Cheers to Chorley’s micro pubs and bars
With craft beer and specialist tipples becoming ever more popular, micro pubs and bars are springing up across the country with Chorley leading the way in offering punters a wide choice of pint-sized establishments to sup local brews.
The ‘micro pub’ concept was first recognised in 2005 and is typically one room converted into a free-house. However, here in Chorley the concept has been developed further with imaginative landlords creating unique drinking establishments that are attracting visitors from far and wide.
Chorley now boasts five micro pubs and two micro bars in the town centre alone and all are worthy of a visit. The latest establishment to open is just outside of the town centre in nearby Buckshaw Village, adding to Chorley’s reputation as a great location for independent businesses.
With this many micro pubs and bars in one place, let us take you on a tour so you know your way around…
The Ale Station on Chapel Street is just a short stroll from Chorley Interchange. Previously a sandwich bar, the modern looking venue has a wine bar feel but serves five changing real ales mainly from north western micro breweries. There are also two changing real ciders. A state of the art digital display board provides full price information and real ale details, in addition to updated train times for the railway traveller.
On the same street lies Shepherds’ Hall Ale House. Formerly a florist’s shop, it has been tastefully converted and utilises fittings from other closed pubs in the town. No TV, no music and up to five real ales are served, mainly from micro breweries from across the country. Around three specialist ciders are normally on offer, although hidden from site under the counter – just check the chalk board for details.
Chapel Street is also home to Speakeasy, offering a wide variety of gins, vodka and other spirits with regular live music acts at the weekend. On the same street you will find Latch, a glamourous micro venue with a split personality – cake and coffee during the day and a wine and cocktail bar in the evening. Latch also offers music by DJ with occasional live acts plus themed afternoon teas and children’s parties during the day.
Continue down Chapel Street until you reach New Market Street and Chorley Covered Market. The Bob Inn is a tiny bar housed within the Covered Market with a lounge area and pool table just next door. The pub serves three changing cask beers sourced from smaller breweries and at least two ciders along with a good selection of bottled beers.
On Market Street, the main street that runs through Chorley town centre, the D’Owd Inn awaits, which is best described as a ‘micro bar and café’. Situated in a corner shop unit, the pub is on a split level, with the upper area set out more for food and the lower area around the bar as the drinking section. From 8am until noon, it is purely a café. Then in the afternoon the bar opens with food served until 2pm.
Continue along Market Street until you reach Bolton Street where you will find the Bootleggers in premises previously used as a lingerie shop. Spread over three levels, there is a small drinking area with stools towards the entrance. A few steps lead up to the bar itself with a flight of stairs to the upper lounge area. Up to four cask ales are available, mainly from local breweries and local acts regularly perform in the live lounge on Saturday evening.
For those who live in Buckshaw Village or those who don’t mind a short taxi ride from Chorley town centre, Filling Factory No 1, is the latest micro bar on the block. Set within the Morrow Brothers Packaging site, it offers a diverse range of keg beer, cask ales and speciality gins in the unique setting of a bottle filling factory. There’s even live music, guest appearances from mobile quirky cocktail bars and tapas for those who may be a little peckish.
Not many towns can boast this many micro pubs and bars within staggering distance from each other. So if you fancy a night out with a difference, check out Chorley and our magnificent micro pubs and bars.
