The 10 best-reviewed Bolton pubs with beer gardens

Luckily for us, there are plenty of fantastic pubs with outdoor areas in Bolton- and we have tracked down 10 of the best-reviewed on Google.

Some of them are open right now- while the majority on the list are waiting for May 17th before they reopen their doors to the public once again.

Here are 10 with the highest ratings and reviews- and what commenters have been saying about them.

Northern Monkey Brew Company, The Pack Horse, Nelson Square
Rating: 4.7 based on 52 Google reviews

This microbrewery serve everything from ice cold beers, gins, cocktails and food.

One person wrote: “Brilliant bar. Lovely and extensive selection of beers. The staff are so fabulous and helpful. There is also a really great buzz when you walk in.”

Another commenter also had a lot of love for the food on offer.

They said: “This is the best bar in Bolton! Especially now they have the pizzas. Definitely worth a visit if you are in town. You can even see where your beers is brewed as you drink it!”

They are currently open to the public.

The Beer School, Market Street, Westhoughton
Rating: 4.7 based on 290 Google reviews

John McCallister wrote: “This is my new favourite place.

“Amazing atmosphere and friendly and knowledgeable staff.

“There is a great collection of craft ales including draft and carry out bottles and cans it is dog friendly and has a lounge upstairs with comfy chairs boardgames.”

Another said: “Lovely little place. Great selection of beer, gin and rum to drink in or takeaway. Friendly staff and a lovely cosy lay out.”

A third reviewer said: “The outside beer garden is a great addition".

According to their Twitter page, they hope to be open on May 19th.

The Ale House, Church Street, Horwich
Rating: 4.6 based on 303 Google reviews

(Facebook/ @btbalehouse)

If you want to enjoy a pint of real cask ale- then this is the place to visit.

While they have outdoor space, it is limited which is why they have decided to delay reopening

Ryan Shields said this pub is: “Truly one of the best pubs in Horwich. Been coming here for years and the beer is always top notch.

“There is a beer garden and smoking area to the rear and the toilets are always kept clean and tidy.

“The pub is also coping really well with the Covid restrictions and making every effort to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Do yourself a favour and come here and get a pint of Flat Cap”

Hope and Anchor Inn, Chorley Old Road

Rating: 4.6 based on 67 Google reviews

(Facebook/ @HopeandAnchor.Bolton)

One happy customer wrote: “Absolute best pub in Bolton, caring, loving staff and the best landlady blessed to mankind.”

Another said: “Traditional style local pub convenient to the neighbourhood.

“Has a dart board in one room, a pool table in another and has an outdoor seating area as well.”

The pub will be reopening on May 17th, if the lockdown roadmap stays on course.

The Chetham Arms, High Street, Turton
Rating:4.5 based in 389 Google reviews

(Facebook/ @chetham.arms.9)

One person wrote: “Friendly welcome and great food- they have a good selection of real ales and lagers.

“It’s all properly socially distanced and located on the edge of some great walking trails.”

Claire Hallam said: “Lovely pub to eat and drink after a walk around the reservoir.

“Dogs welcome and separate area for a dog free zone. Outdoor area with tables, chairs and play area.”

They won’t be opening their doors until the 17 May- but make sure to visit the beer garden when they do.

Courtyard 36, All Saints Street
Rating: 4.7 based on 55 Google reviews

(Facebook/ @courtyard36 )

This quirky wine bar serves wine, cocktail, coffee & craft beer to name just a few items.

Posting to Facebook in March, they wrote: “We do have outdoor space but if the weather is not on our side we cannot cover the whole space and nor do we want to, as we have LOTS of room indoors. So a little while longer - just to be sure!”

However, judging by the Google reviews, their reopening is well-worth the wait.

One person wrote: “What a beautiful bar. So pleased that I found this hidden jem. Excellent beers and wines.”

Another said: “Bolton's hidden gem, Courtyard 36 was a fantastic location to celebrate my special birthday! The glass house was lovely in the day time and twinkly and intimate after dark.”

The Brewery Tap, Belmont Road

Rating: 4.6 out of 86 Google reviews

The Brewery Tap has have a large beer garden complete with a heated smoking shelter- but it won’t be reopening this month.

One person said: “It is a very popular local, but welcoming to others. A long stride from where I live, so visits are not frequent.

“The beer is mainly their own and a full selection of types and strength.”

Another wrote: “Superb boozer. Always a great atmosphere and the bank top beer is tip top.

“Always a good selection of other beers available as well. Be prepared to stand as this is very popular and always busy.”

Ye Olde Man and Scythe, Churchgate
Rating: 4.5 based on 640 Google reviews

This is Bolton’s oldest pub and they have a reopening date of May 17.

They serve a wide range of ciders and real ales- and have been serving them since 1251.

Outside is a small enclosed yard which also doubles up as a smoking area.

One person wrote: ”This is my favourite pub in Bolton… the staff are so friendly, much like the customers… Absolute diamond of a place!”

Another said: “It’s a quiet little pub with a lovely enclosed old fashioned beer garden”

Unity Brook Inn, Manchester Road, Kearsley
Rating: 4.5 based on 251 reviews

This local pub prides itself on its selection of beers and homemade food.

They are currently open- but call 07498930596 to book as they are often busy.

One happy customer wrote: “A nice little boozer in every sense. Bar staff are friendly as are the locals who prop the bar up.

“A great outdoor space which utilizes some of the carpark for social distancing and a decent enough playground for the kids.”

The Rosehill Tavern, Leigh Road
Rating: 4.5 based on 146 reviews

(Facebook/@OfficialRosehillTavern)

While many Joseph Holts pubs were allowed to reopen on April 12, The Rosehill Tavern is waiting for the green light.

However, their outdoor beer garden received rave reviews online and people praised the children’s play area.

One happy customer wrote: “Always a warm welcome in here, friendly locals and great beer.”

“Great Holts pub with fab bitter, one person wrote. “Friendly and an outdoor play area for the kids.”

Where is your favourite pub garden in Bolton?