Brasshouse, Churchgate, slightly away from the main boozing areas of Bradshawgate and Deansgate.

While this means that the Brasshouse tends to be a little sparsely populated early doors, it soon fills up when everyone crawls (sometimes literally) into the centre of town.

This is one of the more spacious bars in Bolton, decked out in a contemporary combination of dark wood and flashing disco lights. The ample seating encourages groups and sociability, while the large TV screens will no doubt encourage a shower of footie-mad blokes to shout obscenities and proclamations of love at the England team come the World Cup.

Handbag or Heavy Metal?

Unusually, the music in the Brasshouse is provided not by a Jukebox but by a real live DJ (the flashing disco lights probably should have given that away). While the volume level banishes all hopes of a decent conversation, the tunes are cheery enough with tracks from the Pet Shop Boys, Madonna and Michael Jackson making an appearance.

The In Crowd

For some reason the Brasshouse attracts a slightly older crowd. Don't worry, we're not talking geriatric here, but if you're in your late 30s and you fancy a few beers you are not going to feel like you've gatecrashed someone's 18th birthday party. Which can only be a good thing.

What's the damage?

Like many bars in these competitive times, two for one offers are available on various tipples, while at normal price the beers and spirits are no more costly than you would expect from any town centre boozer.

The Verdict

A likeable pub with a deliberate party atmosphere, you might want to head down towards the end of your night to experience the Brasshouse in its full glory. Although, admittedly, by this point you probably won't remember going in.