CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

GREATER MANCHESTER - Farnworth, Shakespeare

National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors Part One

1 Glynne Street, Farnworth, Bolton, Manchester, BL4 7DN

Tel: 01204 578282

Public Transport: Railway Station: Moses Gate

Listed Status: Grade II

View this pub on a local map

A fine and unusually intact 1920s pub built for the 'better class' of customer. It was erected in 1926 for Magee Marshall, brewers of Bolton, on a prominent corner site though architecturally it is not particularly distinguished, presenting a rather four-square, quasi-Tudor appearance to the two roads. It is faced with large areas of whitish terracotta interspersed with red brick and, over some of the bays, are gables with touches of half-timbering. But it's the interior that counts. The layout, amazingly, remains intact and the spaces are fitted out with good quality woodwork. The main entrance on Albert Road leads into a drinking lobby with a rich counter topped by a carved shield (the same shield appears over the other counters). It is here one finds the one real blemish in the pub - the tilework of the walls has been papered over - shame!

On the left is the lounge with good panelling, Tudor-style fireplace, fixed seating and unusually detailed bell-pushes. Front-right there is the News Room (so-proclaimed in the door glass) - rich counter, fixed seats and original coat hooks. The back room (fronting Glynne Street) is described in the glass as the Commercial Room - another good counter, bell pushes etc. It is a real pleasure to find the off-sales area untouched (entrance from Glynne Street) - doors lead off it to the vault and commercial room. The last public room on the ground floor seems to have been brought into use after serving as part of the former kitchen. Do ask to see the upstairs function room, an excellent example of inter-war Tudor reinvention; the walls are covered with panelling and there are heavy roof timbers.