Every week we love to shine the spotlight on some of the best local venues that the borough has to offer, in our Pub of the Week feature.

This week we spoke to co-owner of the Bob’s Smithy Inn Country Pub & Dining, Jordan to see how they are getting on after being open for 33 years.

Name of the pub:

Bob’s Smithy Inn Country Pub & Dining

Address of the pub:

1448 Chorley Old Road, Bolton, BL1 7PX

Owner’s name:

Son Jordan Brookes, alongside parents Lorraine and Stuart

Read our top stories below:

The Bolton News:

How long have you been the landlord/landlady for? And how are you finding it?

My mum and dad have owned it for 33 years. I started working there when I left school after college, since I was 16, and I am 24 now. With it being a family business, I wanted to keep it in the family business.

Give us some history about the pub:

It was built in the 1800s originally, and it’s been expanded over the years. It used to be a very small pub. People also used to use the road for horse and carts and store them here. The pub is named after Bob who lived across the road called Bob.

The Bolton News: Is food served? If so please describe it or if there are plans to in the future.

We serve British pub style food, including lots of pies, fish and chips, scampi and steak. We also have a Sunday lunch, which is really popular. All our food is homemade. Even the chips are homemade.

Is there a beer garden? Please describe

We have a nice beer garden that we did up four years ago, where you can see some nice panoramic views of Manchester.

What is the most popular drink served and why?

At the moment we have been selling loads of Guinness, San Miguel, Wainwright ale, and ale from Bank Top Brewery in Bolton.

The Bolton News: What is the most memorable moment at the pub?

We have been here for years, so it’s hard to think of one, but when we celebrated 30 years in business it was a really good moment, because not many last that long in the industry.

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

We have a quiz on a Wednesday, but that’s it because we are in a semi-rural area.

What are the biggest challenges within the industry and how can you overcome them?

The price increase on products and raw materials such as gas and electric. We just try our hardest to make things work.

The Bolton News: What is the best thing about running a pub and why?

Just meeting different people every day and making it a nice environment that people can enjoy. I love making people happy and seeing people enjoy their food and themselves.

What is the worst thing about running a pub and why?

Just the long hours really, and the early mornings and late nights, but it’s about making people happy.

What bonus things are offered at the pub? Please explain.

We were also finalists for the Food Awards for Gastro Pub of the Year in the North in 2022 and 2023. We did the pub up just after Covid, and expanded it making it even bigger, so there is a bigger dining area now. We have a nice log fire when it’s cold, which makes it nice and cosy.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.