MICRO-PUBS have become a part of our lifestyle and nights out in recent years.

As we continue to put the spotlight on local watering holes to find our ‘Pub of the Week’, we have visited award-winning The Beer School in Westhoughton to find out the reasons for their success.

Name of the pub:

The Beer School

Address of the pub:

Market Street, Westhoughton,

Landlord/landlady name:

Rachel Birch

How long have you been the landlord/landlady for?

5 years

Bar staff and their names:

Suzy Nelson - Assistant Manager

Give us some history about the pub:

After a decade of teaching, I decided to take a massive leap of faith and follow my dreams to open a micro pub in my community that would be inclusive and safe for everyone and dog friendly. The Beer School specialises in Real Ale, Real Cider, Craft Beer and Small-Batch Gin from independent, small UK brewers, producers and distillers. It is important to me that we source excellent quality products. I am passionate about encouraging people to try different beers and styles which is why we operate as a permanent beer festival with an ever-changing line-up!

Is food served? what’s on the menu?

We don’t serve food but we host pop-up food events. We have our Pie & Ale Night with Award Winning Baldy’s Pies from Wigan on December 16

Is there a beer garden?

We have a beautiful secluded beer garden at the back

Do you have any darts/snooker/pool teams?

We host a weekly ‘Games Night’ for free where customers can choose from a huge variety of board games and card games, dominoes and Jenga etc.

Most popular drink served is:

Real Ale, Real Cider and Craft Beer

Most memorable moment at the pub:

August, 2016 when I got the keys to the building and started transforming it into my dream!

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

We have live music acts every Sunday, Quiz Night and Rock & Roll Bingo every Thursday and a DJ on the last Friday of the month.

Have you faced any challenges within the industry?

Covid has presented the biggest challenge in my personal and professional career.

The best thing about running a pub is...

The customers and their dogs!

The worst thing about running a pub is...

The very long hours!