The Ring O Bells, Middleton

 

The Ring O Bells

St Leonards Square, Middleton, Manchester M24 6DJ

TEL: 0161 654 9245

This building has been a pub since 1831 but according to local legend there has been a pub on the site since Anglo Saxon times and it was originally built over a druid's temple. In the English civ/li wart a group of Roundheads who used the place for secret meetings were captured and killed They are said tro have been buried in the pub cellar butr nobody ahs yet found any human remains..It is up the hill from the centre of Middleton in the conservation area, next to the park and opposite the church. 

decor - 4

light browns and greys, natural wood with carvings round the bar

ambience - 5

lively, friendly and no canned music so you can hear yourself talk 

service - 4

real ales - 1

A J.W. Lees pub

features - 6

child friendly

dog friendly

TV

serves food

rather nice beer garden

darts

toilets - 3

Score 23 out of 30

Disabled access: there is access for wheelchairs at the back.

The New Inn, Middleton

 

The New Inn

34 Long Street, Middleton, Manchester M24 6QU

No phone number listed

An unpretentious, friendly high street pub.

decor - 3

Blue, grey and white with wooden beams

ambience - 4 

very welcoming

real ales - 0

service - 4

welcoming

features - 4

pool table

darts

TV screens

live music at weekends

toilets - 3

Score 18 out of 30

The Olde Boars Head

Ye Olde Boars Head

111 Long Street, Middleton M24 6UE

TEL: 0161 643 3520

This is across the road from Middleton library and Jubilee Park. It has a good claim to be the oldest original pub building in the country, having opened in 1623 (though the Scotch Piper in Lydiate, Merseyside dates from 1320). Inside are six rooms, and one impressively huge room that used to hold the local magistrates court sessions. It is now available to hire for events. 

    If you want to know more about the pub's history, go to the website of the Middleton Archaeological Society  (middletonas.com) and look up their guide to the Olde Boars Head. (The direct link doesn't work.)

Ambience - 5

Decor - 4

Lots of dark timber and cream painted walls, a variety of comfortable seating in a variety of rooms of different sizes.

Service - 4

Friendly if a bit slow

Real ales - 2

A JW Lees pub, has their bitter and pale ale.

Features - 3

Serves food, medium-length pub menu with a steak section, main meals and sandwiches

Function room for hire

Family friendly (but not dog friendly)

Toilets - 4

Score 22 out of 30

Ring O Bells

Ring O Bells

St Leonards Square, Middleton M24 6DJ

TEL: 0161 654 9245

This pub opened in 1831 and is at the top of the hill behind Jubilee Gardens and the town library in Middleton. It hosts a maypole on May Day and a Pace Egging festival on Easter Monday, which is when this photo was taken. You can see "The Doctor" in the top hat and frock coat at the foot of the steps. 

Ambience - 4

lively

Decor - 3

Dark wooden beams and cream painted walls, gives it a traditional feel. Most of the seating is wooden and not so comfortable, though.

Real ales - 2

This is a JW Lees pub, and has Lees bitter, lager and pale ale.

Service - 5

Very fast and friendly. Though when I was there, I think they had extra staff to deal with the extra customers who'd come to watch the Pace Egging. 

Features - 4

Sunday lunch

Pool room

Quiz night

Rather nice beer garden

Toilets - 4

Would've scored 5 if it wasn't for the dirty floor

Score 22 out of 30