WE asked you to recommend the best places to enjoy real ale in and around Bolton and you certainly didn’t let us down.

It’s clear that the area is well served with some fine establishments which offer a tremendous range of cask ales both local and from further afield.

Here are five of the most popular establishments. As with all of our five of the best features, it is not meant to be a definitive list.

Barristers, Churchgate, Bolton

One of the most popular real ale pubs in the area if the number of recommendations we received are anything to go by.

The Swan and Barristers, to give it its full title, always has eight different cask ales rotating on a regular basis.

A traditional and cosy town centre pub, there is also karaoke seven days a week and a weekly quiz.

‘They’ve had brews from the North, South, East and West! And not to mention they support local breweries’ raved one fan of the establishment.

Northern Monkey, Nelson Square, Bolton

Get close to the action in this tap room which is part of the award-winning micro-brewery.

‘Super friendly staff, top notch beers and a really relaxing atmosphere’ was one positive verdict.

A good selection of craft beers are available and there is often live music in the evening. The bar champions other local brewers along with their own extensive range.

Bunbury’s, Chorley Old Road, Bolton

Describing itself as a ‘beer shop’, Bunbury’s offers a great range of beers from all around the world.

As well as traditional British ales, you will also find leading European beer and American craft beers available.

Bolton’s Pub of the Year in 2017, the friendly atmosphere and expert advice were both commented upon favourably.

‘Plenty of posh beers and new drinks always appearing. The staff know their stuff about what they sell’ was one recommendation.

Beer School, Market Street, Westhoughton

Describing itself as a ‘beer shop’, Bunbury’s offers a great range of beers from all around the world.

As well as traditional British ales, you will also find leading European beer and American craft beers available.

Bolton’s Pub of the Year in 2017, the friendly atmosphere and expert advice were both commented upon favourably.

‘Plenty of posh beers and new drinks always appearing. The staff know their stuff about what they sell’ was one recommendation.

Blackedge Brewery Bar, Horwich

THE reigning CAMRA pub of the year in Bolton, the bar is part of the Blackedge Brewing Company and has seven of the brewery’s own ales on hand pumps plus a range of cask ales and ciders.

The industrial feel offers a relaxed atmosphere and you won’t find pool tables or juke boxes anywhere. The friendly staff were praised in a number of recommendations as, unsurprisingly, was the quality of the beers.