The Best Pubs in Wigan
In Wigan, a town nestled between Manchester and Liverpool, the pub scene is a vibrant mix of centuries old inns with dozens of cask ales, modern spots serving craft brews and cocktails, and family friendly locals with beer gardens and live music. From canal side hideaways offering hearty pies and roasts to lively venues with sports screens and dog friendly outdoor spaces, every corner of this historic mill town offers a distinct way to unwind. Whether you’re after a quiet pint by a fire or a night of rock ‘n’ roll and banter, the warmth and variety here are unmatched. Come discover the best pubs in Wigan.


1. John Bull Chop House
1 Coopers Row, Wigan WN1 1PQ, UK
Step into a 500-year-old legend where cobbled streets meet rock 'n' roll! This historic chophouse boasts an incredible 22 draught lines, including 9 cask ales and a dedicated upstairs craft beer bar, making it a haven for any beer lover. The jukebox keeps the energy high all week, while Sunday live bands turn the place into an absolute party—just remember your air guitar! With a welcoming vibe, a cracking selection of wines, and a dog-friendly beer garden, it’s the perfect spot for groups who love great drinks and even better banter.


2. Gerrard Arms
615 Bolton Rd, Aspull, Wigan WN2 1PZ, UK
Head to the Gerrard Arms for a cracking blend of home cooked food, top notch drinks, and a genuinely warm welcome. This super friendly spot serves everything from beers and wines to cocktails, with full table service so you can simply dine, wine, and relax. The outdoor area is perfect for groups and dog owners, while live music and sports on the telly keep things lively. Whether you’re after a Sunday roast, a solo pint, or a night out with friends, this place delivers friendly vibes and brilliant food every time.
Photo by Karl and Ali — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. Formbys
Formbys, 146 Wigan Rd, Hindley, Wigan WN2 3DF, UK
Formbys is the kind of brilliant local that does everything well, from ice cold beers and cracking cocktails to a proper outdoor space with a kids' play area. The live music lineup is consistently top notch, making every evening feel like a proper night out, and the sports fans are well catered for with plenty of screens. It’s a clean, tidy spot where the grub is good value, the staff are friendly, and the whole place welcomes both dogs and groups with open arms. Whether you're after a quick drink with mates or a full evening of entertainment, this place absolutely delivers.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Primrose Farm - Dining & Carvery
Queen Pit Rd, Wigan WN3 6QJ, UK
Craving a cracking carvery that won't break the bank? Primrose Farm is the spot for you, serving up generous helpings of slow roasted meats and all the trimmings in a welcoming, family friendly setting. Sip on a pint or a glass of wine in the beer garden, or gather the whole group for a hearty feast that’s great value and even better flavour.


5. The Boars Head
Wigan Rd, Standish, Wigan WN6 0AD, UK
For a perfect blend of tradition and lively energy, The Boars Head in Standish is the place to be. Settle into this cosy local for a pint of perfectly poured beer, a glass of wine, or a refreshing cocktail, all while the big game plays out on Sky and TNT. Their menu is a triumph, featuring hearty home cooked food and fantastic authentic pizzas, making it an absolute winner for groups and families. With live music every weekend, a sun trap outdoor seating area, and a warm welcome for your four legged friends, every visit here feels like a celebration.
Photo by Alex McGregor — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Bucks Head Abram
256 Warrington Rd, Abram, Wigan WN2 5RQ, UK
If you’re after a proper local that’s big on flavour and even bigger on welcome, The Bucks Head Abram is an absolute cracker. The Sunday roasts are the talk of the town, with tender meats, mountains of veg, and gravy so good you’ll want it on everything. Whether you’re settling in with a pint, a glass of wine, or a cocktail, there’s always a friendly face and a warm spot by the fire. With live music, sports on the telly, a dog friendly beer garden, and space for the whole group, this place is a true gem for great value grub and good times.
Photo by Anthony Parkes — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. Crooke Hall Inn
92 Crooke Rd, Shevington, Wigan WN6 8LR, UK
Tucked away by the canal, Crooke Hall Inn is a proper gem for a relaxed pit stop, serving up a cracking range of beers, wines, and cocktails alongside hearty homemade pies and a standout roast dinner. The spacious beer garden and level car park make it a breeze for campervanners and dog owners to settle in, while the live music and friendly buzz create a welcoming spot for groups. Whether you’re refuelling after a canal walk or just after a pint and a pie for a tenner, this cosy local delivers great value and a genuinely warm welcome.
Photo by Ian S — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. The Royal Oak
111-113 Standishgate, Wigan WN1 1XL, UK
Pull up a chair at The Royal Oak, a proper gem on Wigan Lane that’s been a beloved local for generations. With an excellent selection of draught beers, cask ales, premium spirits, and even hand rolled pizzas, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re catching the big game or enjoying live music. The pub is dog friendly and offers plenty of outdoor seating, making it a brilliant spot for groups to gather over hearty homemade food, breakfast, or a classic afternoon tea. It’s a warm, welcoming place with friendly service and a calm, classic feel that keeps folks coming back time and again.
Photo by David Long — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. Park Hotel
625 Wigan Rd, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 0BY, UK
The Park Hotel in Bryn is the perfect spot to gather your mates, your family, and even your dog for a top notch pub experience. With a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and all the big matches on the big screen, there’s always something happening. Whether you’re tucking into a hearty burger from the new menu or relaxing in the beer garden, this friendly, welcoming local is an absolute winner for groups and a proper good time.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Balcarres Arms
1 Copperas Ln, Wigan WN2 1PA, UK
Discover the Balcarres Arms in Aspull, a proper local gem where the welcome is as warm as the well stocked bar. Sip on everything from crisp beers and fine wines to creative cocktails, all at prices that leave you smiling, whether you're in the cosy lounge or the spacious dog friendly beer garden. This is the kind of place where live music, big screen sports, and a menu packed with hearty pub classics bring groups together for a brilliant time. Bring your four legged friend, grab a table outdoors, and settle in for great value food and drinks that keep everyone coming back.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




