The Old Boat House, a canalside pub in Astley village, Wigan, has welcomed a new landlord, Chris Hughes, who took over from Mark Whittaker. The pub has been drawing customers for over five decades and sits alongside the Bridgewater Canal.
Diners are welcome inside and out, with dogs allowed in both areas. The beer garden features picnic-style benches and a wooden shelter with cushioned seats, often used for live music in warmer months.
Sunday lunch and signature sauce
On a Sunday in August, a visit included a stroll along the canal and through Whitehead Hall Meadow, a 5.6-hectare wildlife haven. The roast dinners looked appealing, but the burgers were chosen instead: a double beef burger with streaky bacon and cheddar cheese (£16.50) and a crispy chicken fillet burger with cheddar nacho cheese, a hash brown, tomato and pickles (£17.50).
Both came with toasted brioche buns and a house burger sauce from owners Punch Pubs, similar to a Big Mac sauce but fresher. Skin-on fries and beer-battered onion rings (£3.50) accompanied the meals.
New landlord's plans
Chris Hughes, who recently took over from Mark Whittaker, says the sauce is popular with customers. He has 20 years' experience in hospitality management and aims to increase the pub's presence in the community.
"I know that it's already a fantastic pub and I'd like to take it to the next level," said Chris. "I chose to take over the Old Boat House due to knowing the area, having family and friends within this area and could see so much potential in creating a community pub."
He plans to focus on charity and host events like regular quizzes, aiming to make the venue 'a hub of the community'. At a bank holiday weekend Sunday Live Lounge with music, mini markets and free menu samples, he met customers old and new.
Desserts and future
The cherry Bakewell cheesecake with Jammie Dodger ice cream sandwich (£7.75) was shared, feeling like two desserts in one. Other desserts include sticky toffee pudding, lemon meringue tart, salted caramel chocolate brownie, apple crumble tart and Jude's ice cream. A mini dessert with a hot drink costs £4.95.
Chris may have big shoes to fill, but his first few weeks suggest a promising start.
