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Pints, Past & Present: Exploring Wigan’s Pub Scene
Wigan’s pub scene is a proper mix of old and new. Places like Wigan Central, The Three Mills, and The Swan & Railway nod to the town’s railway and industrial past while serving quality ales. The Anvil, Tap ’n’ Barrel, and Wigan Brewhouse Taproom carry on the local brewing tradition with cosy atmospheres and interesting pints. Newer spots like Real Crafty and Gin on the Lane add a modern twist but still keep that community feel. All in all, every pub offers a warm welcome where locals and visitors can enjoy a drink and a bit of Wigan’s culture.
Wigan’s history is a mix of grit and character. It began as a Roman settlement called Coccium, later growing into a medieval market town. By the Industrial Revolution, Wigan was buzzing with coal mines, cotton mills, and the famous canal network. It became known for hard graft, strong communities, and of course, pies. The town also gained a reputation for rugby league, with Wigan Warriors becoming a powerhouse of the sport.
Wigan Central
After arriving at Wigan Wallgate station, I walked down past Wigan North Western Station, under the railway and into my first call of the day, Wigan Central. This popped up in 2014 under the arches at Wigan North Western, but its name goes way further back. It’s a nod to Wigan Central Railway Station, which opened in 1892 as part of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway. That station was busy for decades before closing in 1964 thanks to the Beeching cuts. While the original station’s long gone, the pub keeps the memory alive by tying itself to that bit of local history. What was once disused railway offices is now a lively spot that reminds people how important the railways once were to Wigan.
Step inside and it leans right into the railway theme – old station signs, departure boards, and timetables dotted about, with booths that are designed as train compartments. It’s cosy and relaxed, the kind of place you wander into for one pint and somehow end up staying for hours. One of the quirkiest touches are the little semaphore signals on the tables – flip one up if you fancy table service, like calling for the guard.
On the bar a fantastic selection of 8 cask ales, 11 keg beers and ciders, and an impressive “beer library” with a large choice of cans and bottles. I went with “Soursop” from Brass Castle Brewery. A fantastic fruited sour beer with pineapple, mango and guava.
The Three Mills
Up next is The Three Mills Pub in Wigan. This opened in May 2025 inside Eckersley Mill One, part of the town’s famous cotton-milling past. The building, dating back to 1884, was once a hub of industry and now forms the first step in the huge Cotton Works redevelopment. Brought back to life by the Heaton Group, the pub keeps the mill’s historic character while giving locals and visitors a new place to meet up and enjoy a drink. It’s pitched as “a new pub with an old soul,” marking the start of plans to turn the wider site into a lively community space for Wigan.
It keeps its mill roots on the outside – all tall windows and sturdy red brick. but it’s inside where the character really shows. Walk in and you’re met with exposed beams, chunky timber pillars, and those original brick walls that make the place feel solid and honest. The stone floors add to the old-mill vibe, while cosy lighting softens it all, giving it a warm, welcoming feel. There’s a long central bar that pulls you in.
On the bar a choice of a single cask ale, alongside a range of keg beers on the back wall to choose from. I went with “3 Before 8” from Wigan Brewhouse. A easy drinking blonde ale, hopped using Harlequin. Tasty and full of flavour.
Swan & Railway Hotel
Back under the railway brings me to The Swan & Railway. This pub has been welcoming drinkers since 1898, built by architect W.E.V. Crompton in grand Victorian style. Right by Wigan North Western station, it became a favourite with rail workers and travellers, buzzing with stories and pints. The pub is Grade II listed, and its striking tiled façade and ornate interior reflect the pride of the railway age. After years of ups and downs, it was lovingly restored and even scooped a Historic England Conservation Award in 2021. Today, it’s not just a pub but a living piece of Wigan’s history—proper beer, character, and heritage.
Walk inside and it feels like time travel in the best way. The place is full of character with polished wood, tiled floors, and stained glass catching the light. The bar stretches proudly across the room, built for pints and conversation, while little snugs and cosy booths invite you to settle in. High ceilings give it a grand yet welcoming feel. Outside, the beer garden is a proper bonus spot, perfect for summer afternoons. It’s a pub that mixes comfort, history, and atmosphere. Fantastic welcome here from Michelle and Ian, it was lovely to meet and chat with you both.
On the bar a fantastic line up of 7 cask ales to choose from alongside a number of keg options. “Fool’s Gold” from Bootleg Brewing Co was my beer choice in here. A very clean, crisp and great tasting Pale Ale.
The Raven
The Raven on Wallgate has been a Wigan landmark for generations. In the early 1800s the site was known as the Commercial Inn, serving travellers and locals before later adopting the Raven name, which was in common use by the mid-19th century. The current building was put up in 1904, designed by Heaton, Ralph & Heaton in bold Edwardian Baroque style, with red brick, terracotta, and the famous raven carved above the door. It replaced the earlier house but carried on the well-known name. Grade II listed since 1997, it remains one of Wigan’s best-loved pubs and a piece of history.
Wander inside and you’ll find plenty of old-school character, with polished wood, tiled walls and solid Edwardian touches that remind you it’s been here a long time. The bar sits right in the middle, with high ceilings and little details like stained glass and mahogany that give it a proper classic pub look. There are open areas for a lively pint and quieter corners if you want to tuck yourself away. Out back there’s a beer garden – brick walls, benches and tables – nothing fancy, but a cracking spot to sit out with a pint when the weather’s decent.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, alongside a choice of keg beers for you to choose from. In here I went with “Best Bitter” from Beartown Brewery. A great English Bitter, malty, fruity taste and a lovely hoppy finish.
Wigan Brewhouse Taproom
Wigan Brewhouse continues a proud brewing tradition in the town. Brewing in Wigan dates back to the 1700s, when local inns and taverns produced their own ales to serve thirsty workers. By the 1800s, larger breweries such as Magee & Marshall and the eclectic Swales Brewery became household names, fuelling Wigan’s reputation as a beer town. Many of these closed during the 20th century as industry shifted, leaving a gap until AllGates Brewery revived the historic John Bull Brewery site in 2006. When AllGates stopped, Wigan Brewhouse took over in 2019, preserving both the building and Wigan’s brewing heritage.
Wigan Brewhouse Taproom opened on the 1st December 2024 and feels like a proper hidden gem. Tucked away above the old brewery, it’s reached by a steep staircase that adds to the sense of finding somewhere secret. Inside, it’s all character, with exposed brick walls, timber beams, and brewing kit hints reminding you where you are. The bar is cosy and intimate with soft lighting and rustic furniture. Despite the historic setting, it’s comfortable and relaxed, with a mix of modern touches and old-world charm. It’s the kind of place that feels instantly welcoming.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, one cider and further options in bottles. I went with their “Soul Boy”. A US Session Pale Ale, super tasty and full of hoppy flavours having used 4 American Hops in the beer.
The Anvil
The Anvil opened in 1894 as the All Saints Tavern, built by architects Heaton & Ralph during Wigan’s late-Victorian pub boom. For decades it stood as a bustling local, later trading as Riley’s Bar and even linked by a discreet corridor to the neighbouring Grand Hotel which is a small but telling slice of Wigan’s social history. Through the twentieth century it saw name changes, shifting drinking habits and new landlords, yet remained a familiar town-centre landmark. By the early 2000s it had settled into its current name, The Anvil, winning CAMRA’s Pub of the Year in 2002 and still carrying its story forward today.
The outside showcases sturdy red brick, arched windows and the proud 1894 date set above the doorway. Inside, it’s cosy and straightforward, with wood panelling, tables and a few rooms opening into each other. The walls carry certificates and old photographs which give the place a sense of continuity. There are screens for the football, plenty of chatter from regulars, and a tucked-away beer garden out the back, making it feel both familiar and rooted in its own history.
Drinks wise a choice of 5 cask ales, 2 ciders and a range of keg options to select from. “Azacca” from Mallinsons was my beer choice in here. A refreshing and easy drinking American Pale Ale. Brewed using Azacca hops, this beer gives off some hints of lemon and citrus in the aroma.
Tap ‘n’ Barrel
Tap ’n’ Barrel opened in 2015, tucked away in Jaxon’s Court which is a cobbled little alley right in Wigan’s old Victorian Quarter. It started life as the brewery tap for Martland Mill, a local brewery set up by Paul and Delia Wood in 2014. When the brewery shut in 2021, the pub didn’t disappear; it carried on under the Martland Mill Pub Company as an independent free house. Over the years it’s gone from “hidden gem” to one of those places that feels like it’s always been part of the town.
Outside, the cobbles and red-brick fronts make it look like you’ve stepped back into old Wigan, with its snug courtyard and tucked-away doorway. Step inside and it’s all about character with low ceilings, mismatched wood, cosy corners, and that friendly warmth you only get in a proper micropub. It isn’t flashy or overdone; more like someone’s front room that happens to welcome the whole town. The mix of old-world setting and homely interior makes it a favourite bolt-hole off the main drag.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, a number of ciders and a range of keg options to choose from. I went with “Windermere Pale” from Hawkshead Brewery. A lovely Citra Pale Ale, very light, refreshing and easy drinking.
Real Crafty
Real Crafty opened its doors in 2020, but the building’s roots go way deeper. For decades it housed the Royal British Legion, a hub for veterans and community events. Before that, the land was Folly Field – Wigan’s first rugby ground back in the 1860s, where crowds of up to 18,000 once packed in to watch their team. That club would grow into the Wigan Warriors we know today. Now a blue plaque outside marks the Folly Field legacy, and Real Crafty carries it forward as the latest chapter in a site that’s always been about people coming together.
Step inside and it’s clean, modern, and relaxed. The walls are smartly finished, with bright colours and little touches of character dotted around. Big windows bring in plenty of light, and the layout is open enough to feel spacious without losing that cosy feel. Seating’s a mix of high stools, comfy chairs, and tables, so you can settle in however you like. It’s stylish but not fussy, with artwork and quirky décor giving it personality. The whole place feels welcoming and easy-going — somewhere you can drop by and feel at home straight away.
A wide variety of 5 cask ales, 16 keg lines and a choice of real ciders and a number of cans and bottles to choose from. “Ripple Summer Berry” from Pastore Brewing and Blending in here. A lovely sour made with raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, honeycomb and vanilla.
Fifteens of Swinley
Just up the road is Fifteens of Swinley. This isn’t just a pub with rooms – it’s tucked inside a late-Victorian townhouse built when the area was first turning from fields into posh terraces and villas in the late 1800s. The street still shows off those Georgian-style fronts, with brickwork, sash windows and slate roofs all in a row. Locals will tell you the area was Wigan’s “uptown” patch back then, home to doctors, lawyers and shop owners who fancied a bit of space from the mills. These days Fifteens keeps that old Swinley fabric alive, just with more beer pumps inside.
Inside you can tell it used to be a big old house – high ceilings, tall windows, and staircases that creak when you head up for the rooms. The bar feels more like someone’s living room than a chain pub, with vintage signs, oddball bits of décor and a mix of comfy chairs that look like they’ve all got their own story. Upstairs, the old bedrooms have been turned into guest rooms, but you still get the narrow landings and homely feel. It’s basically a Victorian townhouse that never lost its character – just gained some beer taps.
On the bar a choice of 2 cask ales, alongside a selection of keg beers to choose from. I opted to go with “Flat Cap” from Bank Top Brewery. A fantastic English Bitter. Full bodied and malty with a great flavour and mouthfeel.
Yellow Monkey
Located opposite Mesnes Park, Wigan’s first micropub opened in 2020 as Doc’s Alehouse. Not long after, it was renamed Doc’s Symposium, aiming to offer a broader cultural twist on the micropub idea. Eventually, the venue embraced a more playful identity as The Yellow Monkey, a name with roots in an earlier bar overseas. Each change reflected experimentation and reinvention, breathing new life into a once-vacant site.
Step through the doors of The Yellow Monkey and you’ll find a cosy, no-frills space that feels more like a friendly living room than a bar. Wooden tables and stools are tucked close together, encouraging chatter between strangers who don’t stay strangers for long. Monkey-themed touches peek out here and there, giving the place its cheeky character without being over the top. Warm, welcoming, and unpretentious.
On the bar a choice of 2 cask ales, alongside a keg selection and a range of bottles and cans. I went with “Crafty Fox” from Wily Fox Brewery. A great English Bitter, full bodied and delicious.
Sherrington’s
Sherrington’s Bar opened in 2018, repurposing a long-standing hardware shop on Kenyon Road, Wigan. The name preserves the site’s local identity, recalling the Sherrington family business that had traded there for decades. Its conversion marked the continuation of a wider story in which Wigan’s commercial premises, once serving industry and households, were adapted for new social uses as traditional trades declined. In 2025 it was recognised by CAMRA as Wigan’s Pub of the Year, confirming its place within the town’s evolving pub landscape.
From the outside it stands out with its tall brick frontage, broad windows, and a clean modern finish. Large panes of glass give a glimpse of the life within, especially in the evenings when the place glows warmly. Step inside and the space opens up into a light, airy room with high ceilings and exposed details that give it character. The layout is simple but inviting, with long tables and a mix of cosy corners and social spots. It feels polished yet relaxed, designed for comfort without being overdone.
On the bar a choice of 5 cask ales in a range of styles, alongside a number of keg beers to choose from. “Karma Citra” from Wily Fox Brewery was my beer of choice in here. A golden ale brewed with 4 different hops. Great flavour from the hops, and very easy drinking.
Gin on the Lane
What started life as a small sandwich shop on Wigan Lane was given a whole new chapter in 2019 when it was transformed into Gin on the Lane. After a year of renovations, the once modest unit became a stylish microbar that quickly caught the attention of locals. Since opening, it’s become a cosy spot for live music, private gatherings, and laid-back nights out. Though small in size, it’s earned a reputation as one of Wigan’s best kept secrets, a place where history meets modern charm, and where the community comes together to enjoy something a little different.
Inside mixes modern style with a cosy, laid-back feel with soft lighting, comfy corners, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than planned. The walls carry little touches of character that nod to its past life as a small shop, but now it’s all about being a snug hangout for friends, music, and good times.
On the bar a single cask ale available alongside a range of keg options. I went with “Dry Bones” from Wigan Brewhouse in here. A great tasty and easy drinking golden ale with some delicious honey flavours coming through.
Beer Hangar
The Beer Hangar sits under Arch 6 on Queen Street, part of the old railway viaduct by Wigan North Western. Those brick arches have been around since the 1800s, built during the big age of rail. For decades they were just functional spaces, later falling into a bit of neglect. In the late ’80s, Wigan gave them a new lease of life by restoring them as business units. Fast forward, and by the 2010s plans were in motion to turn the arches into buzzing social spots. After some big refurb work in 2022, Arch 6 finally became home to Beer Hangar.
Step inside the Beer Hangar and you’re met with a sleek, modern space tucked beneath the old arch. Instead of bare brick, the walls are neatly covered and finished, giving the room a cleaner, more contemporary feel. The curve of the railway arch still shapes the ceiling, but lighting and décor soften the industrial bones. Long benches and tables make it a social spot, while music events bring it to life with sound and atmosphere. It feels less like a rough railway vault and more like a stylish, tucked-away venue—modern comfort hidden inside Victorian structure.
On the bar a great line up of keg lines to choose from, showcasing a variety of styles and strengths. “Floris Framboise” from Delirium – Huyghe Brewery was my choice of beer. A great raspberry wheat beer, lovely and refreshing.
Micropub Adventures 