James Unsworth took over The York three and a half years ago and now it is in the top six pubs in Bolton, as rated by our readers.

He said: “I think what sets us apart from other places is the friendly atmosphere; it really is like we’re one big family sometimes.

“I came here having never run a pub before but had been involved in the music industry more as a hobby than a full time occupation but that did give me a head start with the entertainment side of the business having put on bands and nights around Bolton previously.

“We’re the only pub in Bolton that is focused on music across the board.

“We put on all genres of live music on a weekly basis plus DJs, comedy nights, karaoke, BBQ’s, a monthly free to enter pool competition with a £25 bar tab for the winner and movie nights.

“We have changed almost everything about the place. The entire inside of the pub was painted during lockdown and we also built new stages and a new smoking shelter in the beer garden.

“We are constantly trying to improve the facilities and have brought in a BBQ for the summer and are pricing up heating for the beer garden at present.”

James added that he was overjoyed to make the final six.

“It feels great to be seen as one of the top six pubs in Bolton, obviously all the pubs had a really hard time during Covid so it’s amazing to see the hard work we have put in here since then is starting to pay off. I also really appreciate that it must have been noticed by the customers who have voted.

“I would like to thank all the customers for their continued support.

“It’s the customers after all that make the place and all the staff too as they do an amazing job I really don’t know what I would do without them.

“I am really pleased to have got this far if we actually won it that would really mean a lot and be something that myself, the staff and all the customers could be proud of.”

James used to work in IT and engineering recruitment for around 17 years and he was a presenter on Bolton FM and BoltonLive.

James said: “We are constantly making changes and trying to improve the place and we are looking into adding food to the menu.

Music is clearly at the heart of The York’s appeal and James takes the pub’s role seriously.

He said: “We offer the chance for up and coming bands too so watching bands you had on when they had only played a couple of shows is great.”

James has praised the staff at the pub.

He said: “Luckily I really do have the best staff, they are always really good with all the customers and its down to them too that we have such a good atmosphere and they really help make the place what it is.

“I am proud of the community feeling we have here, there is always someone with a smile for you at The York.”