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Courtyard, Horwich

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user reviews of the Courtyard, Horwich

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

THE GOOD - Smart interior in the style of a city centre wine bar. Great food, and first class service.

THE BAD - Horrendous beer prices for supermaket lager.

THE UGLY - Permatanned chavettes hoping to bag a BWFC player.
yamato - 15 Feb 2011 14:36
really like the courtyard - they've been very artistic with the outside space and the interior is much nicer than before, however ... don't get too comfy ... the prices are exorbitant so make sure it's not your round when you get there ... Oh, and don't spend too much outside unless you want to stink of woodsmoke - great concept with the open fire but really need to use smokeless fuel!
bonnie.n.clyde - 2 Nov 2010 13:51
Now "The Courtyard Wine Bar". Basic floorplan is more or less as before though the bar has moved backwards into what was previously the small room with the dartboard. Could do with more seating. No cask beer. Most punters seemed to be on lager rather than wine! Another pub option, I guess.
Redwing - 26 Oct 2010 11:34
I am told its been bought by the Indian restaurant next door and is being converted into a "sophisticated wine bar", the mind boggles!!!
I hope the service in here is going to be better than the new owners currently provide, I can't see many poeple waiting an hour and a half for a drink
boltonbloke - 17 Jul 2010 20:27
what's going on?
filth - 1 Jun 2010 18:41
Now shut, no doubt destined to become a Chinese or Indian restaurant.
boltonbloke - 18 Apr 2010 20:07
If the Addams Family ran a pub......
Weirdest looking bar staff I've ever seen. (Sat. 20th Feb)
I liked the band but the beer is overpriced and all the hand pumped beers have gone or weren't on.
inspectorblakey - 24 Feb 2010 10:32
Dire
handsofconcrete - 19 Feb 2010 00:30
Was in on Friday & the pub was full of life....

filth - 15 Feb 2010 19:25
From the talk I hear around the village it sounds like the only people who need to visit this place is Bolton Environmental Health, and anyone wants to tell me I should try it for myself then is a big NO THANK YOU.
notforgotten - 30 Jan 2010 10:31
glad to see weds night band booked - word has been passed around and customers will ba arriving from wigan, adlington and southporrt, along with a few locals

hope it goes well
bitterend - 27 Dec 2009 19:25
Bitterend

the old management were informed from the brewery not to cancel any bands including the wednesday band as they would be keeping them on and to hand the band diary over which was done ...........................................................


rhett - 20 Nov 2009 10:27
lol
Pfft - 6 Nov 2009 10:32
pft

I did not realise this was a discussion forum, I kept my comments brief so as to tone down my dissappointment with this pub

here are the facts - on my last visit (before the short recent closure) myself and two colleagues had to return five pints of bitter due to them being undrinkable, such a shame when I had invite them along to watch the band, they have never returned

No I have not been in since the short closure (hence the use of the term rumour) but I have been told by three seperate friends that prices have increased (as have some other bars) but I was shocked to hear that one friend went in, and when expressed surprise at the increase was told "we can charge what we bloody well want" - another regular over the last 20 years lost

people want this place to succeed, they enjoy the live bands (shame no one from the old management told the Weds band they were no longer wanted - I informed them of the closure to save them a wasted journey from Warrington) - I hear RUMOUR that notices outside now say that new prices have come in and are very competitive - good news if its true and beer is of fair quality
bitterend - 4 Nov 2009 20:26
bitterend - "rumours of prices exceeding TheBridge", does that mean you haven't been in or you can't remember if you paid or not?
Pfft - 15 Oct 2009 13:13
rumours of prices exceeding TheBridge, no draught beers, since it opened again after short closure. On my last visit draught bitter was a disgrace and ended up on lager just to show some support for the Weds night band. Sadly it looks like a short term management team in place

Hope Weds night band find another local venue soon
bitterend - 13 Oct 2009 20:11
see snakeskin on youtube (bassmanphil3)
sloppyjoe777 - 22 Sep 2009 17:34
Now summers here (for a day or two) - they need to sort the back yard out with some plants.
The patio area is fine but a bit of refinement wouldn't go amiss.

Got to pat them on the back for their beers btw - a spot on choice of beers, that has had a bit of thought about it
Pfft - 22 Apr 2009 15:47
Had a fantastic sunday lunch yesterday new chef fantastic , good Cask ales as well , Infact a lovely afternoon in the Bay
Sedaka76 - 20 Apr 2009 10:35
have to say that the band on Saturday was foot stompingly good - we had a great time! was really busy and couldn't get to the bar earlier on but had a great night.
bonnie.n.clyde - 8 Apr 2009 13:49
excellent band on as usual on Saturday - very busy ...
bonnie.n.clyde - 24 Mar 2009 15:40
Went in tonight - pleasent evening as per normal. Nice to see all the staff well turned out in matching uniform..!
filth - 28 Feb 2009 00:37
love this pub - the bar staff are really friendly and the timer heating outside is a great improvement ... we aren't regulars but know a lot of them ... prefer not to go in on Saturday nights but great music last Saturday night so couldn't walk on by ... took three songs to get to the bar ...
bonnie.n.clyde - 27 Feb 2009 12:33
Well I think it's a great pub - of which there are a few in Horwich. The staff seem to try hard & the improvements made seem well appreciated.
As like most people I do my voting with my feet & this is one of the three or four pubs that I frequent on a regular basis.
The Brains bitter is always well kept & is a fovourite
Pfft - 18 Feb 2009 13:14
Peace & light all round - just a normal Friday night in the Bay...!
filth - 14 Feb 2009 10:59
Good grief. Half of me wants to go into the pub tonight to see what all the fuss is about, the other half wants to stay as far away as possible in case I walk into a fight scene from West Side Story........;
Redwing - 14 Feb 2009 09:59
My god ..................... does it matter who says what, this last week I have been to 3 funerals one a very young mother who would swap places with anyone on here , the pubs doing well , does it matter if 1 or 2 don't go in the pubs full Friday Saturday SUnday , does it matter who owns it does it matter who writes on here lifes very very short . This site should be banned I know it made Chris from the bridge very ill ,nasty people keep your thoughts to yourself .
Sedaka76 - 13 Feb 2009 14:00
Darren,

my husband has never said anything negatvie about the pub. I wasn't defending him, I was telling Casablanca that he had pinned his remarks on the wrong person. They don't have a problem with the pub, never have had, have gone in ever week since you took over, If he had any issues he would have told you. You should know my name is real as you have met me when I have been in with my husband a numbe of times. The reason I correct Casablanca was that I was worried that he would take issue with my husband when he went in tonight - for something that was not his problem. When people want your realtives to die of Malaria, you start to feel a little defensive.

I had recently started to come back in, after a period of not coming in after being treated very poorly by a member of bar staff - however I feel quite upset by your post, you clearly haven't read what I have written and have jumped to some quite big conclusions...so I will need to reconsider coming back in again. I don't feel like going into a pub that has an angry landlord.

Hubby has been reading this converstaion, I would sooner he didn't go in the pub as the message from Casablanca made me worry for his safety, but he has some sense of loyalty to the pub....after reading your message I really don't tknow why...


victorias - 13 Feb 2009 08:32
My message is to victoria and I address her as Victoria as I assume that she is actually using her real name as I do not take any notice of anyone who hides behind a username, well Victoria I cannot belive that you feel compeled to defend your husband and his friends, It appears to me that they cant be bothered or simply dont care about what is written on bite, is it the lads that have a problem with the pub or is it yourself? after all it didnt take you very long to protest about what has been written so you must be keeping and eye on the bite site, the truth of the matter is that at the begining everone said that we would fail in out attempts to make the bay horse a better place to have a drink in, but two years on and two years wiser we have now learned that people dont tell you when you are doing the right thing they only tell you when you have done the wrong thing, can you belive that when we took over the pub some people actually moved to a different pub because we had moved a table two foot to the left and not put it exactly where it had always been, I then got the comments about the pub being renamed as the pink horse and to top it all I started to get all the untruths written about the pub on bite, not very nice being as it is was our first year in business, 99% of what has been written about the pub is lies, but we have now weathered the storm and come out the other side a hell of a lot wiser and stronger to, I really cannot comment on the current situation with you defending in my opinion someone who needs no defence, What you have felt over the last few days is probably ANGER, I have felt this for the last two years but have recenttly got over it, another tip is never fight other peoples battles for them because people automaticaly assume that the person in question is guilty, no matter what.
I applaud you using your real name and welcome any constructive comments about the pub that you may have to offer
darren12 - 12 Feb 2009 17:11
Sorry confusion all round .......................... x

Sedaka76 - 10 Feb 2009 16:50
It's not my husband :-) . That was my point in the first post, he has been mistakenly identifed. We were on holiday when the other chap was posting..he isn't even a member on here.

Casablanca seemed to think it was him....I was meerly correcting him.
victorias - 10 Feb 2009 13:36
Sorry Victoria I see what you mean .......................... but I have read your husbands comments about variouse pubs in the area he does not have very good remarks about many ,he seems to slag 99% off...................... he would be better off staying in with you and watching tv , as nothing suits him sorry !
Sedaka76 - 10 Feb 2009 13:26
Hello Sedaka

If you look at Bolton Bloke posting history, you will find that he made comments another pub in Chorley on the 29th Jan - this is the one that I was referring to.

Victoria
victorias - 10 Feb 2009 07:52
Just had a good look through the rest of the pubs in Horwich Bolton bloke has,nt got a good word for any of them............................. so landlords take no notice he seems like a miserable sort
Sedaka76 - 9 Feb 2009 22:40
Not getting in slanging match .................. but bolton bloke put his comment on , on the 7 Feb no one commented on the 29th jan at all. and being a relative of the 2 boys in question casablanca was right they were ..........NOT....... on the pub watch scheme............ BUT are now !
Sedaka76 - 9 Feb 2009 22:32
Hello Casablanca

If you look at Bolton Blokes posting you will see that he posted on the 29th Jan - when the people who play darts in the backroom, and were on holiday..were still on holiday. With no access to a PC.

If you think that it is one of them that it writing this stuff, then ask them to thier face, I am sure they will be all to happy to show you thier stmaped passport to show when they were away.

As you will see from my username, I am married to one of them.

You really should no throw such accusations around - you accuse people of slander and they say things like that. Pot's, Kettles and Black jump to mind. Your post is very aggressive and un-necessay, targetting people who have nothing to do with the post that you mention. If anyone needs to get thier facts straight I think you will find it's you.

If the site owner is duty bound to reveal the people involved maybe I should ask them to reveal who you are.

Also, legally I don't think that it's Slander - I think Slander is verbal, whilst libel is written..you also cannot libel a "class", only an indivudual. Also, I think it's a civil rather than a criminal offence - so the police would not be involved anyway.

If my husband, and his friends are so unwelcome, I'll just advise them to go elsewhere - more customers lost for no reason
victorias - 9 Feb 2009 09:04
Boltonbloke beware,
Spreading malitious gossip will result in you spending an hour our two in court, NONE OF THE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE TROUBLE LAST WEEK WERE ON PUB WATCH SCHEME, and may i remind you thart the pub watch scheme is run by the publicans rthemselves and gmp are only invited as a polite gesture WHAT I CANT UNDERSTAND IS WHY YOU SPEND MJOST OF YOUR FRIDAYS IN THE PUB PLAYING DARTTS ETC THEN GO ON TO ASSAULT (WRONGFULLY) THE VERY PUB THAT YOU DRINK IN, THANKS FOR YOUR CUSTOM BUT AT LEAST TRY AND GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT BEFORE WRITING YOUR LIES, must be that ugly HOMOPHOBIA THAT YOU CANT KEEP UNDER CONTROL, ESPECIAL;Y AS YOU HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR A FEW WEEKS, SHAME YOU DIDNT PICK UP MALARIA OR SOMETHING AS EQUUALLY NASTY (LIAR)
LOOK AT THE REVIEWS ON ALL THE PUBS AND EXPLAIN WHY YHE BAY HORSE IS THE BUSIEST PUB IN THE TOWN NOW AND ALSO HAS THE HIGHEST REVIEWS
GET A LIFE AND STOP TELLING LIES AS SLANDER IS A VERY DANGEROUS PASSTIME AND COULD JUST RESULT IN COURT ACTION,especially as the bay horse has never missed a pub watch meeting yet, THE SITE OWNERS ARE ALSO DUTY BOUNND TO REVEAL THE PERSON WRITING THEESE LIES IF IT IS REPORTED TO THE POLICE, whitch it will be at the next pub watch meeting on tuesday the 10th of February......................................YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED...............................Watch this space cos i wont let this rest until either an appology is made or the culprits are brought to task
casablanca - 8 Feb 2009 07:08
Boltonbloke, not heard from you for a couple of weeks - been away?
filth - 7 Feb 2009 16:15
People being served who are on the GMP Pubwatch scheme and then members of staff being assaulted by said people to such a degree they need 5 stiches.
A pretty poor show all round.
boltonbloke - 7 Feb 2009 01:32
Still open - are we expecting it's demise soon then?
Pfft - 5 Jan 2009 09:19
It is hard to believe, we shall see.
inspectorblakey - 4 Jan 2009 18:59
WOW my god where do you get imformation from . Yes may be up for sale but you can,t just shut a pub like that , you have to pay rent if its open or not , NOT OPEN NO RENT PUNCH COME FOR thousands. Please just ask the owners don,t listen to Horwich gossip its very rarely right ! ! ! ! !
Sedaka76 - 30 Dec 2008 15:42
Sadly, according to the owner it's closing after New Year, sold or not.
inspectorblakey - 22 Dec 2008 16:32
Hi just had to say people should get there facts right before commenting on why Pauline & Dave give up the pub it had nothing to do with losing business as i seem to remember the pub was and never has been busier than when they had it!!!
Pauline and Dave worked very very hard to get the pub up and running and you idiots who dont realise this should be shot!!!
My motto dont fix what aint broken and the people who took over after Pauline & Dave weather it be Gwen & John or Darren & Lebba should realise this
spud1981 - 30 Nov 2008 01:29
Looks like the present tenants have had enough as the pub is up for sale
boltonbloke - 16 Oct 2008 13:02
We joined in with the band night last Sunday night and I must say that it was a fantastic night with a range of various musicians, some proffesional and some not, the idea was that if you fancied a go with the band whatever your abilities you could have a bash, some were better than good in fact the whole sound was very very good and not to be missed, give it a go and be entertained with live music instead of the usual kareoke blurb that you hear in pubs these days.
casablanca - 15 Oct 2008 16:25
If you must know I have left comments before, a mix of both positive and negative about other establishments, but not for some time - I could only be bothered recently after claims about the Bay Horse being the best around town - my opinion (and this is what this site is supposed to be about) is that no it is not the best, but it is way above the worst, and is in a town that there is not much to choose between a few pubs in terms of hand pulled beer quality/consistency - which is of greatest importance to me in choosing where to drink

I do hope the Bay Horse finds its feet again, but at present its not to my taste but we all like different things - you continue to forget tht I did comment that the beer had improved, I have since heard good comments about the Brains bitter - good news, I hope it continues and I hear less news of beer being extremely poor on occasions

There is no beer MECCA in Horwich to my knowledge either - I find the Bowling Green consistent, good value, even here the beer has its poor days but that is rare - Lees in the Long Pull appears most consistent to me but is a little more expensive and the atmosphere at weekends is not pleasant- I hear the Holts in the Crown and Bridge is good but that is not one to my taste - I go in other plces in town but sadly hand pulled beer is not an option or very poor so best avoided

I am not claiming to know what makes a perfect pub, perhaps others do, the answer is probably that one does not exist as we all like different things

hope the pub makes it - good to hear of some interior changes/decoration, nice to hear of investment

Enjoy the Summer
bitterend - 28 Aug 2008 19:00
can you tell me please 'bitter end' which pub in Horwich you are referring to when you describe the 'good value, high quality and consistent beer' you are getting elsewhere? Because I have looked at all the pubs on BITE in the Horwich area and noticed that you havent made a single comment on any other pub.

Perhaps your review would have more credence if you posted a positive comment on and identified the apparent MECCA of all pubs in the area which you seem to frequent. If there are other pubs that are as good as you say, why not name them and give them the appropriate positive reviews?

of course the alternative view would be that no such pub exists and that really your comments are more personal attacks aimed at the Bay Horse and therefore have no value to the customer who uses this website for its proper purpose, i.e. to read genuine and factual reviews on local pubs.


johill - 28 Aug 2008 13:57
Oh What a forgetful soul bitterend is
He comments that he will walk past the bay horse to get better value and higher standards elsewhere! and consistent is the word he uses to try and kick the boot in, once again!. how come none of bitterends comments make reference to this fantastic place that exists somewhere in our midst, how come all of bitterends comments on the bay horse are distructive? and of course making reference to Pauline and Dave. Ask them yourself, to their faces and they will tell you that they had lost interest as they had started to lose money. You dont think thay got rid of it cos thay wanted to do you, they had to, Why else do you think they sub-let it to Gwen and John, and why do you think that once Gwen and John new the full score thay made Pauline and Dave take it back, again cos they had to. I personally support the new, sorry nearly two years now tennants cos at the end of the day they are sticking at it, opening the doors everyday to the public, running a drug free,clean licenced house at the most troubled time that the license trade has ever experienced and who really cares where a bloody fruit machine is. I will wave back as you walk past, carry on walking to the end of the yellow brick road cos its a long long way to the emerald city!, if you do acctually make it there and the fruit machines are in the right place and everything is to your exacting high standards ask the wizzard of the licenced trade to magic up a spell to allow smoking back in pubs, then ask him to turn the clock back on the credit crunch and whilst your at it ask him to cut utility bills down so that the average working class man can afford a few more pints a week and then the smokers can have a fag with their pint instead of having to stand in the rain. I will support my local and other locals by commenting on what really matters and not by running places down, especially at this very difficult time, and by the way I am a non smoker. Blame the goverment for the state of our pubs today not the landldys and landlords, why do you think that 9 pubs a day shut down and do not re-open, I know why, its because they have all got the fruit machines in the wrong place isn't it..... A sad day for the pubs of Horwich.
casablanca - 25 Aug 2008 18:18
what a sensitive soul casablanca is

if you must know I used to call in about 4 times a week but stopped when standards dropped after Pauline left - I recently thought I would give it a chance after reports of improvements, but things are still hit and miss admittedly, I only call in once a week but can see as I walk past that the place is not what it was in terms of customer numbers - and other occasional visitors tell of very variable standards

I fail to see how commenting on improvements in service and beer quality can be viewed as a criticism and does casablanca really think the fruit/quiz machine are ideally placed - if they are just there as a temp placing whilst decoratng being done then ok

However I will follow Casablancas advice and not bother again, I will just wave at the 2, sometimes 3, midweek customers as I walk past for good value, high quality and consistent beer elsewhere, along with the many former customers of a once great local


bitterend - 25 Aug 2008 13:25
How the hell can the brains be over chilled when all the beer comes from the same cellar and through the same cooling sysstem? ................ Must be the Ghost again

casablanca - 20 Aug 2008 06:44
No Black Sheep on this evening, only the ridiculously over chilled Brains on offer. Could not be bothered.
yamato - 19 Aug 2008 04:21
Definate improvements noted, however this pub still has a long way to go. The Black Sheep was more than acceptable, however the Brains was ridiculously over chilled (just what is this obsession with cold beer!)
I look forward to the renovations being completed, lets hope that at the same time some atmosphere is injected into the place as at the moment it is sadly lacking. All in all a much better place than it was a few months ago, could become a real haven for the serious beer drinker.
yamato - 15 Aug 2008 05:04
Called in for lunch ....... My God thought I was in Georgia looked like a war zone but was talking to the land lady she was explaining what was being done ...... it will be very nice lets hope people give them time to finish before moaning
Sedaka76 - 12 Aug 2008 21:29
He's probably a miserable ghost from across the wall
Pfft - 12 Aug 2008 13:46
Get a life and quit moaning, sup up and shut up considering bitterend thinks that most things are wrong with the bay he spends a hell of a lot of time in the place.
casablanca - 11 Aug 2008 23:20
Lol - The ghosts of drinkers past.....

The eerie clanking of empty glasses & packets of crisps moving of their own volition...

It explains why when I put my pint down it sometimes disappears.!!!
filth - 11 Aug 2008 21:12
To pfft perhaps nobody will buy, the ghosts of the people under the car park will keep them from selling !
Sedaka76 - 10 Aug 2008 16:31
continues to struggle to attract people in, a few for the quiz/occasional free food on Mondays and a few for the bands on weds and weekends but other nights there is often no-one or single figures in terms of customers

the cask beer has improved a little but its guesswork as to which one is up to scratch

Weds bar staff on the ball - no comment on food as never eaten there

new tables give that special transport cafe atmosphere, they may be good to serve food on but on a Weds you cannot get in the room where the band play as all the space is taken up by the tables, but perhaps making customers squeeze past tables, knocking over drinks in a struggle to get to the bar is part of the plan

and finally, I have noticed that the path from the front door to the bar can get busy, so why not stick a fruit machine and a quiz machine in the way of all
bitterend - 10 Aug 2008 16:07
Talking of the smoking shelter, what do people think of it? Personally think they did a good job but could definately do with some plants round the back of there.
Also anybody any idea when the church conversion is to be completed & what happens when people moving in start complaining about the noise?
Pfft - 6 Aug 2008 10:52
Funny it was completley empty last night at 10.45pm although in total fairness people may have been outside in the rear "beer garden".
Things are definantly better since Darren has taken more of an active role, watching him camp it up on the Monday night quiz is a scream but I still have my doubts about the quality of the beer, its variable at best.
On the up but still a fair way to go.
boltonbloke - 25 Jul 2008 14:27
Credit where credit is due, this pub is ringing all the bells at the moment and for all the right reasons, keep up the good work, quite like the new bar staff on a wednesday as well, just a little added bonus.
casablanca - 24 Jul 2008 22:21
The 'In' pub at the moment, good beer, good food, a singing postman, he didn't do ''ave you got a loight boy' though.
On the up.
inspectorblakey - 23 Jul 2008 23:56
I have started to go in the bay horse more and more recently because I have been so impressed by a number of the new initiatives in what used to be a very dated pub and has now developed a pleasant atmosphere.

I find the live bands they have on 2-3 times enjoyable and breaks the monotony of most of the other pubs around.

I found the lunchtime menu both affordable and appetizing (nice to see real chips on the plate rather than oven chips).

After reading some of the earlier comments I would have to make three observations:

1. As for the comment about the hand pumps � I think the Brains they have on is one of the best pints in Horwich.

2. I find it refreshing that the proprietor goes out of his way to occasionally provides free snacks. Not many places would show that kind of hospitality.

3. The complaint about slow service � I have never had a problem and I think anyone who has ever worked in a pub or has any common sense must surely understand that occasionally kegs have to be changed which may take a small amount of time � they aren�t some magic everlasting fountain of nectar.

Omega_Red - 21 Jul 2008 00:03
What a fantastic night Sunday night was, I loved it Ersch my favourite Postman, you where mega. I cant wait to hear some more and i hope you do another Gig at the Bay. It was a great night congratulations to all the staff and management for working exceptionally hard.
Miss_Piggy - 17 Jul 2008 13:03
Cant understand the comment about the handpulls, I go in every day and the handpull that I drink is always spot on, As for the Wednesdays I am sure that the footie will be watched at the bar where the new flat screen is.
casablanca - 16 Jul 2008 17:02
Must have picked a bad night as the handpulls normally spot on..!

Agree they need to sort out Weds, as I go in for the footie. Perhaps they should purchase more than one tv? Oh sorry I forgot.. they already have!
Pfft - 8 Jul 2008 12:20
this place has improved a little but what a long way to go - I have started to go in again after 12 months with the return of the weds night band, no doubt this will get kicked into touch when the first weds night live football appears and the management do no realise they will clash

Weds nights have been ticking along nicely but with the usual quirky approach - week one we could not get served but kept having plates of food shoved under our noses, last week it got busy around 930 so one of the two staff cleared off (well done the remaining barmaid)

What a shame all the hand pulled beers are very poor, instead of trying to offer a choice of three, offer one which is very well kept and only introduce others when you are selling enough - its no good if its sat around not being sold for half the week
bitterend - 5 Jul 2008 16:14

Could do with a new dartboard in the backroom..!

filth - 3 Jul 2008 19:19
Glad to see owners are trying hard to improve this pub. The fish and chips on friday were lovely. The sunday lunch is 1st class. keep up the good work.
rhett - 30 Jun 2008 11:27
Owners seem to be trying hard to recover this pub but its still not quite hitting the spot yet although its hard to explain why. Good meal prices on a Sunday and some decent reductions on the price of the real ales.
The landlady has unfortunately recently received a huge fine from her pub company for buying beer outside of their rip-off franchise so wether the price reductions continue remain to be seen. A pity if they don't as there is an awful lot of competition in Horwich at the moment
jamesrockford - 28 Jun 2008 20:18
Good stuff to everybody involved in making the Carnival & races a great success. Nice to have a pint whilst watching all the races - Nice touch in doing the bbq, certainly helped the beer go down...!
Pfft - 23 Jun 2008 11:09
Now that all the trouble has died down and a truce has been called, this pub has started to shine and is actively starting to get up and do something about the obviuos slump in the pub trade, since the smoking ban came into force all the pubs in Horwich have suffered and I guess that it isn't easy running a pub at the moment, having visited the pub on Wed night I feel that I must applaud the puds staff and managment for a good mid-week night out the pub was rocking at 9.30 to the tune of the boggtrooters a local folk band, true they are not everyones cup of tea but with a town like Horwich and on a wed night it was a refreshing change to be in a pub that was actually full, well nearly,and Darren even waited on everyone with a free hot pot, not to be missed, he said that the "boggies" will be playing every Wed and are performing at the pub on carnival Sunday night, Smart move, The ale in the pub has now changed to Thwaites and the flat cap has been taken off, don't know if this is the right move but after speaking with Darren if have found out that the pub is tied to the dreaded "PUNCH TAVERNS" and they won't supply the Bay with bank top beers, Darren said that he was going to fight the brewerry on this but I don't fancy his chances, the Thwaites was a good pint and I also tried the Bombadier, not wholly impressed with the Bombadier, but then again I am used to flat cap, nowt wrong with the Thwaites original though, keep up the good work and well done for weathering the recent storm, belive the trouble has moved on to another pub now, hope they fair as well with the so called "impartial critics".
wobblybobbly - 12 Jun 2008 16:13
Fanastic night last night, went in to see the "bogtrotters" and I must say that I not disapointed good night had by all, especially the two in the two lads we met from Blackburn havin a night out in Horwich for a change,.hope to meet again.

casablanca - 12 Jun 2008 01:57
New bitters are on handpull - always good to have a change & really liked the Unicorn
Pfft - 10 Jun 2008 11:32
Spent all last night in the bay and wasn't disapointed the atmosphere was electric and we had a really good night, might go for our dinner today, see what the other half says as he holds ther purse strings at the moment.
casablanca - 8 Jun 2008 16:45
I see the Bogtotters are starting on wednesdays. Good to see them back will definitely be there.
rhett - 5 Jun 2008 13:32
HAD A WONDERFUL SUNDAY LUNCH, REALLY TASTY AND FILLING HOPE THEY KEEP THEM ON
Twiga - 3 Jun 2008 16:49
thanks for your reply,hope you do well,its funny when these people get a bit between there teeth,and just cant leave it alone,i just wonder what sort of people they really are!b.i.t.e. have just the same for me,by removing posts that should not be there,but anyway!good luck.kevin. red lion egham. no rating given dont know the pub(but if i did im sure it would be a good one).
Man_at_the_bar - 22 May 2008 19:01
I came in for the first time in a long time last week, pleasantly surprised at the Sunday lunch menu,I thought at the time that the pub could do with a smoking shelter as there is plenty of space at the rear of the pub to make one.
casablanca - 22 May 2008 14:31
Decent cask ale clean and tidy pub, Dont know what all the fuss has been about.
beckster1 - 22 May 2008 14:27
The cask ale in this pub is the best in horwich at the moment especially the bombadier. Any serious ale drinkers give it a try. The pub is clean and tidy but needs a smoking shelter. The staff are friendly and it is well worth a visit.
rhett - 22 May 2008 13:41
Went in for Sunday lunch and had a good meal, Decor good and pub clean and tidy, bar staff ok with decent juke box.
loupoo - 22 May 2008 13:22
ALL THE COMMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN REMOVED HAVE BEEN DONE SO AS THEY BREACH OUR REVIEW POLICY.

YOU MUST NO LONGER LEAVE ANY COMMENTS REGARDING YOUR PREVIOUS 'DISCUSSION' OR I SHALL HAVE YOU BANNED FROM LEAVING ANY COMMENTS ON THE SITE.

WE DO NOT DISREGARD NEGATIVE COMMENTS, BUT ANY PERSONAL ABUSE, EITHER TO OTHER USERS OR THE PUB'S TENANTS, ARE NOT ALLOWED.

THIS ENDS HERE.

fran - 22 May 2008 13:18
Absolutley fantastic pub foods excellent, so glad to here they didn't get a visit from the law on Friday just goes to show that Leba and Darren are doing a fantastic job! shame the bowling green and queens didn't do the same. WELL DONE !!
alien24 - 19 May 2008 18:05
I am really surprised about all the negative comments on this pub. I went for Sunday lunch a couple of weeks ago, havent not been in for a couple of years. I couldn't believe the change in the pub. It was so clean and immaculate, the food was lovely and extremely good value and we were given a really warm welcome by the staff and waitress. I think that the owners are making a real go of this pub and wouldnt be surprised if the sunday lunches really take off. Well done to everyone involved in turning this pub around
johill - 8 May 2008 21:36
is food back on yet,called in for a pint yesterday and there was no one eating and didnt dare ask incase the bar man broke down in tears
anonymous - 22 Apr 2008 19:36
Live music on Saturday nights. When visited no cask ale available. Decor is certainly a bit on the white side. Difficult to get to the bar due to the people propping it up being unwilling to move. When we went to leave we found our shoes had stuck to the carpet - a new floor covering or a deep clean needed here.
Redwing - 18 Apr 2008 10:44
'What all the comments fail to realize is that bad publicity is still better than no publicity.' Wobblybobbly.

I think Gerald Ratner has some opinions on that old myth!

If I was in Horwich, I would certainly avoid this place. 'Wicker Man' and 'Slaughtered Lamb' spring to mind..

Landlord, your locals really aren't helping you!
harbourdrinker - 16 Apr 2008 10:21
True - wouldn't want to spill their pint.
Not that would be a problem in the Bay Horse, obviously as it has a nice clientelle.!!!
Pfft - 15 Apr 2008 17:27
I do enjoy the high standard of intellectual debate that often appears on BITE
JohnBonser - 15 Apr 2008 17:02
"Most of the pub teams have left for elsewhere", they have 2 darts teams, a pool team & Tues league teams - have they moved?
Don't know about the food as not interested, bu the beers ok & the people are funny har-har not funny strange...

With regard to it's reputation, I think you've been listening to your own propaganda too much ;)

Pfft - 15 Apr 2008 14:56
Lol - its not just the beer thats bitter then...!

"If you want a trouble free drink, try the Bowling Green or the Long Pull." Mmmm not sure that's right - as far as I know it's not had the fire brigade call nor does it look like a war zoe when you walk past.

HorwichAllstar - did you not get a free drink this Xmas? Cause I did...!

Pfft - 15 Apr 2008 11:32
I've also had a abusive PM from Twiga and if I receive any more I will be putting them up on this thread for all to see the kind of person who drinks in this pub...........
boltonbloke - 14 Apr 2008 12:56
Horwichallstars, I'm very suprised you haven't yet had a threatning and abusive Pm of Twiga, I've had one for my comments. I totally agree with you,this person is not doing the pub any favours and if they are indicative of the kind of people who frequent this place then its best avoided.
We can enjoy a civilised pint in the Bowler (which has really risen from the ashes since the new landlady took over) or Longpull and leave them to sit in their dead pub reflecting on what could have been or (more likely)planning their next career.............
fennel - 13 Apr 2008 21:22
I suppose the first thing to say is that I never went in for free beer, and never got any. If the landlord (at the time) chose to give drinks to regulars at Christmas, so what - it was his pub and his profits.
Correct Gwen did stop the food, Pauline then restarted it when she went back in, the new landlord then relaunched the food...and it was a bit of a disaster.
I was never aware of thier being 2 local families in the back room, when it come to my group of friends that used to go in, there are about 10 different familes -but let's face it, in Horwich most people are related to each other in one way or another.
I was in no way rude with my comments - you seem intent on being rude and personal. If this is an example of the new kind of LOCAL that goes in the pub, then the comments on my first posting are correct, and the pub is best avoided by those that want a polite, trouble-free drink.
I stand by my first review, it's gone from being a pleasent local to a place frequented by the rude and agressive person that has posted the previous review. If that's what you want from you night out - go to the Bay Horse. If you want a trouble free drink, try the Bowling Green or the Long Pull.
HorwichAllstars - 13 Apr 2008 19:51
To the last person the pub was better off without the SO called locals since the so called locals stopped going in the pub the beer paid for went up 4% its obviouse the SO called locals obviously went in for the free DRAMS as you call it, they are better off without the likes off you who just wanted FREE beer. I go in a lot and to be honest its so much better without the 2 local families taking over the back room and hogging dart board and dominoes the atmosphere without them is great. As for the food Gwen actually stopped the food and lost the trade. To you all continue to keep out the new LOCALS don,t WANT you
Twiga - 13 Apr 2008 17:47
I must say that I have to agree with the people who say that this pub has gone downhill in recent years.

One example would be Easter Sunday, went in The Bridge, Sams, Saddle...having a great time with my friends, went in the Bay, anf the place was like a funeral parlour. I find it hard to describe just how bad it was.

It's sad really, a big group of us used to use it as our base - we would always end up there, in the back room. Now no-one goes is, everyone goes to the Bowling Green and the Long Pull. The problem has been that the new management have shown a complete lack of respect for the regulars, who have voted with thier feet and gone elsewhere. Stopping the folk band on a Wednesday, stopping the quiz on a Sunday (The Brown Cow already has a quiz on a Monday so we didn't need another Monday quiz), taking all the populat dishes off the menu etc etc etc.

They only custom that they seem to get are the local nutcases - now the Albert have shown them the door, the youngsters need someone to go. The locals don't want to have to put up with that. My Other Half was in thier on Good Friday and said it was full of druken youngesters screaming at each other.

Perhaps we were a little spoiled with Pauline & Dave. I always knew that I would get a good welcome and good service when they were there...they knew thier locals, knew thier names and knew how to keep them happy. Pauline worked really hard in that pub, behind the bar and in the kitchen.

I can't understand why someone, who clearly doesn't want to run a pub had bought one. We are now going to the Bowling Green and the Long Pull. The landlady in the Bowling Green could teach the one in the Bay, a thing or two. She engages with customers, and the place is good fun.

I used to love the Bay, spent many a christmas / new year / birthday etc in there, it's sad to see it in a sorry state.

One last thing, we all used to meet in thier in Christmas day for a drink, Dave the lasndlord would give the regulars a small dram of something, the kids woulf all be in talking about what they had got - it was only for an hour or two, but, good fun. This Christmas Day was awful (I don't think that they even had decorations up) - Long Pull was the place to be

HorwichAllstars - 12 Apr 2008 19:57
Have to agree with the last comments, I did comment a few months ago to my regret did,nt know the situation sorry. As said she is the only one besides Eileen who is trying to hang on to a dying trade for the sake of the locals who don,t want to stay in with tinnies, GIVE her chance
cyber - 30 Mar 2008 17:13
I feel really sorry for the landlady of this pub, first of all she has had to clean up all the mess made by the previous two land ladies and then as I believe she then had three members of staff that were stealing, and passing free drinks to thier families and if you think about all this and then add the fact that she had no previous experience I think that she has done well to survive as long as she has, the Monday quiz is a real quiz and isnt run by morons or half whitted stand ins, come on give the girl a break and support her she is the only pub that has mannaged not to not change hands and has carried on in the face of adversity, against all the odds she has managed not have to shut down every 3 months like the Albert, Bowling Green and the Queens, give her a chance, stop being picky and get a life, why dont you say something posstive for a change and encourage her to keep the pub open, after all everyone else seems to shut down every 3 months and do a runner. and after all that, think that she is a single mum with a 6 year old child to look after, she also manages to keep down a full time job........ Well done for a change and keep on fighting, eventually it will pay off...also ignore the idiots who criticize you, can they even begin to do what you are doing..all on your own....
wobblybobbly - 29 Mar 2008 20:44
who decided to close the pub and open a showroom for beer pumps?. a very impressive array i must say. it has to be seen to be believed, more than 1 pump per customer.
juankerr - 6 Mar 2008 16:53
New bar and selection of beers, Bank top best in horwich.
Sample - 4 Mar 2008 23:29

The sad decline of this pub continues. The cask ale
is undrinkable and the tables in the lounge seem to
have come from a rubbish tip.
A depressing experience, and one which I do not
intend to repeat.
yamato - 30 Jan 2008 04:33
I used to call in this place 3 or 4 times a week, now once or twice a month, Tetley bitter too expensive and its quality is variable. Pub seems to be very quiet many nights now with many former regulars saving 30p a pint in the Long Pull and getting quality Bank Top bitter
bitterend - 21 Nov 2007 08:41
To me I just glance occasionaly at this site, it does seem that every bitter and twisted person has it in for this pub. I myself have called in there several times and find it a good pint, and the earlier person should get their facts right they don,t serve food anymore only for quiz nights ect:
anonymous - 12 Nov 2007 21:03
shoddy people now own this pub,food rubbish,beer crap,not a very good pub at all.
anonymous - 10 Nov 2007 11:39
As any local will tell you, if Joans cooking can't save this place nothing can
fennel - 3 Nov 2007 01:51
NOT BEEN IN FOR MONTHS DUE TO ALL THE RUMOURS, BUT THOUGHT I WOULD GIVE IT A TRY ..... GOOD PUB RUINED BY THE NEW OWNERS FOOD ON FOOD OFF CAN,T KEEP STAFF WHAT HAVE THEY DONE STAY CLEAR !!!!!!
anonymous - 1 Nov 2007 20:32
bands can be god on a saturday, poor quality Tetleys a let down
bitterend - 29 Oct 2007 20:00
Not surprising with people like you running it down all the time
Twiga - 22 Jul 2007 22:33
It may be busy on a Saturday eve but just watch the tumbleweed blow through the rest of the week. There could not have been more than a dozen people in at 11pm last night!!
fennel - 21 Jul 2007 14:47
Check this out GOOD pub, free juke box and pool on a Wednesday nite, in the process of being re decorated and facilities improved, well worth a visit
Twiga - 20 Jul 2007 18:18
A correction to my earier post, the food had been stopped temporarily but its still a poor, over priced pint. The regulars seem to be agreement as most are now drinking in the Old Original or the Bowling Green!!
boltonbloke - 25 Apr 2007 16:20
The food is still being served daily. The atmosphere is picking up and lots of new faces appearing in the pub
anonymous - 18 Apr 2007 14:02
Food no longer served (again!) and �2.20 for a pint of poor John Smiths, they have to be kidding!
boltonbloke - 12 Apr 2007 13:07
not good at all.beer too overpriced and had a few dodgy beers in there.shame the previous owners have gone.was a good atmosphere then.
anonymous - 30 Mar 2007 22:43
Just seen prior comments I was in for a meal last Friday I was that impressed my husband and myself went back Sunday the food was second to none, as for the pub its much cleaner of late and much more welcoming. where were they looking
anonymous - 27 Mar 2007 17:41
Under new management, food overpriced, beer overpriced, (�2-20 for smooth flow) and the pub's looking decidedly scruffy.
If the beer was cheaper I might go back and look for signs of improvement but I think I'll wait for further reports.
anonymous - 27 Mar 2007 00:41
Beer price not gone up 20p, good pub, Live bands, good night
anonymous - 17 Feb 2007 09:04
Obviously a matter of personal taste! For me I'm glad to see Dave and Pauline back as apart from anything else the standard of the cask has recovered. I don't know what the other landlord was doing wrong - maybe he wasn't washing the pipes out enough - but I'd had some dodgy pints in there over the last six months or so.
anonymous - 22 Jan 2007 21:33
Hopefully things will improve- old landlord back as dealfell through with last one. worth revisiting if you've been avoiding it!
anonymous - 18 Dec 2006 18:00
Going down hill at an alarming speed. Food no longer served,front door shut early when the bands aren't on and you'd think the beer would be cheap as well as nasty
fennel - 10 Sep 2006 20:56
I take my previous comment back, or at least part of it. The beer was distinctly sub-standard at the weekend. Not bad enough to justify taking it back, but still left a bitter tast in more ways than one.
anonymous - 4 Sep 2006 10:57
The beer has been alright on my visits during the last month, but it is a bit pricey for this area, particularly considering it's nothing special. Usually some decent pub bands at weekeds.
anonymous - 17 Aug 2006 15:00
Very poor John Smiths �2.05 a pint, I won't be back.
I don't mind paying for a decent pint but that's a bit much.
I suppose they need to charge that to pay the artists tnight, (Raglan) authentic Oirish gibberish, over amplified and badly distorted.
inspectorblakey - 28 Jun 2006 23:32
So far, so good. The new landlords seem to be carrying on in the same vein as before including the live music.
Rivington - 26 May 2006 15:03
A come back from the dead pub if ever there was one. From a lone figure at the bar to a lively crowd, in little time at all. Who can forget the previous landlord with his Telegraph crossword and his happy smiling face, (Not)
chufferd - 15 May 2006 16:37
well run welcoming pub with live music Weds and Sats - great quality and value for money food. Hope the new owners keep up the standards set
bitterend - 27 Mar 2006 20:56
A few years ago you would be lucky to find six people in it on a Satuday night. And it smelt of dog. A change of landlord turned it into a busy pub with regular live music at weekends. John Smith's cask ale. Sadly landlord is moving on, apparently in the wake of too many moans from residents about the noise from the bands. A good pub at present, though ignorant regulars propping up the bar make service difficult.
Rivington - 27 Mar 2006 16:55

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