Quick info
About The Hen & Chickens
The Hen & Chickens is a traditional pub in Bolton, at 143 Deansgate on the edge of the town centre near the market. Hot pies, pasties and sausage rolls are served from the end of the bar, and the pies come with free red cabbage. The bar pours cask ales and real ale, including a beer from Black Edge brewery. Period features give the interior an old-fashioned look. Live music is part of the pub, with musicians playing guitars, and a pool table sits in the back room. Door staff check ID, and under-18s are not admitted.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sun trap beer garden, hot homemade pies, cask real ales and live music.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sun trap beer garden, hot homemade pies, cask real ales and live music.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the beer, from cask ales and real ale to a good selection at fair prices, in an old-fashioned traditional pub with a friendly, local atmosphere. The rear beer garden comes close behind, described as a sun trap with a beautiful flower display. Live music gets a mention, including a couple of musicians quietly strumming guitars, and one reviewer notes a pool table in the back room. Bar staff and the landlady and landlord are called friendly and hospitable. The complaints are few but specific. One reviewer wanted the heating turned up. Another, who only wanted a soft drink, was stopped at the door by a smoking doorman who asked for ID and curtly said no under 18s, which left a disappointing impression. Hot pies, pasties and sausage rolls at the end of the bar draw praise too, and one reviewer notes the homemade pies come with free red cabbage but no ketchup.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the beer, from cask ales and real ale to a good selection at fair prices, in an old-fashioned traditional pub with a friendly, local atmosphere. The rear beer garden comes close behind, described as a sun trap with a beautiful flower display. Live music gets a mention, including a couple of musicians quietly strumming guitars, and one reviewer notes a pool table in the back room. Bar staff and the landlady and landlord are called friendly and hospitable. The complaints are few but specific. One reviewer wanted the heating turned up. Another, who only wanted a soft drink, was stopped at the door by a smoking doorman who asked for ID and curtly said no under 18s, which left a disappointing impression. Hot pies, pasties and sausage rolls at the end of the bar draw praise too, and one reviewer notes the homemade pies come with free red cabbage but no ketchup.
Featured reviews
- Colin Barmby
“Called for a couple today. Great traditional British pub with well stocked bar including cask ales. Lovely relaxing beer garden at the rear. Friendly obliging bar staff. Recommended to all.”
- Jon Barnes
“Great local pub, loads of offers and pool table in the back room. Old fashioned and quality look and feel. Recommend visiting anytime in the area!”
- Lee Backhouse
“Great landlady and landlord. Very hospitable and good beer selection and prices. Hot pies are fantastic home made with free red cabbage. Unfortunately not ketchup 😂”
- Mornage
“Lovely little traditional pub just at the edge of the town centre. The beer garden is lovely with a beautiful flower display and the atmosphere is always friendly.”
- The Zanderpanda
“Traditional boozer with lovely period features just on the edge of Bolton town centre. Attracts a crowd on weekends but not the roving gangs of n'erdowells that frequent the gin palaces at the other end of town centre. I popped in after deciding I needed to try it and found couple of musicians quietly strumming the guitars in a pleasing non-intrusive manner. Friendly geezer behind the bar. In general, a place you can walk in and enjoy a pint no hassle, some warm local delicacies at the end of the bar (pies, pasties, sausage rolls) and it has a warm welcoming atmosphere. Why not a 5 star review - could have done with the heating cranked up a bit. Minor quibble.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Karaoke
- Live music
- Live performances
- Trivia night
Amenities
- Outdoor seating
- Food at bar
- Cozy
- Beer
- Food
- Seating
Show more amenities
- Karaoke
- Trivia night
- Restroom
- Highlights· 4
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Live performances
- Offerings· 3
- Alcohol
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Crowd· 1
- Groups
Location
Bars near The Hen & Chickens
- The Vaults4.41130.2 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessible
real ales on hand pull, basement setting, live music nights
- The Griffin4.22100.2 mi£1–20
cheap pint of Carlsberg, pint of Guinness, chippy next door
- 0.2 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
biryani, lamb chops, indo chinese dishes
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hen & ChickensOutdoor seating | 4.4329 | — | £1–10 | sun trap beer garden, hot homemade pies, cask real ales |
| The VaultsWheelchair accessible | 4.4113 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | real ales on hand pull, basement setting, live music nights |
| The Griffin | 4.2210 | 0.2 mi | £1–20 | cheap pint of Carlsberg, pint of Guinness, chippy next door |
| The Bar of Spice & Spirits BoltonReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.7127 | 0.2 mi | £20–30 | biryani, lamb chops, indo chinese dishes |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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