First Chop, Ramsbottom

I don't usually comment on pubs, but since this was a recommendation I thought I'd make the effort.
I met a friend at a beer festival last year and he said I should try it, so I visited it a couple of weeks ago but it�s actually taken me until now to write anything.

Situated in the village of Ramsbottom, it�s a bit of a trek to get there from Altrincham, but don�t let that put you off as it�s an enjoyable trip. I used the ELR steam railway, it�s only a short 10 min' journey from Bolton Street Station, Bury (and you can call in at �The Trackside� first, on the station platform) This is an award winning CAMRA pub with 8+ great beers!

Having read the reports here prior to my visit I was eagerly anticipating my trip. My first impressions of the �Chop� (as it�s known locally) was one of surprise, I knew it was small, but it�s tiny! Apparently it was a former terraced shop? That said, it�s easy to see why it's popular as it's bustling and full of it's own unique character.

I managed to squeeze my way in & after being stood & jostled for 20mins I did eventually manage to find a seat. This place is cramped alright and is desperately crying out for more space, so if you like intimacy this is not the bar for you! The atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of �Fannys Ale House in Saltaire, Yorkshire, only the building is half the size!

Despite its limitations, it really is a quaint little place. The bar staff were extremely pleasant & very helpful. I also found the beers on offer in excellent condition and all locally sourced, Outstanding-Blond, Sataire�Cascade, Hawkshead�Bitter, Allgates�Citra, no complaints with the selection here.

Sadly on the afternoon/evening of my visit it was very busy & unfortunately noisy too, with everyone seemingly trying to out shout the background music. OK, it does add to the ambience & atmosphere but it also makes holding a conversation here difficult, so avoid at peak periods If you like solace. Saying that, at one point the bar emptied for a short while before quickly filling up again, presumably it has a transient client�le base?

Aside from it�s obvious good points & local niche appeal, there were a few disappointing negatives. I thought the place was pretty shabby and in the bright evening sunshine it looked very tired to me. A lick of paint, some hole filling & a mop wouldn't go a miss and would certainly help freshen the place up a bit.

To make matters worse, the urinals were tacky, the hand dryer didn�t work and there were no paper towels. Shouldn't someone be checking this? Also the single urinal entrance door was jammed open? Isn't there supposed to be two doors preventing a urinal from open view?

When I mentioned the above to my Mrs, she said she too had similar problems. The lock on the toilet wasn�t working properly, there was urine on the floor & the sink was falling off the wall?

OK, I know it's not the end of the world and you may think I'm being petty, but to me it's important attention to detail or lack of it and draws me to question the owners business philosophy.

One final gripe which ties in with my latter comment are the prices in here? That was probably the biggest disappointment of all and led me to leave earlier than otherwise. (Beers over �3 and a glass of wine �5,25!) This is surely excessive when you consider the tiny size of this place, it�s toilets & its cramped/limited comfort levels? (wooden stools) It's a nice village alright, but it's hardly the West End!

In conclusion, the �Chop� certainly has something unique, it has character, atmosphere & an obvious local niche, but visit on busy nights at your peril.

Personally I think it�s looking tired, it was grubby and it obviously lacks any kind of ongoing maintenance regime.
Unquestionably, great beers, but don�t expect luxury here, as that�s as far as it goes. I'm afraid it smacks of champagne prices, run on a beer budget.

�nuff said!

13 Jun 2011 15:56