The annual guide, released by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and on sale today, offers an insight into pubs, bars and clubs. It highlights venues selected by its members "as places to savour good beers from small breweries as well as cask-conditioned lagers and world beers and some pubs are highlighted for serving real ciders too". Here are 19 of the Wigan borough bars that feature in the 50th edition of the guide and what CAMRA said about each of them.
. The Anvil
The Anvil pub, Dorning Street, Wigan WN11ND. CAMRA said: "Popular town-centre pub, close to the bus station, with seven handpumps offering various guest beers, two boxed ciders, six draught continental ales and a range of bottled beers. Several TV screens show sports action and the small snug has the wall of fame displaying numerous award certificates." Photo: MA
. Crooke Hall Inn
Crooke Hall Inn, Crooke Road, WN6 8LR CAMRA said: "Large, multi-roomed canalside pub in picturesque Crooke village, just outside Wigan. Popular with locals and visitors alike, dogs and children are welcome until 9pm. Home-made food features locally sourced ingredients where possible. There is a separate cellar bar, ideal for functions, and a large beer garden. The pub is very much the hub of the village and is a three-times winner of the local CAMRA Community Pub of the Year." Photo: submit
. Doc's Alehouse
Doc's Alehouse 85 Mesnes St, Wigan WN1 1QJ. CAMRA said: "Doc’s AleHouse, formerly Doc’s Symposium, is Wigan’s first micropub. A warm welcome awaits you from the owners, who have been here since 2020. You will find five cask ales, European beers, ciders and bottled beers behind the bar. Situated on the edge of Wigan town centre, a short walk from the bus and train stations, with outdoor seating overlooking Mesnes Park." Photo: Ian Robinson
. John Bull Chophouse
John Bull Chophouse, 2 Coopers Row, Market Place, WN1 1PQ. CAMRA said: "A vibrant and lively pub in a building that is more than 300 years old, previously cottages, stables and a slaughterhouse. A popular town-centre venue, it has been run by the same family for over 40 years. There are six handpumps serving Thwaites beers. This quirky pub is set over two floors, with the toilets upstairs, and has seating outside. It is reputed to have the best pub jukebox in the north-west." Photo: MA
. Real Crafty
Real Crafty 9 Upper Dicconson Street, WN1 2AD CAMRA said: "A real ale and craft beer emporium in Wigan town centre on the former site of Bar Legion, just five minutes’ walk from the bus station and 10 minutes from both the town’s train stations. Expect up to five real ales dispensed via handpull, alongside craft beer, cider and perry served from 30 keg fonts." Photo: Real Crafty
. Swan and Railway
Swan and Railway pub, 80 Wallgate WN1 1BA. CAMRA said: "Winner of a Historic England Conservation Award in 2021, the pub was built in 1898 by WEV Crompton. This beautiful classic period inn features an impressive stained-glass window, and a collection of historical photos of the old town, the railway and Rugby League." Photo: MA
. Sherington's
Sherington's bar, 57 Kenyon Road, WN1 2DU. CAMRA said: "An industrial-themed bar with six real ales on handpump, always including three from the Wily Fox stable and three varying guests. There are also 10 craft/lager/continental beer taps offering Peroni, Moretti and a Wily Fox, along with seven varying guests." Photo: Google street view
. Tap N' Barrel
The Tap N' Barrel, Jaxon's Court, WN1 1LR. CAMRA said: "This former local CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year is in Wigan’s Victorian Quarter, conveniently adjacent to the bus station. The staff are friendly, welcoming and happy to provide advice on the wide selection of drinks available. The bar is split over three areas – the main bar, an upstairs seating area and a pleasant heated undercover back room where live music is hosted on Sunday afternoon." Photo: MA
1. The Anvil
The Anvil pub, Dorning Street, Wigan WN11ND. CAMRA said: "Popular town-centre pub, close to the bus station, with seven handpumps offering various guest beers, two boxed ciders, six draught continental ales and a range of bottled beers. Several TV screens show sports action and the small snug has the wall of fame displaying numerous award certificates." Photo: MA
2. Crooke Hall Inn
Crooke Hall Inn, Crooke Road, WN6 8LR CAMRA said: "Large, multi-roomed canalside pub in picturesque Crooke village, just outside Wigan. Popular with locals and visitors alike, dogs and children are welcome until 9pm. Home-made food features locally sourced ingredients where possible. There is a separate cellar bar, ideal for functions, and a large beer garden. The pub is very much the hub of the village and is a three-times winner of the local CAMRA Community Pub of the Year." Photo: submit
3. Doc's Alehouse
Doc's Alehouse 85 Mesnes St, Wigan WN1 1QJ. CAMRA said: "Doc’s AleHouse, formerly Doc’s Symposium, is Wigan’s first micropub. A warm welcome awaits you from the owners, who have been here since 2020. You will find five cask ales, European beers, ciders and bottled beers behind the bar. Situated on the edge of Wigan town centre, a short walk from the bus and train stations, with outdoor seating overlooking Mesnes Park." Photo: Ian Robinson
4. John Bull Chophouse
John Bull Chophouse, 2 Coopers Row, Market Place, WN1 1PQ. CAMRA said: "A vibrant and lively pub in a building that is more than 300 years old, previously cottages, stables and a slaughterhouse. A popular town-centre venue, it has been run by the same family for over 40 years. There are six handpumps serving Thwaites beers. This quirky pub is set over two floors, with the toilets upstairs, and has seating outside. It is reputed to have the best pub jukebox in the north-west." Photo: MA