WE like to shine the spotlight on top venues in Bolton in our Pub of the Week feature.

This time we have gone to Blackrod to find out about the new bosses at The Poachers.

Name of the pub:

The Poacher

Address of the pub:

1 - 3 Scot Lane, BL6 5SG

Landlord/landlady name:

Adam Smith & Chloe Moore

How long have you been the landlord/landlady for?

Four months

Bar staff and their names:

Jonjo Dawber and Molly Edwards

Give us some history about the pub:

The pub was first licensed in 1859 and was originally named the Scot Lane Inn.

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

Not currently, but we do plan to start serving food this month.

Is there a beer garden?

We have a beautiful beer garden with plenty of parking available. Should be a great sun trap in summer.

Do you have any darts/snooker/pool teams?

We do have a pool team and are currently trying to put together a darts team.

Most popular drink served is:

Definitely Guinness but it could be argued that cask ale is our most popular drink as we regularly have five real ales on and Tuesday it is £2.70 a pint so it has increased in popularity.

Most memorable moment at the pub:

Our Valentine’s Weekend Soul night was a massive hit and so much fun. The pub was packed and it was a great atmosphere.

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

We have Sean Calderbank performing on March 17 for St Paddy’s Day evening. Paddy’s Day is going to be a party all day so it will be great to top it off with a live performer.

Have you faced any challenges within the industry?

I think all pubs have struggled through January and February. We are out in the sticks a little too so it has been challenging but with the support of our great locals we have made it through and are coming out of the other side.

The best thing about running a pub is...

The people. Being surrounded by such a great community is fantastic and getting to know everyone is brilliant. They know they have somewhere clean and safe to drink when they come to us.

The worst thing about running a pub is...

The late nights can be painful, but its part and parcel of the job and we wouldn’t change it.

The perfect hangover cure is...

A double Jameson’s. It can’t make it worse.