WE love to shine the spotlight on the best Bolton venues to socialise with family and friends in the Pub of the Week feature.

This time we have headed behind the bar to find out more about the Bay Mare.

Name of the pub:

The Bay Mare

Address of the pub:

647-651 Blackburn Road Bolton

Landlord/landlady name:

Marcus & Beth

How long have you been the landlord/landlady for?

4 years last month!

Bar staff and their names:

Ruby, Georgia, Beth, Lois, Sam an d Lowry

Give us some history about the pub:

The building was originally three cottages built some time in the 1800s. The pub is all stone, and is a grade 2 listed property. Arthur and Joyce were the longest standing landlord and landlady here and were here for around 40 years if my memory serves me correctly. The pub used to be quite the haven for police officers as the funeral parlour across the road was Astley Bridge’s local station, perfect for officers clocking off!

Is food served? If so what’s on the menu?

Nuts and crisps only, makes for less washing up!

Is there a beer garden?

Yes, it’s tucked away to the back of the pub away from traffic.

Most popular drink served is:

Cruz Campo and The Cream of Manchester (Boddingtons)

Most memorable moment at the pub:

The Christmas period is always incredible, but more recently we had a charity event for Halloween, raising over £500 for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital charity!

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

We currently have a free jukebox every Friday, a free pool table every Monday, a DJ the last Saturday of every month, and are starting a fortnightly quiz night next Thursday with our very own Beth Yates as quiz master!

Have you faced any challenges within the industry?

The last time we were asked this, Covid-19 got a more than honourable mention, however this time we can’t help but bring up the cost of living crisis, the bills can be extortionate these days.

The best thing about running a pub is...

Being at the heart of the community and helping as many people as we can, from finding people jobs, keeping people company, raising money for good causes, feeding people, helping people organise events and even keeping people warm. Lots of people call in through the day just for a brew and a chat, and we enjoy their visits very much!

The worst thing about running a pub is...

When you lock the doors and look at the mess left behind!