We continue to put the spotlight on local venues in our Pub of the Week feature.

Here we find out more about a Westhoughton one....

Name of the pub:

The Beer School

Address of the pub:

88 Market Street, Westhoughton

Landlord/landlady name:

Rachel Birch

How long have you been the landlord/landlady for?

Seven years

Bar staff and their names:

Suzy Sue, Katy, River

Give us some history about the pub:

The first independent micro-pub in Westhoughton was set up in 2016 by Rachel Birch following 10 years teaching in primary education. The building had been derelict for some time and took around three months to renovate. The main focus has always been to promote and celebrate UK independent brewers, real cider producers and distillers which Rachel sources directly herself. All cask pumps and three keg taps change continually to showcase the best beers in the country - it’s a permanent beer festival! To keep up to date, The Beer School use Real Ale Finder App which provides customers with a live beer menu. They also host a free Games Night every Wednesday, Quiz Night every Thursday, Live Music every Sunday and a DJ the last Saturday of the month. The Beer School is an inclusive venue where everyone is welcome and can feel safe supporting such campaigns as ‘Ask for Angela’, ‘Everyone Welcome’ and ‘Ask for Clive’. Guests are also encouraged to bring along their furry companions at any time as dogs are very welcome. Rachel is Cask Marque ABCQ Cellar qualified and prides herself on serving only the best cask ale, craft beers and real cider and perry on draught. Beer can also be bought to take away from a large selection in the huge craft beer fridge. The Beer School has achieved many annual and seasonal awards since opening, including a Platinum award for ‘Best Bar None’ and has featured in The Good Beer Guide for six consecutive years. Most recently, The Beer School has been awarded Cider Pub of The Year 2023 from Bolton CAMRA for the third consecutive year and will now enter into the regional awards.

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

The Beer School is proud to support local - food can be ordered and delivered to your table from any food outlet on Market Street Westhoughton. Fiddlers Lancashire crisps are available at the bar and food events held throughout the year.

Is there a beer garden?

Beer garden nestled away at the back of The Beer School hidden from the main high street and pavement seating available for those that like to watch the world go by.

Do you have any darts/snooker/pool teams?

We are proud to be a sports free pub.

Most popular drink served is:

Cask ale

Most memorable moment at the pub:

Opening weekend October 2016

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

Live music every Sunday from 3pm

Have you faced any challenges within the industry?

We are currently facing some of the biggest challenges in our industry - recovering from Covid and the ongoing energy crisis.

The best thing about running a pub is...

Meeting people and their dogs and making friends!

The worst thing about running a pub is...

The bills!

The perfect hangover cure is...

Frothy coffee in a special Beer School mug!