First Chop, Ramsbottom

I note from the recent publication of the 2015 pub guide that the above premise is still listed? Under the terms of the Camra real ale guide this property should have been removed?

This premise closed on the 20th July (business declared bankrupt) No notification to the regulars or staff, the latter of whom all lost their jobs and many left unpaid. A few days later a noticed appeared in the window "closed for refurbishment"?

The premise has now re-opened (Sept 2nd) as the "Ramsbottom Tap" under new management although still owned by the same person.

Having been a patron since it opened I find the whole closure & re-opening process disgraceful. It is fairly obviously that this was a deliberate and devious act on part of the owner to write off creditors, staff & debt's and start again under a different name.

Having re-visited the bar (on opening night) I can confirm the following:

No major changes to the premises what so ever, the toilets are the same (hand driers still don't work) The decor likewise. The coffee machine behind the bar has been removed and several pressure taps installed to replace it (5 real ales still remain on tap on the bar) The downstairs bar has been removed to accommodate more seating. The food menu has been removed completely (no food is served) A large hype in the beer prices!

Personally it's a poor and minimal re-refurbishment which in my mind just highlights the owners business philosophy.

I for one will be boycotting this bar, the owners has no scruples or morals and his actions are deplorable.

14 Sep 2015 06:06

The Ferry Inn, Uig

The Ferry Inn is located on the outskirts of Uig near to the post office on the main road to Portree.

A small local bar attached to the end of a larger restaurant. At the time of my visits a selection of 3 real ales were available, together with coffee/teas & locally made cakes Strangely none of the beers available were Scottish?

The bar itself is a small single "L" shaped room, with just 5 sets of tables & chairs. It's laid out a bit like a cafe & does lack a little atmosphere, but I'm assured by the barman that at times it can get crammed. I noticed an acoustic guitar on the wall, which I'm told is available for those who like a sing a long.

The gentlemen serving was very pleasant indeed with no "tops ups" being required & other than one tap nearing the end of the barrel, the beers on offer were in good condition.

The gent's toilets are outside and a little sparse & cold, but they serve a purpose & were clean so no complaints.

To summarise, having tried all the other pubs in the Northern half of the Island this is without doubt the best for conditioned real ale. OK, it's small, but it's cosy, with pleasant & friendly staff. It's worth the trip.

Les Walker (Beer & Pub Critic)
BeerNorthWestUK - Twitter

26 Oct 2012 11:05

Barristers, Leyland

Listed in the CAMRA 2012 real ale guide I visited this pub for the first time last Saturday (23/6/12) from the outside my first impressions were good, upon entry however I was greeted by a noisy group of lads stood around the bar.

Now that said, they let me through & I was served promptly by a pleasant land lady who had no hesitation in offering me a taste of the 4 cask beers on offer. (St Austell, Wells & Youngs, Lytham & Moorhouses) a half of each was taken and all were found to be in excellent condition, so no complaints here.

The pub itself is quite large inside and is of open plan design, I'm guessing it gets busy at times as in places it's looking a little tatty around the edges. I noticed some seating and carpets were showing signs of heavy wear too.

I managed to find myself a quiet alcove away from the bar and sat besides an old gentleman at the front window, sadly after only a few minutes the noise from the lads at the bar became a major source of irritation. Nothing was directed at me of course & it was all good humoured, but the general volume and language was at times extreme.
So much for a quite pint & a read!

Sadly this ultimately expedited my departure, so In conclusion, It wouldn't be fair to judge this pub on this single visit alone as I probably hit it on a bad day, but I will be back.

Stereotypically however, it does appear to be an "old style" working man's boozer. Good beers, pleasant staff, but with an over exuberant client�le!

I will rate this pub fully on my return visit.

LW (BeerNorthWestUK) - Twitter

29 Jun 2012 12:20