Quick info
About Poacher
Poacher is a pub on Holmes House Ave in Wigan that draws a mix of locals and sport fans, with live matches shown on the screens and a beer garden out back for fair days. Inside, the space doubles as a pool hall and sports bar, and dogs are welcome throughout. The kitchen turns out a short menu built around burgers and chicken wings, with Heineken 0.0% and Pinot poured at the bar. Service can slow down when the room fills up, particularly during match nights. Drinks and food are served across the day, and the counter handles walk-ins.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree parking lot · Paid parking lot · Paid street parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
Advertisements
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live sport, new menu burger, chicken wings and heineken 0%.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live sport, new menu burger, chicken wings and heineken 0%.
Customer Review Summary
Diners consistently single out the friendly, welcoming atmosphere as the standout draw, with most describing a warm, casual local pub where staff are attentive and quick to recommend. The food draws specific praise, with reviewers naming the burger and chicken wings from the new menu as worthwhile, and several remark on the lively vibe created by live sport and entertainment on offer. A couple of visits are noted for slow food service during busy periods, but reviewers say the wait pays off once the order arrives. Cheap beer and a well-regarded drinks selection round out the experience for many. One reviewer, returning after a long absence, describes a striking makeover that has refreshed the space while keeping the familiar, sociable feel intact, and several point to the pub as a go-to for live sport in the area.
Customer Review Summary
Diners consistently single out the friendly, welcoming atmosphere as the standout draw, with most describing a warm, casual local pub where staff are attentive and quick to recommend. The food draws specific praise, with reviewers naming the burger and chicken wings from the new menu as worthwhile, and several remark on the lively vibe created by live sport and entertainment on offer. A couple of visits are noted for slow food service during busy periods, but reviewers say the wait pays off once the order arrives. Cheap beer and a well-regarded drinks selection round out the experience for many. One reviewer, returning after a long absence, describes a striking makeover that has refreshed the space while keeping the familiar, sociable feel intact, and several point to the pub as a go-to for live sport in the area.
Featured reviews
- Andy Beeby
“Emily Martin stood out amongst the rest, she even cleaned the windows near us...although everyone was really good... Food was lovely and very impressed with the venue.”
- Mike Bushell
“Brilliant atmosphere, great staff and great food. Always got sport or entertainment on. Great place to visit.”
- Ryan McKeown
“Wow. Not visited the Poacher in over a year, went back there today and what a transformation. The pub has had a huge makeover but still the same friendly faces Sarah & Neil welcomed us and recommended the burger off the new menu and a side of chicken wings. Washed it down with a pint of Heineken 0% and a bottle of Pinot for the Mrs. Best pub bar none in the the wigan area for Live Sport. Incredible atmosphere”
- Nathan Collister
“Great local pub. Lovely staff. Customers are freindly and welcoming. Have heard good reviews about the food but not tried yet.”
- Mike Whiteside
“Took a while for food but was great once it arrived, very busy due to hot weather.”
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Karaoke
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sports
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Food at bar
Show more amenities
- Casual
- Beer
- Dancing
- Food
- Free water refills
- Sports
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Crowd· 3
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Highlights· 4
- Great beer selection
- Karaoke
- Live music
- Live performances
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Parking· 4
- Free parking lot
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Location
Bars near Poacher
- Venture4.21,5640.5 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
signature bbq burgers, mac and cheese, gammon egg and chips
- Primrose Farm - Dining & Carvery4.55,4580.6 mi£10–20
carvery, breakfast buffet, avocado and poached eggs on toast
- Red Robin4.02,2551.7 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
amanda on bar, busy pub food, rachael polite smiling
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PoacherReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Wi-Fi | 4.2590 | — | £10–20 | live sport, new menu burger, chicken wings |
| VentureReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.21,564 | 0.5 mi | £10–20 | signature bbq burgers, mac and cheese, gammon egg and chips |
| Primrose Farm - Dining & Carvery | 4.55,458 | 0.6 mi | £10–20 | carvery, breakfast buffet, avocado and poached eggs on toast |
| Red RobinReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.02,255 | 1.7 mi | £10–20 | amanda on bar, busy pub food, rachael polite smiling |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
Similar Bars nearby
More to explore in Wigan
12 places
Bars in Wigan
Photo: Primrose Farm - Dining & Carvery · 4.5 · 5,458 Google reviews
See all 12 bars in Wigan
Restaurants
44 places in Wigan
Photo: Summat to Ate Steak Restaurant & Function Rooms · 4.5 · 1,525 reviews
