FOOD glorious food will be under the spotlight at pubs around the area next week.

Bolton's public houses will be serving up their nosh with extra enthusiasm as the nation celebrates Pub Food Week.

During the past few years pub grub has become a booming business and now pubs are the most popular place to eat-out - ahead of burger bars and Chinese and Indian restaurants.

And latest research suggests the pub food boom will continue during the next five years.

The Over Hulton-based North West Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association is delighted.

Secretary Richard Daglish said: "Traditionally the main reason for going to your local was to sample the beer on offer. Now an increasing number of people are choosing pubs for value-for-money meals."

Mr Daglish added: "Research shows that the pub is now the most popular place to eat at lunchtime, beating fish and chip shops, Indian and Chinese restaurants and pizza and burger bars."

And there's even good news for the health conscious pub goer - because the experts say pub food and a pint can be good for your health (in moderation of course!).

Professors at Cardiff University say beer contains carbohydrates, protein and nutrients and modest levels of alcohol in it improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Also, contrary to popular opinion, it does not contain any fat!

THE world of pub food in and around Bolton really can be your oyster with a wide range of different dishes on offer.

Many of the options have been featured in the Cheers columns during the past few months, including the place where oysters and sea-food snacks are the order of the day - Gallagher's Oyster Bar on St George's Road.

Something fishy is also going at Yates's Wine Lodge with the revival of the tradition of snacking on sardines.

Ye Olde Man and Scythe in Churchgate has stepped back into history to brighten up its menus with a range of 17th century banquet dishes.

And pubs including Crompton's Mule on Bradshawgate have entered the continental mood of cafe society with coffee and pastries.

Earlier this year the Anchor Inn in Eagle Street proved beer and authentic curry can live side-by-side with the pub taking over the former chippy directly next-door.

And for this week only to celebrate Pub Food Week a Bury pub is preparing a range of specially created dishes containing JW Lees beers.

The Pack Horse in Albert Street, Birtle, is offering a different meal each day, all cooked using the Manchester brewery's ales.

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