This week's pub is known for its live acts and is a place where everybody "looks out for everybody".
Monique Mackay, 58, took over The Bowling Green in Horwich nearly two years ago - and the pub recently added a new beer garden.
Originally from Astley Bridge, Monique used to be a social worker before deciding to get into the pub game full time.
We spoke with her to find out what makes this pub great.
Can you introduce yourself?
“I’ve been here two years in July, I was previously a social worker for 33 years but I’ve always done pubs in my spare time and wanted to go into it full-time.
“I’ve always been involved in pubs because my ex-husband runs them – I thought I wanted a change really, I was getting too old for social work.
“I’m very much a people person and like organising things so it seemed like the right thing to do.”
What's the pub like?
“We have a core group of locals who come in – it’s a bubbly pub because people will come in and watch the football or do the horse betting.
“It’s just a very nice community pub where everybody knows everybody and looks out for everybody – we don’t have any issues.
“We’re a very dog-friendly pub – dogs will be walking past and pull their owners in to get some treats!
“Our beer garden opened last weekend too and it closes at eight – we still want to add a few things to get it to our liking.”
Do you have any regular events?
“We’re known as a live band venue – a lot of bands want to play for us to get their start and we have live bands on a Friday and Saturday.
“We do everything from rock to indie and a little bit of punk – this Friday we’ve got a tribute artist called Charlie Munro and on Saturday a band called Millhouse for a bit of indie rock.
“Last year, we had Horwich ROX – and it was so successful that we’re doing it again on June 20, this year.
“It’s a free event, all the pubs on Lee Lane had bands on and there were stalls on Winter Hey Lane.”
Current draught selection:
- Tetley's
- Foster's
- Moretti
- Carlsberg
- San Miguel
- Stella Artois
- Amstel
- Estrella
- Cruzcampo
- Three guest ales
Can you tell me a bit more history about about the pub?
“Just after Covid I know it was refurbished – it’s been around a very long time, I’ve just seen old photographs when there was an actual bowling green in the 1940s.”
Do you have any clubs or teams?
“We have two darts teams, a pool team and we’ve a group of gentlemen who come in on a Tuesday night and play dominoes.”
Do you serve food?
“The kitchen is open on the weekends – just basic, wholesome homemade food.”
What's the best part of running a pub?
“Being my own boss and just having chats with customers – and supporting people, we’re very heavily involved in the community and Lend a Hand Horwich.
“Every Christmas we have a collection of selection boxes, we had over 100 last year, and we collected 110 Easter eggs to give out to local schools and older people.
“I really enjoy giving back to the community.”
What's the worst part?
“You never get a break, ever – because you live here and you’re always on call, but I do enjoy it.
“We’re open on Christmas Day so I can’t be with my family, but I do get to spend other time with them.”
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