As the vibrant hues of spring begin painting Manchester’s landscape, there’s one scenic pub that’s got locals visiting for over 50 years. In the heart of Astley village, in Wigan , lies a traditional late 18th century canal-side pub, exuding an irresistible charm for both locals and visitors alike. The Old Boat House, a fixture by the Bridgewater Canal, offers a cosy retreat, ideal for enjoying a hearty meal, light lunch or a drink while admiring the tranquil waters of the canal side. READ MORE: Man transforms part of Moss Side into a blossoming community hub The dog-friendly pub boasts a picturesque beer garden and provides a setting for gatherings and leisurely afternoons all year round. There’s also the offering of a perfect pub lunch menu for just £10 which includes wraps and classic dishes such as beer-battered fish and chips, beef burgers, sausage and mash served with a soft drink, 125ml glass of house wine or selected pints (available 12-5pm Monday - Friday). Some guests that have been visiting The Old Boat House for over 50 years (Image: Supplied) While their indulgent menu features decadent pub classics and tender cooked meats - or choose between the chef’s favourites from Hand-finished
British venison & bacon pie, pulled lamb shepherd’s pie to a Vietnamese king prawn curry. There’s also plenty of options on the kids menu from pizzas, beef burgers and sausage and mash for the little ones. But if you prefer a relaxed Sunday lunch, there’s the classic serving of Sunday roasts (roast beef, roast chicken, British pork loin, and butternut squash for the reasonable price of £15.50. Owners of The Old Boat House, Mark Whittaker and Paul Henderson, said: “We think the pub provides different things to different people as we cater to all age ranges and is really different to any of the local pubs as one minute you are on the East Lancs and the next you feel a world away from everything, it is like going back in time and it is the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding area. We have some guests that have been visiting the pub for over 50 years. Owners of The Old Boat House Mark Whittaker and Paul Henderson (Image: Supplied) “We provide good old fashioned hospitality alongside good pub food. We are most definitely a place where families come together to celebrate milestones. Outside space is a chameleon – During Spring / Summer people use the pub as the gateway to walks along the canal to either take the dogs or the children and children insect trails. “During summer the wood fired pizza ovens come out alongside the Aperol Spritz and we started the By the Canal Festival last year, having live
music by the water people just love. “We are also busy in the winter months with jam packed events for
Christmas and New Year and love to hold local events such Burns Nights and really want to do lots more events.” With its historic charm and scenic location of the canal waters meandering nearby, The Old Boat House is no exception to being a well-loved destination for all. Win our competition This year, the RHS and MEN have teamed up to launch a pub garden competition, where entrants can win the chance to attend the new RHS Urban Show and also win a show-stopping garden for your pub. We are aware pubs who have outdoor space could do with some TLC to help transform them into a new community hub. Entrants will need to submit photos of their outdoor area and 250 words on why you would like the pub space transformed, how it would be used and how it would be maintained. The winners would receive an invitation to attend the opening day of the new RHS Urban Show on 18 April and a pub garden designed by Emma Tipping, a former RHS Young Designer of the Year contender and
Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal Winner. The garden, which will be planted in transportable planters and containers, would then be delivered to the winning pub after the end of the show. Please note that the winner will receive containers most-suited to their pub garden space. The RHS and MEN are joining forces to present a pub garden designed by Emma Tipping (Image: Manchester Evening News) Lex Falleyn, show manager for RHS Urban Show, said: “We all love a pub garden. But they don’t have to all be concrete squares with a few tattered tables and overflowing ashtrays. They can become spaces where the beauty of gardening inspires, welcomes, and brings us closer together. “It’s nice to be connected with nature, even deep within the city. We invite Manchester’s pubs to send us their ideas on why they think they should win this garden. No matter how big or small you think your cause is, we want to hear from you. We can’t wait to see all your entries.” Win the chance to attend the RHS Urban Show and transform your pub into a blooming community hub (Image: Manchester Evening News) Emma Tipping, the designer of the RHS and MEN Pub Garden, said: “I'm really excited to be designing the MEN pub garden for the RHS Urban show. Pub gardens are about much more than just enjoying a pint on a sunny day, they are key spaces in the community that encourage people to get together, socialise and spend time outdoors. “They also present a really positive opportunity for greening in urban areas, to create a friendly environment not just for people but for wildlife too. Having a strong sense of connection, to people and to nature, is really important and especially necessary in urban environments, so I love the idea of bringing some more green interest and excitement to a pub garden and can't wait to see the entries.” The competition closes at midnight on Sunday 31st March 2024 and shortlists will be notified after the closing date. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. Read more of today's top stories here