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Discovering the Pubs and Pints of Chorley and Adlington
I had a great time exploring the pubs around Chorley and Adlington. In Chorley, I dropped into spots like The Bob Inn, Flat Iron, Ben’s Tap, Shepherds Hall Ale House, Riley’s Taproom, The Shed & Garden, Baaa 38, Ronnie’s Bar, Nelipots, Inn the Dog House and Malt ’n’ Hops. Each place had its own vibe — friendly people, good beer and plenty of character. Then I headed over to Adlington, where I visited The Old Post Office, Inn the Dog House and The Retreat. Every stop was relaxed, welcoming and full of great local brews — the perfect way to spend a day out.
Chorley, in Lancashire, started out as a small market town and really took off during the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to cotton mills, coal mining, and the canal. It actually goes way back to the Domesday Book, when farming and weaving were a big part of life. Adlington, just down the road, grew in a similar way, with textiles and later engineering keeping things busy. Both towns got a big boost from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the railway, which helped trade grow and brought more people to the area.
Chorley
The Bob Inn
My first visit in Chorley was to The Bob Inn and where I met up with Adrian from Central Lancashire CAMRA. Bob Inn sits right inside Chorley’s covered market, opening its doors in 2014 in a space barely bigger than a shed. The market it calls home has a much longer story — it began back in 1498 when Chorley was granted the right to hold a weekly market. Over the years, stalls gathered under one roof, turning into the indoor market people wander through today. In the middle of that everyday hustle, Bob Inn feels like part of the tradition — a tiny, relaxed spot where locals and shoppers can pause for a drink and soak up the market’s easy-going atmosphere.
Inside everything feels small and down-to-earth in the best way. The counter runs along one wall, with shelves and little nooks built in to make the most of the space. On the opposite side, slim wooden ledges line the wall, with a few stools tucked in wherever they can fit. The walls are mostly wood, with chalkboards, old signs and quirky bits of local character dotted around. Even the window ledge acts as a spot to lean or rest things. It’s cosy, a bit mismatched, and feels like a tiny hideaway tucked inside the heart of the market.
Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 3 cask ales alongside a range of keg and bottled options. I opted to go with “Bitter” from BB18 Brewing Co. A great, tasty and well balanced Traditional English Bitter.
Flat Iron
Second up in Chorley was Flat Iron Chorley. Flat Iron in Chorley began life in 1845 as the Crofter’s Arms, a small beerhouse opened by widow Elizabeth Grimshaw. By at least 1864 it became the Market Tavern, named for its spot opposite Chorley’s market, and was run by landlords such as Thomas Seddon and later his son John into the late 19th century. Known for its traditional ale and character, it was even listed in the first CAMRA Good Beer Guide in 1974 as a “true drinker’s pub.” After a period of closure, it reopened in December 2016 with a refurbishment and a new name — Flat Iron — while still nodding to its real ale heritage.
Inside it’s got a relaxed, modern pub feel without trying too hard. Think wooden floors, soft lighting, and a mix of cosy booths and tall stools where you can settle in without feeling cramped. There are a few exposed brick bits and light industrial touches that give it a bit of character, but nothing over the top. The front windows let in plenty of daylight, so it doesn’t feel dark or shut in, and the muted colours and simple décor keep it looking clean and laid-back. It’s the kind of place that feels easy to hang out in for a while.
On the bar a nice line up of 4 cask ales alongside a range of keg options to choose from. I went with “Ginger Jane” from Ilkley Brewery. Described as a Jamaican Ginger Cake Porter, this definitely lived up to its description. Delicious!
Ben’s Tap & Bottleshop
A short stroll next to Ben’s Tap & Bottle Shop. Ben’s Tap started out as a family lockdown project that got a little out of hand in the best way. The Haydock family—grandad, dad (Ben), and son—set up Ben’s Brewery in 2021 after converting part of their warehouse into a microbrewery during Covid. They officially registered the brewery that March, got a few core ales going and then decided they might as well open a bar too, which they did in March 2022. Ben named the brewery after himself mostly because he was tired of overthinking it, and their beer names often nod to British history. The idea from day one was to keep things small, local, and friendly—brew beer, pour it fresh and make a relaxed spot for people to enjoy it.
Inside it’s got a laid-back, homemade kind of charm. Think reclaimed wooden pallet walls, a bit of that “converted warehouse” feel, and warm Edison bulbs hanging from exposed cable trays. The bar’s lined with shiny kegs and fridges full of craft cans and bottles, with plenty of spots to sit, chat and take your time. It’s relaxed, no-frills and friendly — the sort of place you can pop in for a pint, stay longer than planned, or just have a wander through the bottleshop shelves.
It was fantastic to meet Ben and Nikki in here. On the bar drinks wise a selection of 6 cask ales, a range of keg beers and shelves and fridges full of bottles and cans to choose from. I went with their own “Serendipity”. A fantastic hoppy, easy drinking and tasty Session IPA.
Shepherds Hall Ale House & Victoria Rooms
Next up to Shepherds Hall Ale House & Victoria Rooms. Shepherds’ Hall Ale House opened in 2014 and quickly became Chorley’s go-to spot for proper ale. It’s set inside an old 1903 lodge building that once belonged to the Shepherds’ Friendly Society and later became a newsagent, so it’s got a bit of history baked in. Three brothers run the place, keeping it chilled and old-school — hand-pulled beers, local breweries, no blaring TVs or gimmicks. In 2021 they knocked through into the shop next door and added the “Victoria Rooms” for a bit more space. Still, it keeps the same relaxed, pint-and-chat kind of vibe it started with.
Inside feels like the kind of place you wander into for one drink and end up staying for three. It’s cosy, chatty, and totally unpretentious. No blaring music, no flashy screens — just wooden tables, friendly faces, and a bar lined with proper hand-pulled ales. People actually talk to each other here, which is kind of refreshing. The place still has charm from its old lodge building roots, with bits of history on the walls. Since expanding into the Victoria Rooms, there’s a bit more room to breathe, but it still keeps that snug, local, pint-and-a-chat vibe.
A great line up of 4 cask ales, along with a nice variety of keg options on the back wall. I chose to go with “The Eagle’s Jester” from Eagles Crag Brewery. A delicious, well balanced and fruity Session IPA.
Riley’s Taproom & Wine Bar
Riley’s Taproom and Wine Bar was next in Chorley. Riley’s Taproom & Wine Bar is set in the old Victoria Buildings on Cleveland Street in Chorley, a commercial block dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century. The building has housed various businesses over time, and before becoming what it is today, it was home to a greengrocers called Fresh & Fruity. The company behind the current venue was formed in August 2021, and the doors officially opened in December that year. While the inside has been updated for modern use, the place still reflects the character of its historic high-street setting.
Inside, it feels laid-back and welcoming. You walk into a modern but relaxed space with a mix of tables, stools and comfy spots to sit and chat. The décor blends old building charm with simple, clean touches — nothing over the top. The bar area is the main focus, with the taps and boards easy to see, and there’s a small outdoor bit at the front when the weather’s decent. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for an hour or stay all evening, with a chilled atmosphere and friendly staff who don’t make a fuss.
A great line up of drinks on the bar with 2 cask ales and a wide variety of keg options to select from. I went with “Hop Series: Cascade” from Attic Brew Co. A super tasty, refreshing and light American Pale Ale.
The Shed & The Garden
Another quick walk brought me to The Shed and The Garden. Shed & Garden in Chorley started out as a small bar called The Shed back in November 2017 on Fazakerley Street. It got its name because the inside was kitted out with wooden panels, giving it a cosy, shed-like vibe. A few years later, in 2021, they took over the place next door and expanded, adding what’s now The Garden—think picnic benches, gravel paths and a relaxed outdoor feel. Before it became a bar, the building had pretty ordinary uses over the years, including things like an electrical shop and later a beauty salon.
Inside Shed & Garden, it’s got that warm, laid-back feel straight away. The walls are lined with wood, so it still has that “shed” vibe — cosy, a bit rustic, nothing too fancy. There’s a good mix of tables and benches, so whether you’re just grabbing a drink or settling in for live music, it works. Head into the Garden side and it opens up with gravel paths, picnic tables and a covered pergola area, kind of like being outside without actually freezing. The lighting’s soft, the atmosphere’s relaxed and it’s the sort of place you can chat, listen to music and unwind.
3 cask ales were available on the bar, alongside a range of keg beers to decide from. “Jester” from Blackedge Brewing Company was my choice of beer. Hopped using the UK Jester Hop, this beer is lovely and hoppy, tasty and very easy drinking.
Baaa 38
Onto Baaa 38. Baaa 38 opened on 2 February 2023 at 38 Market Street in Chorley, taking over a Grade II listed building known for its long-standing place in the town centre. Before it became a bar, the building was home to One Sweet Day (Cakes by Ruth), a local cake shop. Over the years, the address has changed with the times — earlier it was used as a milliner’s, making and selling hats, and in the 1960s it traded as a wool shop. The “Baaa” name is a nod to that woolly past, blending history with a bit of humour.
Inside it feels relaxed and welcoming, with a cosy, traditional vibe that suits the old building it’s in. There are wooden tables and seating, warm lighting and a laid-back atmosphere where people tend to chill out, chat or listen to whatever’s going on. It’s the kind of place that hosts things like quiz nights or live music now and then, and even dogs are welcome, which adds to the easy-going feel.
A brilliant line up on the bar in here, with 3 cask ales and a wide variety of keg options. I went with “Simcoe” from Bowland Brewery. A superb hoppy Pale Ale, full of flavour, well balanced and super tasty.
Ronnie’s Bar
Next is onto Ronnie’s Bar. Ronnie’s Bar sits where Chocobella, a local chocolate and gift shop, once traded on Chapel Street in Chorley. In April 2024 the building was officially cleared to change from retail use to a bar, and by September it reopened under its new name. It’s run by Steve Cooney, who’s well known locally for setting up The Bob Inn in Chorley’s covered market. He built a following there with good cask ale and a laid-back, community feel, and he’s carried that same approach into Ronnie’s Bar, giving the place a familiar and welcoming character from day one.
It has a warm, easygoing feel inside. You’ll find exposed brick, wooden details and a mix of bar stools and softer seats that make it feel relaxed without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where you can walk in, take a seat and not feel out of place. The lighting is mellow, there’s usually a gentle buzz of conversation and some background music that doesn’t overpower anything. It’s simple, welcoming and a bit quirky in its own way — more like a friendly local hangout than a polished modern bar.
A choice of 2 cask ales on the bar to choose from along with a range of keg options. “Best Bitter” from Spitting Feathers Brewery was my beer choice in here. A super tasty and well balanced English Bitter.
Nelipots Bar
Just down the street brought me to Nelipots Bar. Nelipots Bar in Chorley has a pretty interesting backstory. It’s housed in an old weaver’s cottage on Chapel Street, so the place is rooted in the town’s textile days. The building later took on new life around 2016 when it became Speakeasy Bar, one of the earlier micro-bars to pop up locally. A couple of years later, in early 2019, it briefly switched identity to Warp & Weft — a name that kept a clear nod to its weaving heritage. Not long after, on 8 June 2019, it reopened as Nelipots Bar. Since then, it’s stayed independent and locally run, becoming a laid-back spot that keeps the historical character of the building intact while giving it a new purpose in the town’s social scene.
Nelipots Bar has a really easy-going feel once you’re inside. There are two relaxed lounge-style rooms spread over the ground and first floors where you can just sit back and take your time. Upstairs there’s also a small room they sometimes hire out, so it can feel a bit more private if you’re with a group. Head towards the back and you’ll find a little covered outdoor area – nothing fancy, but a nice spot to get some fresh air and chat.
A single cask ale on the bar (normally 2), along with a great variety of keg options to choose from. I chose the cask ale “Optimum” from Deeply Vale Brewery. A great, tasty and very easy drinking English Bitter.
Inn The Dog House
Next up in Chorley was to Inn the Dog House. Inn the Dog House sits at 60 Chapel Street in Chorley and reopened under that name on 27 June 2024, taking over from its previous identity as Ale Station. Before that, Ale Station had run as a micropub since it opened on 14 July 2016, and prior to that the building was a long-standing sandwich bar beside the bus interchange and close to the train station. The rebrand keeps the place as a pub while giving the building a fresh chapter.
Step through the door and you’re greeted with a cosy, relaxed space that doesn’t feel like a massive chain bar. There’s a main bar area with real-wood surfaces and modest lighting – low enough to feel intimate but bright enough to see your pint. Inside you’ll spot comfy seating, friendly chatter and likely a dog or two (the place is dog-friendly) which adds a nice informal touch. The proximity to the bus station and train station means there’s a steady stream of footfall, giving the pub a lively but not chaotic feel. Simple décor, decent space, chilled atmosphere.
A cracking line up of 5 cask ales to choose between, along with a range of keg options. I went with “Love Rat” from The Rat Brewery. A super Ultra Pale Ale, full of character and a great flavour.
Malt ’n’ Hops
Last up in Chorley was to Malt ’n’ Hops. Malt ’n’ Hops in Chorley sits in a Victorian building dating back to the 1870s. For over 100 years it wasn’t a pub at all, but a local shop, first run by grocer Joshua Haworth and later taken over by the Howlett family, who kept it going right up to the late 1970s. The building was eventually left empty before being restored and converted into a pub, officially opening as Malt ’n’ Hops in 1989. Since then it’s stayed independent, built a steady reputation for real ale and community atmosphere, and even picked up a local CAMRA Pub of the Year award in 2017.
Inside Malt ’n’ Hops feels like a proper old-school pub without being stuffy. It’s bright but still cosy, with an L-shaped bar spread over two levels, so there’s a bit of space but it still feels welcoming. You get wooden bar fittings, simple décor and a relaxed atmosphere rather than anything flashy. Out back there’s a beer garden with a covered, heated spot for when the weather’s not great. It’s the kind of place people go for a well-kept pint and a chat — especially if they’re into real ale.
On the bar a great variety of drinks with 9 cask ales to choose from in a range of styles, along with a keg selection. I went with a great “Dark Mild” from Bank Top Brewery. A style I love but don’t see a lot of. Full bodied, well balanced and some great flavours shining through.
Adlington
The Old Post Office
I had some time spare so nipped on the 125 bus to nearby Adlington. Here I visited The Old Post Office owned by Escape Brewery. The Old Post Office in Adlington started out as the village post office, serving locals for years before it eventually closed. The building kept its original features, like the old post box out front, which hints at its past. In 2021, it was given a new purpose and turned into a small pub, but the aim was to keep the character and history of the place rather than erase it. So while it’s no longer sorting letters or parcels, the building still feels connected to its roots and remains part of everyday village life — just in a different way now.
Escape Brewery started in 2018 when three mates from Bolton decided they’d had enough of the 9-to-5 and wanted to make beer instead. What began as a bit of garage brewing soon turned serious, and by 2021 they’d moved into their own place in Westhoughton, using a second-hand brewing kit. They stuck to what they love — proper cask ale — and now their beers pop up around the North West.
Inside, it’s got a really laid-back feel. Nothing fancy, just cosy and welcoming. The old post office features are still there if you look — like the old post box by the door — which gives it a bit of charm. There’s a small bar, a few stools and comfy seats dotted around, and warm lighting that makes it feel homely. Out back there’s a little beer garden too. It’s the kind of place you can wander into and feel comfortable straight away.
A great range of 4 cask ales all from their own brewery in a range of different styles, along with a variety of keg options. I went with their own “Day Trip To Bangor” A fantastic easy drinking, refreshing and tasty Pale Ale.
Inn The Dog House
Next is a walk downhill to Inn the Dog House in Adlington. Inn the Dog House has been the pub’s name since it was reopened and refreshed under new ownership in 2022. Before that, it was known as JR’s Ale House, a micro-pub that first opened in February 2019 in what used to be a florist on Church Street in Adlington. JR’s set the tone with a cosy three-floor setup and a focus on cask ales. The new Dog House name kept that friendly, small-pub charm but added a fresh look, more drink variety, and a laid-back, dog-friendly vibe that locals warmed to quickly.
Inside the look is cosy, simple and a little rustic. The ground floor has wooden floors, painted walls and bits of exposed brick, with sturdy tables and well-worn chairs giving it a relaxed, lived-in feel. A narrow staircase leads up to a single, smaller room on the first floor. That space feels more tucked away — low ceiling, softer lighting and just a few tables, like a quiet corner in an old house.
A single cask ale on the bar (normally up to 3), along with a range of keg choices. I went with “HPA” from Wye Valley Brewery. A refreshing and very sessionable Pale Ale.
Retreat
Last up was Retreat. The Retreat began life in 1838–39 as Christ Church in Adlington, built with help from a £400 grant from the Church Building Commission. It was designed by architect Edward Welch and served locals for over a century, later becoming a chapel of ease to St Paul’s after 1884. By 1980, the church was declared redundant and sold. Not long after, the building found a new purpose and was gradually transformed into the venue now known as The Retreat. What was once a place of worship eventually became a relaxed spot for food and drinks, with history still woven into its story.
The Retreat still looks like a church from the outside – big stone walls, arched windows and that old tower shape give it loads of character before you even walk in. Inside, it’s been modernised but you can still spot its church roots. You’ve got the high, open ceilings where the nave used to be, tall rounded windows and hints of the old stonework around the place. The layout feels airy but cosy, with a relaxed bar and dining setup. It’s a nice mix of history and modern comfort – somewhere you can grab a drink, but still feel a bit of the building’s past.
No cask but a selection of keg options to choose from on the bar, and a fantastic setting. I went with “Bootleg IPA” from Bootleg Brewing Co. A tasty Pale Ale, very easy drinking.
Micropub Adventures 