Cabernet Sauvignon ✓ Los Primos Malbec ✓ Gran Logrado Rioja Reserva ✓ House Rosé White Zinfandel ✓ Belfiore Pinot Grigio Blush and Chateau Routas Provence Rosé

“Black Dog offers a great range of pub food alongside well-kept beers and cask ales, and at the back of the pub, there’s a sun-trap beer garden and a part-covered courtyard. The pub is in a Lancashire village. The pub started its services as a public house in 1825. The original building was used as a village courthouse in the 1700s and later as a farmhouse. The pub also specialises in providing multiple varieties of delicious dishes prepared by their skilled chefs. Black Dog offers disabled access, a beer garden, outdoor seating and a dog-friendly.

2025 Update: The Black Dog offers three en-suite rooms for a comfortable overnight stay, with superb access to the surrounding countryside.”

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Price:

Starters & Small Plates:
Cheddar Topped Garlic and Herb Bread: £5.75
Rosemary Breaded Camembert: £6.75
Black Pudding Fritter: £6.25
Warm Tabbouleh Salad: £6.25
Steamed Duck Dumplings: £6.45
Halloumi Fries: £6.25
Garlic and Stilton Mushrooms: £6.45
Italian Meatball Melt: £6.45
Moroccan Spiced Houmous: £5.45
Sticky Chilli Pork Bites: £6.75
Pan-Fried King Prawns and Chorizo: £6.65
Hot Honey Chicken: £6.65
Chicken Wings: £6.45
Greek Style Braised Featherblade Steak: £17.45
Steak Pepper and Cheddar Ciabatta: £11.65
Chicken Schnitzel: £13.45
Crispy Chilli Beef Noodles: £14.55
Fiery Red Thai Vegetable Curry: £13.65
Pub Signatures:
Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto: £13.25
Wexford Chicken: £14.75
Steak Frites: £14.45
Pub Classics:
Joseph Holt’s Beer Battered Fish and Chips: £14.55
Scottish Scampi and Chips: £14.25
Shepherd’s Pie: £13.95
Thick Cut Gammon Steak: £16

Contact:

01204 811218

Mon-Fri: 12pm - 11pm
Sat & Sun: 9am - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Red Lion
Red Lion
Red Lion
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RED LION

(4.9 Score)
1-3 Salford Road, Over Hulton, Bolton BL5 1BJ, UK Directions

Speciality:

✓ GRILLS: Full Monty ✓ Mixed Grill ✓ Mini Mixed Grill ✓ 16oz* Rump Steak ✓ 8oz* Rump Steak ✓ 8oz* Grilled Gammon ✓ 4oz* Grilled Gammon ✓ SIZZLERS: Fajitas ✓ 8oz* Seasoned Rump Steak ✓ Seasoned Chicken ✓ Seasoned Halloumi Fries ✓ Burger Sizzler Combo ✓ 8oz* Smothered Steak Sizzler ✓ Salmon Sizzler † ✓ EXTRAS: Cheddar and Emmental Melt ✓ Peppercorn Sauce ✓ Beef Dripping Gravy ✓ Free-range Fried Eggs ✓ Crispy King Prawns † ✓ Scampi**† ✓ Onion Ringº Horseshoe Stacker ✓ CLASSICS ✓ Steak and Ale Pie ✓ Classic Fish and Chips † ✓ Bread and Butter ✓ Greek Salad ✓ Roast Chicken Breast ✓ Halloumi Fries ✓ Lamb Koftas ✓ Grilled Salmon Fillet † ✓ Classic Chicken

“2025 Update: The Red Lion is a pub at the heart of the Over Hulton community, here for you and your family whenever you want to get together. They keep things honest and straightforward, offering quality pub food, a great range of drinks, and their famous Super Specials, which are big on value and bursting with flavour. This is a place where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves, with great deals throughout the week. For sports fans, they always have the latest fixtures and front-row seats for all the big games. Plus, there’s free WiFi to keep you connected. It’s always the right time to visit The Red Lion, whether you’re after a fun night out, quality family time, or the big match. Their down-to-earth team is ready to make your visit epic.”

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Price:

STARTERS
Crispy King Prawns: £5.99
Halloumi Fries: £5.79
Garlic Breaded Mushrooms: £5.49
Onion Bhajis: £5.49
Cheesy Garlic Bread: £3.99
Garlic Bread: £3.49
SHARERS
Ultimate Big Combo: £10.69
Nachos: £6.79
Spicy Chicken Topped Nachos: £9.79
Bbq Pulled Beef Topped Nachos: £9.79
Onion Ring Horseshoe Stacker: £5.99
WINGS ‘N’ THINGS
Chicken Wings: £5.79
Crispy Chicken Strips: £5.79
Impossible Nuggets: £5.79
SIGNATURE SUBS
Philly Steak Sub: £11.49
Nacho Cheese Chicken Sub: £9.49
Chicken & Bacon Sub: £7.99
Southern Fried Chicken Sub: £6.99
Impossible Bbq Sub: £7.99
CLASSICS
Steak & Ale Pie: £9.79
Classic Fish & Chips: £9.69
Greek Salad: £8.99
Classic Chicken New Yorker: £9.49
Roast Veggie Lasagne: £9.29
Chicken Tikka Masala: £9.29
Classic Beef Lasagne: £9.29
Classic Scampi and Chips: £8.79
Sausage & Mash: £8.49
Veggie Sausage & Ma

Contact:

01204 63257

Mon-Sun: 9am - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Ye Olde Man & Scythe
Ye Olde Man & Scythe
Ye Olde Man & Scythe
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YE OLDE MAN & SCYTHE

(4.9 Score)
6-8 Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HL, UK Directions

Speciality:

✓ Chicken Fingers ✓ Sweet Potato Fries ✓ Mozzarella Sticks ✓ Classic House Poutine ✓ Stout Taco Fries ✓ Kimchi Fries ✓ Popcorn Chicken

“2025 Update: Ye Olde Man & Scythe proudly holds its title as one of the oldest pubs in Britain, with roots dating back to before 1251. This historic and characterful establishment features a flagstone corridor and dark wooden interiors that transport visitors back through centuries of history. With multiple rooms to explore, it offers a cosy, welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a fine selection of cask ales, including local favourites like Flat Cap. Ye Olde Man & Scythe pub's interior is adorned with authentic artefacts, including the original chair of the Earl, which adds to its unique character and allure. Customers frequently mention the inviting atmosphere, characterised by traditional decor, flagstone floors, and original beams that create a cozy and warm environment perfect for enjoying a pint.”

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Contact:

01204 559060

Mon-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 12:30am
Sun: 12pm - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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BLACK DOG REVIEWS

The Black Dog Inn is in the countryside with beautiful views and drives. They have a car park across the road which had space or you can park on the street. I passed by twice to use their bathroom which they were really nice about. The space was clean, large, and had plenty of room.

This is a lovely pub. Old style, Food and beers are great. Very good value and staff are friendly. Pets are welcome. Good parking. Cannot fault this.

The Black Dog Inn is in the countryside with beautiful views and drives. They have a car park across the road which had space or you can park on the street. I passed by twice to use their bathroom which they were really nice about. The space was clean, large, and had plenty of room.

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RED LION REVIEWS

Came for food on Saturday and all our food was gorgeous!! My daughter for the “build your own taco” of the larger kids menu, with a drink and pudding that was £7 which is a bargain!! I got the steak sizzler! I ask for the steak medium to well and it was cooked to perfection, I also asked for an upgrade to sweet potato fries and they where very happy to do this for me! The red lion has recently got a new menu and it looks so much better and the mushrooms have changed from little tiny things to nice big flat mushrooms, I personally think they look much nicer! Staff were all friendly and the whole atmosphere of the place was welcoming and you can really tell it’s a family friendly pub!! Thank you for a great meal.

Just wanted to say, The Red Lion is seriously amazing with their food! I ordered the chicken New Yorker, and it was absolutely delicious. The staff were super friendly and helpful, making the whole experience even better. Honestly, everything about it was amazing, I'll definitely be back soon.

Great food, good quality. Attentive staff. Definately be dining there again.. Parents should keep their children under control. Not allow them to run all over the pub, disturbing diners.

YE OLDE MAN & SCYTHE REVIEWS

If you like your pubs with character you're gonna love this place...has it to burn. History aplenty, friendly staff, good range of beers (Flat Cap cask is spot on) and good value. No kitchen as such but the pasties from the hot cabinet are delicious - genius. Lively bar area but plenty of nooks and crannies, so if you want quiet you can have it. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

I visited this pub when I first came to Bolton and i always come here when I'm in bolton I love looking around old buildings this is the creme de la creme of Bolton the atmosphere in this pub is amazing you step through the door of this pub and your going back centuries couldn't recommend enough the service is fantastic.

Welcome to one of the oldest pubs in the country, a must place to visit when you're in Bolton. Great atmosphere and friendly staff.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

BLACK DOG Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Complete Info: 9
Acknowledgements: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 2.7K: 10
Extensive Menu: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

RED LION Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Complete Info: 9
Contact Info: 9
Acknowledgements: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 3.2K: 10
Extensive Menu: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

YE OLDE MAN & SCYTHE Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Complete Info: 9
Contact Info: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 2.1K: 9
Acknowledgements: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Extensive Menu: 10
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