BITE user comments - yamato
Comments by yamato
Sampled some more excellent beers recently including the world class Gun Dog. Also, I would like to say that Martin behind the bar is developing into a real asset thanks to his warm & engaging character. Remains a great venue for all occassions.
4 Nov 2012 11:34
The reversion to the previous name of THE SADDLE and the makeover have served to breath new life into this long neglected pub. That said, the overall atmosphere still has that air of manace bubbling under the suface which threatens to errupt at any time.
4 Nov 2012 11:29
Popped in for a quick pint and delighted to note that Directors and Spitfire were on offer. Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!
4 Nov 2012 11:24
A warm congratulations to Nicola, Jason and the staff at the Bowling Green for their richly deserved CAMRA 'Pub of the Season' award. Without doubt the best pub in Horwich!
18 Oct 2012 14:20
Another brilliant evening at the 'Bowler'. Nicola and Jason are at the top of their game doing everthing to ensure that drinkers experience the very best in terms of consistently good beer and a lively yet welcoming atmosphere.
5 Jul 2012 05:02
Re - boltonblokes comments - Nicola has clearly dealt with the situation and as this establishment is still fairly new, such teething troubles could be considered as a 'one off'. Whilst I agree with boltonblokes view that staff should not behave in this way at any time, I would nonetheless suggest a degree of toleration at this time. No doubt, the lessons from this regretable episode will serve to improve the overall customer experience in the longrun. Meanwhile, in the words of Mr Grace (Are You Being Served), 'carry on, you're all doing very well!'.
26 Jun 2012 10:07
Ah, bliss! An evening unencumbered by idiotic dance music and loud mouths. Jason and Nicola are beginning to attract the right crowd. By this I mean people who simply want a good night out without any hassle from local 'head the balls'. The 'Bowler' is well on its way to becoming the watering hole of choice for the more discerning drinker. By the way, the guest Twaites ale was excellent! Keep up the good work, Horwich needs you!
2 May 2012 13:01
Large pub diner totally lacking charm or atmosphere. Very expensive (tonic water �1.80). Food also very expensive for what it is.
28 Apr 2012 21:56
Redevelopment coming shortly, although I hear that real ale will not be on offer. No change there then!
13 Apr 2012 12:33
After a promising start................................
It just gets better and better! The Bowling Green continues to lead the way with all the elements in place for that perfect pub experience.
13 Apr 2012 12:31
Snook in for a quick one to see if things have improved. Had to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Perhaps I have been too harsh in the past?
5 Apr 2012 16:43
The Bowling Green continues to go from strength to strength under the expert management team and staff who set the standards for all other Horwich pubs to follow. Without doubt, this is the best pub in Horwich, so if you have yet to give it a try, call in, you wont be disappointed.
5 Apr 2012 13:36
Another great night with Jason and Nicola. Great beer, great atmosphere and last but not least great management.
16 Mar 2012 07:44
Great opening eving for the revamped Bowling Green. what can I say about the dynamic duo now in charge, other than they are absolutely on top of their game. This promises to be Horwich's best pub for the more mature pub -goer. Well done, a brilliant start!
14 Mar 2012 12:48
First visi earlier this week and will certainly not be my last. Very comfortable pub with excellent beer & food. What more could you ask for?
17 Feb 2012 13:38
Swan and Royal Hotel, Clitheroe
Ah, the younger generation!!! Perhaps you would prefer the usual alcopop with the steady moronic thump thump of hip hop in the background. Yes, I thought so.
17 Feb 2012 13:36
The most depressing Spoons that I have yet to encounter. 10 am Saturday morning, and already full of keg heads and football yobbos. Food is nothing special. Needs to up it's game.
11 Feb 2012 17:45
I like the things that you are saying 'nicola 121'. You really could be on to a winner here, espoecially with the live music nights. I wish you the best of luck with your venture.
5 Feb 2012 15:56
Beer remains of a consistently high quality, however my enjoyment is somewhat marred by the freezing cold interior of this otherwise top class establishment.
5 Feb 2012 15:53
Very pleasant pub with a good atmosphere. The roaring real fire was a treat on a cold and wet Monday afternoon.
7 Jan 2012 14:25
A few pints of the excellent Marble 'Ginger' went down very well last night. Dave (Landlord) continues to maintain his high standards, with an ever changing range of first class ales.
11 Nov 2011 14:40
First visit to Rochdale since 1997. I was looking forward to revisiting the Mucky Duck, with its great beer and jukebox. Imagine my disappointment when I saw this once great pub was now part of the ghastly Last Orders chain. At least the Cask and Feathers is a welcome alternative.
3 Nov 2011 20:29
Interesting, but generally illiterate comments from Funkygirl30, Kez23 and Dogma321. Whilst my previous postings reveal that I can in no way be considered a supporter of the management of this pub, the bile spewed out by this gruesome threesome seems rather over the top.
3 Nov 2011 20:13
True, this pub is not the most salubrious in Horwich. However, the landlord is hilarious (in the best possible way!). He makes a great effort with what little he has to go along with. I do hope that the fortunes of this place experience a turn for the better. The landlord deserves it!!
28 Jul 2011 19:57
The Furness Railway, Barrow In Furness
One of the better Wetherspoons establishments. Clean interior, good food and excellent service. Not bad range of ales, always happy to see Directors on tap.
7 Mar 2011 16:35
The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel and Bar, Barrow in Furness
Great selection of beers on offer, the Lancaster Red was particularly good. Not cheap, but worth it as the service in this establishment is first rate.
Food and accommodation are excellent.
6 Mar 2011 15:36
The Cres is back to its best following a change in management.
16 Feb 2011 05:21
I could not agree more with boltonbloke. The management of this pub is a disgrace to the licenced trade.
16 Feb 2011 05:18
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.
15 Feb 2011 14:36
Without doubt the best beer for miles. Four handpumps with three guest beers on offer, all of which have been of a consistently high quality. About time that we had somewhere to enjoy a decent pint in pleasant surroundings, and without being disturbed by the detritus inhabiting some of Horwich's more shady establishments.
15 Feb 2011 14:20
At last, a pub that Horwich can be proud of. Great beer, including Theakstons and Deuchars IPA. More guest beers to follow.
Aiming towards attracting an older crowd including locals, walkers and bikers.
The good news is that the pool table and thumping dance tunes have gone, and with them the yobs that used to frequent this place.
This pub could be eveything the old Toll Bar used to be before it started going downhill ten years ago. Best of luck.
13 May 2010 11:50
I have had quite a few negative things to say about the beer in this pub in the past. However, since I sampled the excellent Holt's Mild, I am a reformed character. Outstanding, would not be out of place in the New Oxford in Salford or the Witchwood in Ashton -under-Lyne.
3 Mar 2010 19:04
Marked improvement in the beer with the latest offering 'Summer Time'.
23 Jun 2009 05:01
After a promising start, another Horwich pub goes the way of so many others. The management Need to get their act together before the Bowler becomes yet another hangout for the chavs and lowlife that in the past brought a sad end to the Toll Bar, The Queens and the Vic&Albert. At least the Toll Bar has managed to get back on track, though it is nowhere near as good as it was in its Biker, Rock and Real Ale heyday. Best of luck to the girls, they are trying.
15 Jun 2009 15:36
I was not at all impressed by my visit to this establishment which for some inexplicable reason currently rates as 7 out of 10. There was only one real ale on offer which was over chilled and bland. I was however encouraged to stay by the jukebox which had more than the usual R&B rubbish on offer. After putting �1.50 into the jukebox, I sat back to listen to some old favourites, when to my surprise, the barman unlpugged the machine half way through the first track. For the next few minutes he busied himself doing nothing, all the while avoiding my gaze. Eventually, I mamanaged to ask him what had happened to the Jukebox, as I had only just put in �1.50. His only reply was 'the jukebox goes off at seven'. As I am not a local, how am I to know that! No offer of a refund, not even any hint of an apology. There were around ten people in the pub, was it therefore that important that the jukebox was turned off. This attitude typifies everything that is wrong with the pub trade today, a total contempt for the paying customer. Perhaps I was done a favour, as later that same evening I saw a team of five bouncers (Sorry - security professionals) stood outside. Any pub that needs this level of security surely has problems. If I ever returned to Whitehaven my first, and indeed my last port of call would be the Vagabond.
13 Jun 2009 14:54
I think that the comments from townie saw it all. I rest my case.
7 Feb 2009 13:47
The Caledonia Hotel, Ashton Under Lyne
Excellent food and first class service in this welcoming pub. Looking forward to my next visit.
21 Dec 2008 10:21
I stand by my comments. Not the worst pub in Horwich when it comes to beer but bl**dy close! As for CAMRA, they do not always get it right.
20 Oct 2008 21:21
Consistently good beer, great jukebox.,mad bar staff,all the ingredients to make a great pub.
20 Oct 2008 21:17
Found it impossible to get served at 8pm on Friday evening. Gave up after three people jumped the queue. Perhaps I did not barge my way through or shout loud enough, not my idea of a good time.
18 Oct 2008 16:57
World class Dark Mild, beer does not get much better than this. Not only the best pint in Horwich, but one of the best pints in Greater Manchester. A proud boast, but totally justified! Keep up the good work, at last a pub that Horwich can be proud of!
1 Oct 2008 19:41
The mural which once proudly adorned the Toll Bar has been removed in what can only be described as an act of cultural vandalism. Has it been replaced by something even better? No of course not, this is Horwich and what we have now is a list of the classy beverages on offer including Carling, John Smiths and Alco Pops. Absolute class, why not rename the place "The Scumbag Arms". Sorry to be so negative, but what is wrong with the Toll Bar returning to its halcyon days of good beer and the best jukebox in Horwich. How long I wonder before there is a return to some pimply youth spinning the decks playing 'top toons' to an equally pimply group of tracksuited trash.
21 Sep 2008 14:52
I have to say that when I first saw the rather smart new signage for the pub I was feeling somewhat optimistic. This mood was however very short lived when I read that the pub will have wall to wall football. What sort of people will this attract? As boltonbloke has noted, the football theme failed miserably at the Queens. Why repeat a formula that obviously does not work? Surely the key to success is the quality of the beer, here the Toll Bar could steal a march on the competition (such as it is)and become a real haven for the serious beer drinker. The alternative is something of a self fulfilling prophesy, fill the place with noisy lager swilling yobs and it will turn into a carbon copy of the Queens.
12 Sep 2008 19:48
Unfortunately, it appears that the rumours concerning the redevelopment of the Toll Bar are true. The new signage adorning the pub advertises it a having large screen televisions showing Setanta Sports. What a great shame, another opportunity to do something positive with this pub missed. No doubt all the gobshites who until recently frequented the Albert and the Queens will relocate here. Why oh why is it all to much to ask for a simple no frills pub selling decent beer. Horwich does not need another chav paradise complete with wall to wall football and super chilled 'premium' lager. Typical Horwich, no imagination.
11 Sep 2008 20:14
I am really beginning to warm to this pub. Consistently good beer and a warm welcome from the most excellent landlady.
30 Aug 2008 06:12
Dear inspectorblackey
I am all in favour of people drinking Holts beer as I am equally in favour of people drinking methadone or turps. Perhaps a pint of real beer would change your mind. May I suggest you locate youself in a decent pub and try some Dark Mild (Bowling Green- Horwich) or perhaps some Roosters Bitter (Crescent-Salford). I do recall that the Bridge served a decent pint of Flowers not that long ago. Apparently no call for it anymore, very sad as real ale is now all too rare in Horwich. When Holts is the only option I suggest joining the temperance movement!
26 Aug 2008 22:59
A delightfull evening in the Bowling Green. Several pints of the rather excellent Dark Mild served to insulate my senses from the dull surroundings. That said, this pub has the makings of one of Horwich's better watering holes. Very attentive and polite bar staff (a rarity in Horwich). Only thing lacking is a sensitive makeover which could really transform this pub into something special. The lounge area is a bit desperate, one can almost see the tumbleweed blowing through. Not the fault of the present management, rather a symptom of years of neglect. The present landlady is pulling this pub in the right direction. I wish her the best of luck.
26 Aug 2008 22:41
Dear casablanca, you are correct in your forecast that 50% of pubs will be lost over the next few years. Drinking habits are changing, certainly amongst the younger generation. The pubs that will survive are those who are able to up their game, by this I mean providing good beer, good food and a warm welcoming, non threatening environment. The New Oxford in Salford gets it right on all counts and has become very popular over the last few years with a mixed clientelle that makes for a lively but convivial atmosphere. Unfortunately, such establishments in Horwich do not exist and we have to contend with wall to wall football and loud mouthed (some of them middle aged) yobs. I do hope that the Bowling Green survives as of all the pubs in Horwich it has the most potential to become a real haven for the serious beer drinker. However, by taking every pound that they can get by serving loud mouthed yobs they are sacrificing long term gain for short term success (look what happened to the Queens and the Toll Bar). Best of luck to the landlady who has in many respects turned around what was yet another of Horwich's failing pubs.
24 Aug 2008 09:36
Dear casablanca, whilt I agree that the Bowling Green is not a church and that therefore some bad language is to be expected, there are limits. At present, Horwich pubs are largely dominated by loud mouthed chavy moronic type. These people seem to take pleasure in making life uncomfortable for anyone who simply wishes to enjoy a quiet pint. Whether the landlady of this pub holds down two jobs is irrelevant as her paramount responsibility is to the customer. That said, the Bowling Green does show some promise and could develop into one of Horwich's better pubs.
22 Aug 2008 17:09
Inspectorblackey, it sounds as if all that rubbish beer has impaired your senses. Holts is without doubt the worst cask beer there is, every new variation that appears is even more appaling than the last. Has anyone out there had the misfortune to taste a pint of Holt's latest offering 'Joey', I rest my case.
20 Aug 2008 11:01
No Black Sheep on this evening, only the ridiculously over chilled Brains on offer. Could not be bothered.
19 Aug 2008 04:21
Popped into the Bowling Green hoping for a quiet Monday evening pint, forgetting however that this is Horwich, so no such luck. A couple of loud mouthed rednecks at the bar who were unable to complete a sentence without the word f***ing! Also, could not seem to live without their mobile phones for more than a minute and insisted that everyoneone else share in their moronic conversation. No action whatever from barstaff.
What a great pity as the Dark Mild was a very reasonable pint.
19 Aug 2008 04:20
I could not agree more with boltonbloke's sentiments. Why do most pubs in Horwich cater for either chavvy gobshites or rednecks. The one notable exception is the Crown which unfortunately is let down bt its revolting (Holts) beer. Could I suggest that the pub chain looking at the Toll Bar should take some ideas from the Crescent and the New Oxford in Salford, not forgetting of course the Ship and Mitre in Liverpool. Perhaps they may be inspired to provide something decent in this otherwise lacklustre town. Alas, not much hope of that as what we will inevitably get is another burberry paradise complete with super chilled lager and wall to wall football. I would rather the place was turned into flats.
16 Aug 2008 18:39
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.
15 Aug 2008 05:04
Very pleasant early evening session. Pity that the guest beer was Holts Bitter. That said we made up for this unfortunate state of affairs by sampling the lovely Belgian Leffe. Good atmosphere, attentive bar staff. Apart from a good pint of bitter, what more could you ask for?
8 Aug 2008 10:16
Nasty chilled bitter, not a haven for the serious beer drinker. Might appeal more to those who don't wish to spend �1.50 on a pint. However, you know the old saying,'you get what you pay for'. At the Crown you certainly get what you pay for, no more, no less.
22 Jul 2008 22:32
A 1970s Butlins party atmosphere on Sunday evenings. No doubt has its appeal to some. The problem is the music competes with the piped 'musak' and the telivised sport creating an assault on the senses. Please just give us one or the other, not all three!
Beer still decidedly average.
6 Jul 2008 23:45
After a brief respite, felt that it was time to give this watering hole another chance. Basically, the Original Bay Horse represents all that is wrong with Horwich, a parochial attitude, almost Royston Veysey-ish. Unable to get to the bar as the 'patrons' would not even recognise my very existence. Refused to give an inch of their precious bar-space, all in all, dreadful people. The four television screens showing sport, compete with a dukebox and chit chatter, creating a assault on the senses. Conversation is a dead art in this den of iniquity.The locals best summed up by the words of the Duke of Wellington, "the scum of the earth, enlisted for drink". Never again, enough of this miserable hole in this miserable town.
6 Jul 2008 23:40
An outstanding pub which gets it just about right on every level. Superb choice of beers, great food, pleasant decor anf friendly staff. After only my second visit, I feel like a time honoured regular customer. If only the pubs in my home town (Horwich) came up to this standard I would be very happy.
28 May 2008 06:24
This was my first visit to this pub and I can only say that it exceeded my already high expectations.
Superb choice of beer, highly efficient and courteous
bar staff. Friendly locals made for a very pleasant
experience which I look forward to repeating.
1 May 2008 12:22
There have been some improvements of late, however the staff and landlady in particular need to keep an eye on some of the more dubious elements now frequenting this pub. The last time that I called in,the pool table area was a haven for local lowlife. One young woman looked as if she was about to overdose. Perhaps they should start selling methadone behind the bar instead of those silly drinks in tubes or whatever they are.
3 Apr 2008 16:46
What has happened to this once great pub? The Wobbly Bob was undrinkable! So much for nostalgia!It will be a while before I venture though the Swans doors again.
3 Apr 2008 09:04
Another pleasant visit to this first rate pub. The beer as always was excellent, not to mention the home cooked food which was without doubt the best 'pub food' that I have ever experienced. Looking forward to my next visit.
3 Apr 2008 08:59
The Crescent lives on! This tremendous pub is back to
the top of its game. All the elements are there, great
beer, friendly staff and authentic surroundings that
create a lively atmosphere. This is the type of pub
that all others should aspire to. Keep up the good work.
7 Feb 2008 13:28
First visit to this pub in several years. Friendly
bar staff and a decent pint of Bank Top. The open
plan style leaves the place a bit empty and soleless.
May be somewhere to pop in occasionaly but would not
wish to make it my local.
30 Jan 2008 05:25
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.
30 Jan 2008 04:33
The slow decline of this once great pub continues.
Never quite the same following its refurbishment,
the quality of the beer has taken a nose dive of
late. Crop Circle was undrinkable, and even the
usually trustworthy Wobbly Bob was bland and tateless.
Usual mix of interesting clientelle, still retains
some of the old atmosphere, but like the beer, somewhat watered down.
24 Jan 2008 14:14
This was a great pub before the moronic element gained control turning into a chav paradise. It
would be something to have a return to its heyday,
great jukebox and good beer instead of top toons
and wkd. I have little hope however as we all know
what Horwich really needs is yet another food outlet
or perhaps a tanning salon.
Its grim up north.
17 Jan 2008 18:05
A vast mausoleum containing the nearly/soon to be dead. An atmosphere like a doctors waiting room is
not improved by mine host, evidently the most miserable man in Horwich. Bar staff come and go, due
to overwork I should imagine as rarely does Bev get off her substantial backside to help out. Not the worst pub in Horwich, there are plenty of other contenders for that title, but somewhere you go because there is nowhere else. Only thing in its favour is the low chav/gobshite count.
15 Dec 2007 18:36
A miserable dingy hole with no atmosphere. Service with a snarl and possibly the most miserable landlady
ever encountered. Expensive jukebox, but dont expect to hear anything as Sky sports rules here! All in all
a totally depressing experience only slighty improved by the beer.
15 Dec 2007 18:01
The Brown Cow, Horwich
Looking forward to giving the Ale House a try.
5 Jan 2014 05:06