Spinning Mule Wetherspoon has a family feel to it

This week we spoke to one of the managers at the Spinning Mule – JD Wetherspoon to see find out more about the pub.

Name of the pub:

The Spinning Mule – JD Wetherspoon

Address of the pub:

Nelson Square, Bolton, BL1 1JT

Manager’s name:

Jamie Kirkman

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How long have you been the manager for?

I used to work at the Westhoughton Wetherspoon and got transferred here, and I have been the manager here since Covid, 2021. It’s been really good. I only came here for four weeks, and I fell in love with the pub and the customers and ended up staying indefinitely. I have worked in pubs since I was around 17 and now I’m 35. I always had a passion for cooking. When I was leaving college, I got a job as a pot washer and worked my way up.

One of the managers Jamie Kirkman (Image: Newsquest)Give us some history about the pub:

The pub is named after the invention which revolutionised the cotton industry, and is the brainchild of Samuel Crompton, born on the outskirts of Bolton in 1753. It also used to be a gentleman’s suit shop. All Wetherspoon pubs take over old buildings whilst keeping the history of the building.

Is food served? If so please describe it or if there are plans to in the future.

We serve traditional pub food. On Tuesdays we have steak club, and a curry club on a Thursday. Between 2pm-5pm we have a deal on fish and chips. I quite like all of our food, so don’t have a preference. There is something for everybody here.

Is there a beer garden? Please describe

We have a small beer garden, only with about 10 tables. We only got the beer garden at the end of summer last year, so this will be the first year seeing how it is.

What is the most popular drink served and why?

Our real ales and guest ales are really popular. We have lots of different colours and strengths. Most of our ales are here for a day or two and then gone because of the popularity. We have some from head office and order from local breweries like Bank Top Brewery.

What is the most memorable moment at the pub?

When we reopened after closing for the refurbishment and seeing everyone coming back was like seeing family again. We only shut for two weeks at the end of May/mid June last year. We had new carpets fitted throughout the pub, and the beer garden. All of the toilets were also completely redone, and they hadn’t been done for more than 20 years. The refurbishment cost about £500k. The company has put a lot of money into this for us.

One of the managers Chelsea Hulme (Image: Newsquest)What are the biggest challenges within the industry and how can you overcome them?

After we reopened after Covid, there were cases of spiking. We have made sure that staff know what to look out for and being really alert. We also run Ask Angela if anyone feels in danger or distressed. If you go to the bar and ask for Angela, our staff are trained to get help and deal with the situation, or speak to a manager. People can also use this for ordering a taxi. We will do whatever we need to do to look out for people.

What is the best thing about running a pub and why?

The community that this pub has built up. We see a lot of our regulars every day and have chats with them. We just feel like a big family, including the staff. A lot of our staff are students, and they might only see their families at the end of term time, so knowing they can come here and be looked after is great.

What is the worst thing about running a pub and why?

The late finishes now and again, and when it gets busy out of nowhere. But I have done this job for a lot longer than I haven’t, so I don’t really have any bad points. It is not an industry for everyone.

What bonus things are offered at the pub? Please explain.

We have a ‘meet the brewer’ event next week at the pub. One of the breweries is coming to the pub for us to try the ales, exclusive to Weatherspoon. Lords Brewery will come to the pub on April 4 from 7pm, as well as the people from CAMRA coming at about 8pm. It is open to the public.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.