Name of the pub:

The York

Address of the pub:

112-114 Newport Street, Bolton

Landlord/landlady name:

James Unsworth

How long have you been the landlord/landlady for?

3 Years

Bar staff and their names:

We have Lisa and Shelbie behind the bar, with Natalie running the Karaoke and helping on the bar too. There is also Steffi that help out for events when she is not in Scotland.

Give us some history about the pub:

The pub has changed a lot over the years and even used to have a 3rd floor and upstairs bar. In more recent times again there have been a lot of changes, with the pub changing its focus with different landlords changing the entertainment dramatically. Oddly around 17 years ago I actually used to put bands on here when Dave was the landlord and prior to that the owners created a bar for the LBGTQ community so the pub has always had a diverse and welcoming customer base.

The Bolton News: Landlord James Unsworth from The York pub and, right, outside the building

Is food served? If so what’s on the menu?

We only sell crisps/snacks but were happy for you to grab something from the cafe next door or one of the local eateries.

Is there a beer garden?

Yes, during lockdown we constructed a new shelter out there and gave it a bit of a renovation, we also have the jukebox playing outside and have BBQs out there too.

Do you have any darts/snooker/pool teams?

Not at the moment but we would like to.

Most popular drink served is:

Probably Fosters but I would say the ‘pub drink’ is Fireball shots.

The Bolton News: The stage area where they provide live entertainment at The York

Most memorable moment at the pub:

It’s hard to say with all the amazing bands we have had here.

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

Yes we have karaoke once a week. The pub is now really the only venue in Bolton that really caters for the whole of the alternative/underground community.

Have you faced any challenges within the industry?

There are a lot of challenges to face as the industry is effected by so many things. Obviously Covid was a massive challenge.

The best thing about running a pub is...

Watching the bands and the entertainment is obviously fun but the best part knowing we have managed to create a different environment than any of the other pubs in the town.

The worst thing about running a pub is...

When the delivery comes at 7am the day after a band has played!