The Horseshoe Inn in Bolton

Nice atmosphere, good food, dog friendly 👌

Lovely pub.nice meals and great beer garden x Dogs allowed to

Our first visit today, 04/05/25!! We booked on Friday for 1pm. Our drinks were served promptly but that’s where the good stuff ended!! Two starters ordered from 6 diners, not too much wrong there I guess but 45 after they had been finished, our mains hadn’t arrived!! Finally, child’s pizza finally arrived first, burnt and they left the two sets of empty plates on the table from the starters!! In the mean time, 4 other tables in our small dog friendly section were served!! One of which didn’t get the extra portion of chips they ordered!! Then a couple of other mains, two more from 5 burnt!! Oh and one with gravy that had a thick skin on it, clearly from sitting on the hot plate too long!! We decided, quite easily that slagging off other members of staff in customer ear shot wasn’t the best for the bar staff to do, or that the till facing away from customers so that staff turned away to enter your orders probably wasn’t the best idea!! Some of us were going to have dessert, but no, why bother when they couldn’t grill two burgers without one being charcoal or chips on other meals being, I’d say cold but more like almost frozen is more fitting!! The only staff with anything about them were the waiting on staff, the bar staff were mediocre and the manager when spoken to about our disaster, I mean meal, was rude, unapologetic and insulting. In our party of 6, two of us have worked in the trade and two more in customer service outside of hospitality. If you want a lesson in how NOT to treat customers, or make food, go here. If you have opened a new place and are training staff, go here, that way you can show them what a shambles it can be!! It wasn’t even busy when we ordered, but the tables who arrived after us and were served before us, well their plates and glasses remained until just before we left!! Thanks though for a birthday memory, and the swearing by other customers in a family friendly pub was a bonus!!

Great little find after visiting local garden centre, spotlessly clean inside and out, only one waitress so was a little wait, however highly recommended x

Shocking. Booked for 5.30pm - pub was 25% full. Got squeezed into a corner near the kitchen entrance and table next door had ti move. Asked for an apple juice but then got asked what flavour I wanted - apple I said, then cane back with a pint of cider even though I don't drink alcohol. I asked to move table but the curly haired kid said it was 'too much hassle to change tabs' we moved anyway and he said that I was being 'rude' and would have to leave. Been drinking/eating there for 20 years - would never eat there again.

Yet again another great day and night in the horseshoe great drinks and excellent meal 5/5 with friendly quick service as always.. compliments to the staff nothing to much trouble.. and Eileen who’s always good with us every time we’ve been in chatty and great one liners.. Pluss always makes sure I don’t leave with out my bacon fries for the kids 😂

Great friendly pub with great food and drinks pluss brilliant staff no complaints what so ever 5/5 , great place to be when’s the sun shining everyone so friendly, And Eileen as always makes sure I get my bacon fries for the kids top landlady in my eyes what you see is what you get best way to be Eileen. Thanks 👌

Have to say what poor quality meal I had from the special board chicken & halloumi skewers which seemed to be on a bed of uncle bens rice with two small pittas and at a cost of £15 sorry but not worth calling that a special or worth the money bad value for money, doesn’t take much to add salad and sauces to make it look appetizing. I seen twice now 2 other people on occasions have bad meals. This is the last time I’m dining.

Great pit stop on our bike rides. Amazing location and staff

Going here was like going back 25 years but in a good way. I used to go there as a kid and it felt like nothing had changed, even the menu.Rag pudding and fish and chips for us we kept it simple.. Nothing fancy but well priced and friendly staff.

Absolutely terrible the landlord threw the menu at my mother and tried to tell me my 18 year old brother was underage when she was shown id would not recommend coming here

Well worth a visit, lovely surroundings

Me and my family were here for a birthday meal we will not be returning landlady is very rude doesn't seem to want new custom no customer service skills horrible cold atmosphere in this place will not be returning.

Landlady has a terrible attitude, she is rude, abrupt and has zero customer service skills. We were in as a family to celebrate a birthday and will 100% not be returning. Food was average at best, long wait between courses and left with dirty plates and glasses for long periods of time. There is a lovely Italian over the road and I highly recommend spending your money there where it is appreciated and worth it.

A great place for a meal and an pint. Friendly staff. Great service

On the Tuesday our group of 12 were there (we had booked) the place was busy. Pre-order had been offered by our group but declined by the pub. After ordering at the bar it took 1 hour and 10 minutes to be served. No apology. No explanation. Food was good pub food. Nonetheless we won't be going back because the service was so sloooooooooooooooooooooooow.

I'm really disappointed that this didn't live up to the recommendations! We came as a family of 5 and I ordered the chilli. We weren't told that this was going to be spicy. The food arrived and looked lovely with generous portions. Unfortunately, the chilli was ridiculously hot. We approached the staff and asked for some sour cream and was told the chefs were already making one and they would bring it over to me. This indicated that they already knew it was too spicy...after 10 minutes we asked again and was told that they were still trying to make this. We had to go up again - everyone had finished their meals at this point and we we were then told that they had unsuccessfully tried twice but they couldn't get it right. There was no attempt to put things right, I only ate the chips and rice and left a whole bowl of chilli when I raised it again with a staff member who just said oh and walked off. The man that cleared the table was also told again that the chilli was far too hot and his response was "oh". He didn't return to clear the rest of the table. Having worked in hospitality I have always gone above and beyond to rectify issues and this is what has frustrated me more then anything. The rest of the food looked lovely but the experience / attitude of the staff means I can't do anything other then leave an honest review. Very disappointed!

I was just with family and friends and been a regular customer for years but this now is getting to much a pub on the same road as a school that doesn’t like children in Every time we have been in recently been made to feel very uncomfortable and not welcoming by the same person Yes we have children and yes unfortunately not all children sit still and be quiet in a corner but if that’s what is expected you really need to warn your customers before they do bring there children in Also your reply to Frank o Sullivan review saying “privileged society strikes again” shows how out of touch you are with your customers

I went there with my kids and never felt so unwelcome! Picture this...the pub was loud with people talking and the landlady came over to our kids and insisted they turn their tablets down as it was disturbing the guests (it was at most minimal). There is no way anyone could here over the noise in the pub and the sound of the microwave heating all the food! Stay clear if you have a family as they really don't want you there! This was at 6pm when it's quite reasonable to bring your family for a meal in a pub, claiming to be a welcoming place to eat. Disgusting (and aggressive) treatment to families! Never again!

Excellent food, with good service and atmosphere. The clientele are very friendly and the atmosphere is good.

Food is really good here. They do a lot of homemade dishes aswel. Lovely place for food or drinks and in the summer nice outside area to sit. They also have a dog friendly seating area inside where you can eat / drink which is great when we bring our dog.

Friendly staff, great food and local.. ish

Lovely pub with extensive menu choice. Lunch time deal excellent value and definitely doesn't compromise on on meals. All freshly cooked and very tasty. Good selection of both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks including non alcoholic gin and Guinness. Ample parking spaces. Friendly and welcoming staff.

Excellent lunch after our Wednesday Walk today! Chilli, Rice, Chips and Garlic Bread with a pint of Guinness to wash it down. Top notch pub in Ringley!

Good old fashioned British Pub, I have eaten here on many occasions. The last time they had a black pudding stack with a runny egg on top. Beers on tap are awesome. Staff are excellent and service top quality. Recommended.

Didn't have food but lovely friendly pub.

Always love going here for a meal fantastic friendly staff and always happy to help also amazing food

Thank you for a brilliant service and our meals were all very good we have been several times and the meals have been superb value for money looking forward to visiting again as we are from your area thank you once again and to all the staff we will certainly be back in December for Xmas meal N

Food was good, staff friendly and good service

Not eaten in for a while but could not fault the takeaway meals we had on our last few visits. Went in 13/10/24 for a Sunday lunch. Just timed it perfectly as it went from being fairly quiet to busy in the space of about 15 minutes so booking a table is advised. The roast dinners were excellent and there is a separate room for people to take dogs in if you have been out for a walk. All in all a very nice Sunday afternoon out.

Lovely Meal today to celebrate a friend's Birthday. We all had lunchtime special so not expensive. Food very tasty and served promptly. All staff pleasant and friendly but Ryan in particular very helpful.

Great food and service, first time visitor,in would imagine evening is busier, go visit

Booked on sat 26 th for son in law birthday the food was great starters mains all tasted amazing great friendly staff and our dogs made welcome would recommend and we will be back soon thanks Julie and Han Joe Les and daisy frank 😻

This pub has gone through it's ups and downs over the years but the current management and staff are nailing it! Love a visit to The Horseshoe pub for lunch on a Friday (or any day really). The food is delicious and plentiful and they also have good vegan options. Prices are very reasonable and you don't have to wait too long before you are served. Staff are lovely too and always make time to chat with you. Great job everyone!

Lovely pub good atmosphere.. beer choice for real ale drinkers is never going to be good as its a thwaites house ( although weirdly pump number 2 was Kwak a strong 7.5% abv Belgium beer served in a daft glass) couldn't believe it .. maybe something a little less left field might be a better choice.. the food was really good that we had .. my only criticism was my rag pudding ( was very excited when I saw it on the menu) had obviously been warmed up in the microwave as one end was dry and crusty I know it takes 40mins to steam cook so that's probably not viable but please just take a little extra care someone else I spoke to later also said exactly the same it's a genuine find you don't see it anywere .. overall very good the lady who served us at the bar was so nice and very professional .. definitely would go back we all loved it ..

A nice looking, traditional pub in a lovely location. Unfortunately, for me the food and service wasn't great. I fancied a ploughman's salad for lunch - I asked the barman if the pork pie could be swapped out for something vegetarian. He kindly enquired in the kitchen for me, but was told, no! Instead I was informed that there was a sea food salad on the menu... I opted instead, for the cheese pie, chips and salad. When it eventually came, it was overcooked, with a hard crust and very small. A disappointing lunch.

Burgers don't state they come with mayonnaise. Your not asked if you have allergies as menus don't state this. Food is very poor quality. Witnessed a number of plates going back because of this. Up your game.

Great food friendly staff. Nice place all together. Recommend

The quality of the food is absolutely brilliant. Went today, 15 August 2024. It’s a local friendly pub and obviously thought a lot of by the locals. A really pleasant visit.

Good beer good food friendly staff

bar staff were slow and one in particular, older man, rude when asking for IDs, impatient and clearly unhappy. coming from someone who also works in hospitality i understand the pressure of a busy sunday however this does not excuse rude behaviour towards paying customers.

Refused to take my £50 note for a £48 food bill and when I went to the car to get more cash he said he had threw my order in the bin he was very rude and will not return

Excellent venue at the end of an evening bike ride from Manchester

Only one on bar but he was friendly and was not perturbed

I visited the Horseshoe on Friday 19th July to celebrate a graduation with family and friends, there were ten of us dining. On receiving our meals, one of us noticed, after eating about a quarter of the fish that it was wet and pink inside. We alerted the young lad who was serving and asked to speak to the manager. On speaking to Eileen (manager), who was hostile and uncooperative, it was announced a number of times that the fish had been cooked at 95 degrees, part of the meal had been eaten and that she was not willing to change it for another meal, even though she could clearly see the pink part of the fish. To my embarrassment Eileen again stated that the fish had been cooked at 95 degrees, then went on to offer our group member a dessert, which seemed bizarre as they had not even had a main course. I felt personally responsible for the collective embarrassment of the group as I had suggested this establishment to members of the group that were unfamiliar with the area. This is a mistake I will not be repeating and any future get togethers will be held over the road at La Roma, a restaurant that never fails on quality of food and customer service. I deeply regret choosing The Horseshoe to hold such an important occasion as what should have been a nice meal to celebrate an important milestone, turned out to be farcical and memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Went for a walk along the canal with my daughter, who lives in Little Lever. As the pub is dog friendly we decided to call for a drink and something to eat. There was only one man behind the bar, so with three people in front of us, also ordering food and drinks, it took a bit to get served. I ordered food and drink for the four of us. One of the drinks was a pop of tea which isn't made behind the bar, so we had to wait for it. As the three of us had nearly finished our drinks, I asked a young waitress if she could chase the tea, which she did, and it finally arrived. The food arrived, and all four of us said it was OK, and all the plates were clear when collected.

Wonderful pub with excellent food and beer.

Went for a lunchtime meal. The decorators were out painting in the back. We were told you can't go out back (on a very hot afternoon), so we sat indoors. Food took 45 minutes to come. One pleasant lad serving a busy day. Not his fault. The noise from, I think upstairs was deafening from the workmen. Like a power drill or heavy sander. It lasted most of the meal. We couldn't hear ourselves speak. The pub should have closed instead of having major work being done whilst customers struggled to enjoy their meals/drinks. Thwaites need to have a word.

Lovely place, friendly staff and decent food. Will definitely visit again ☺️

I started going in The Horseshoe when my daughter was born with difficulties. I used to call for in for a pint or two on my way home, to set me up for a disturbed night. It's better to arrive back from work with a smile, particularly after my wife had her all day on her own. As time past I developed a few friendships, just by talking to nice friendly people, that you find in a pretty, clean, friendly pub, serving good beer to a local community. My daughter is 8 now and we call some weekends. We park up on Mosses Gate Country Park, she has a good play on the excellent platground, and we walk down the Irwell Valley, with our dog, on to the disused canal and then onto The Horseshoe, for a cracking lunch of home cooked food, nice beer in a dog friendly pub and a great atmosphere. I, personally, would disregard Appalled's review below, who was obviously having a bad day, or had received a excessive tax demand. I often worry about people who register a fake brand new profile just to post a negative review. The Landlord can't have been "necking his pint", as he is a reformed alcoholic who hasn't had a drink in 5 years (no mean feat whilst running a pub). Even if there were three loud people, which I have never experienced, they haven't mentioned anything to them, or the licencees, or their staff. Also, in 2024 fancy middle aged men also being fully grown! Constant spins of negativeity don't give a fair representation. The toilets are always spotless, the beers always clear, cold and fresh, the staff always friendly, the selction always varied, weekly specials always available - so mention something else. If you've got a grudge against successful hard working poeple then paint a full picture or don't bother. My profile is real, this review is genuine and true.

Great pub with good and fresh food, great value for money 👌🏻

We booked a meal for 4 adults for Fri night , we arrived on time and were taken to our seats promptly, the young man who took our order for food and drinks was so helpful and very polite in a friendly manner, well done . The food was very good and plentiful and well presented and brought in a timely manner . We all agreed our evening was a nice experience and we will visit again in near future .

Myself, Sister Daavid and Sister Aadie have just left our convent after a six months sabbatical of misery. We decided to visit St Saviours Church in the picturesque village of Ringley to refresh our Evangelical Council but on the way past we were distracted by the laughter and good natured fun we could hear from the Horsehoe Pub next door to the Church. On entering the pub we realised that there is another life other than abject misery as 3 good looking, not middle aged men were living life to the full on a sad Tuesday. They kept us entertained for a good hour while we drank our holy water. On our way out we met a family that looked even sadder than us. We had a quick chat and have now converted them to our Sisterhood of Imatripadvisorsaddo. What a win win. We will be definitely returning in our afterlife with our new boring deciples as the bread and wine in the Horshoe was divine.

Nice little pub with good pub food.

They have a group of folk singers twice a month. Absolutely fantastic. Very friendly

Lovely village pub, great for families with young ones with green space around it, great spot to call in if on a bike ride. Staff very warm and welcoming. Everything you would like from a countryside pub,

Lovely welcoming pub, service was excellent, food very good and reasonably priced. Waitress Ella was friendly and professional, she is a natural and a credit to the pub.

Just called as we were passing Will definitely call again

Stunning place attended for a family celebration food was amazing service fantastic never been before but just found a new place to come for food. Will be back

Lovely food at a very reasonable price. Really nice staff and in a gorgeous area

I called for a pint while walking the dog, I'll go again soon for something to eat it looked good inside!

Just called in for a drink with the dog, wife and offspring in that order, was well impressed tidy, clean, very comfortable with excellent out door area, will have to fo back to try the food, menu looked good.

Food was awful. Fish was overcooked with hard batter which was slightly burnt. Atmosphere was non existant.

Our first visit to The Horseshoe. Great food and atmosphere. We will definitely be back!!

Excellent rural location surrounded by plenty of Riverside walks. The pub has a good sized beer garden which is very well maintained and a great setting for a post walk meal and a pint. Staff very friendly and helpful and the menu has a good choice of pub classic. Highly recommend the Rag pudding. Delicious! Very nicely presented inside. A proper country pub vibe with a good selection of drinks and food available. It is recommended to book a table, particularly if nice weather as it will get busy. Definitely be back.

Had a very nice meal here at the Horseshoe, for me the only disappointment was the room between tables, tables are packed very close together giving little room for comfortable dining.

Always popular. Need to book at busy times, good food selection at reasonable price

Great place to eat,drink and meet up with friends. Lovely food and good atmosphere.

We fancied a last minute meal out, headed to the pub have been a couple of times and service has always been hit and miss. Really nice place in a great location. Headed inside and took a look around. 2 small nook areas and a larger restaurant area. The restaurant area was pretty busy with families. As it was later in the evening and we had a rare child free night we opted to sit in one of the smaller areas away from the hustle and bustle and also very brightly lit area. As there were no menus on the tables I asked a waitress if we were ok sitting here to which she replied absolutely fine just order at the bar. Great- sat down chose from the quiet impressive menu. Fella headed to the bar to order to be told from the bar man and I’m assuming owner we can’t sit there - only on weekends 🤔 he then asked have we got a dog? Any children ? Just the two of you? No sorry you can’t sit there. Which I found very odd had we have had kids and a dog could we have sat there ?? I’ve no idea what the point of the questions were. We then reluctantly headed into the restaurant area which was busy and the awful lights overhead were so bright in the small room we then decided no this wasn’t for us. We left the pub and decided to eat down the road at goats gate which was great and such a shame as it really is well decorated, well located everything you really want from a local pub but the things you hear in the community and on social media really don’t give this place a great image and sadly tonight’s experience has made us decide we won’t return. I’m sure they’ll be a defensive response to this but this is just our experience.

We've been to this place quite a few times and the food is fantastic 👌

food was fantastic value for money only one staff serving had to wait a while to order though but otherwise excellent x

Great food, fair price, lovely staff and a warm friendly atmosphere.

I ordered a meal that I shouldn't have done. It was pheasant and it was to boney and not enough meat I was disappointed but the horseshoe was very good and let me order something else which was lamb henry which was delicious 😊 thanks .

Absolutely brilliant service today for 24 of us, food was excellent, pre orderd and all meals came exactly right, everyone was happy, and all empty plates, thankyou for your service, been here twice, and both times excellent, above and beyond ,

Great little stop and dog friendly!

Great english pub, the food was great and service was slow but they were very nice.

I wasn't overly impressed. Food OK. Atmosphere awful a table of women allowed their children to run around the whole restaurant. The lights were very bright so no ambience.

The food is good,, unfortunately I can only give 1 star as you cannot book or reserve a table for 2 which the manageress told me in a aloof and rude manner

Enjoyable lunch, wasn't told to order at bar, but food was good and hot. Will defo go again

We visited on a Saturday evening in mid December. The restaurant was very busy and had a lovely atmosphere. We were served by a pleasant young man who went out of his way to be friendly and attentive. Food was good and we loved the deserts.

I visited the horseshoe on a Saturday evening mid December. It was very busy with a lovely buzzy atmosphere. There was a decent choice on the menu and lovely deserts. The young man behind the bar was very pleasant and took us to our table. Our waiter, another young man, was very attentive and professional. All in all a good experience and we will be back

Had a beautiful family meal here a couple of months ago .. took my parents from Ireland , the staff welcomed us with such friendliness , food was delicious and my Dad loved the Guinness 😊 .. we was surprised by a lovely folk band .. wonderful atmosphere ... Thank you all so much

Great beer, food and service set in a lovely location. Highly recommended. 🍺

This is a great traditional British pub with a roaring open fire also heating on high very busy and a nice atmosphere. Unfortunately they have a strange way of waiting at the door to be seated preventing people entering or leaving easily this appears to be for people who have booked a table while everyone else appears to just find there own table.Service is friendly and the gentleman behind the bar said goodbye as we left.The food could be better it appeared to of been kept warm and not very fresh l would suggest that they did a smaller menu and improve on quality

I’ve been here several times and doubt I’ll be back. Go through staff like there’s no tomorrow due to what I believe is the incredibly rude owner. Having known people that have worked here she is awful to her staff. Staff try their best and food is nowhere near as good as it used to be. Shame as it’s a really nice pub.

Just had a most wonderful family meal here.. 11 of us. Food was absolutely lovely. Service was efficient & pleasant. Prices very reasonable & atmosphere of Pub was warm & welcoming! Well Done All at The Horseshoe. Would highly recommend & will definitely be coming again! Thank You.

Went with my mum for the Christmas menu. It was lovely! The table was decorated, and the service was friendly and helpful. The food was fantastic and plenty of it!

Lovely visit to this pub yesterday for a friends birthday.Good,varied menu.Food served in a warm comfortably spacious area of the pub with an open fire adding to the country pub feel of the place.Service was friendly and helpful.....everyone in our party enjoyed their choice of meals.The food was hot,tasty and plentiful and very reasonably priced ......a good time enjoyed by all our party.Thank you guys.

Great old world public house. Nice staff and pleasant atmosphere and well appointed.

Could not accommodate food etc left and went else where so sad cause usually lovely

enjoyed a lovely lunch here today.The staff are very freindly and the pub has a lovely atmosphere.Food was excellent .

Nice busy little pub in a great spot by the river

Food has been great in the past but very disappointed with the food today. Portion size is smaller but charging same price! We had pork off the special board….this was £15 for a few noodles and three small pieces of pork! Total rip off! The chicken was very dry and overcooked, quite difficult to eat. Unfortunately we will not be going again.

Grandchildren loved the food. asked, when can we come back

Excellent food. Staff friendly and efficient

Great pub. Great food. Pub quiz good on a Wednesday night!!

Pub grub well done. Sensible prices for good quality food. Good beer. Good coffee. We have been a couple of times and never been let down. We aren't the only ones either. The pub was pleasantly busy. Not over run, but plenty of others enjoying a meal in relaxed surroundings. A good pub worthy of support.

We accational go to Horseshoe on a Sunday for a meal Fish Mash Mushy Peas and my partner Cheese and onion pie and enjoy it every time it's always great service and great customer service it's always a friendly place Dogs allowed outside I don't really like Dogs inside the Resterant especially when you are eating food but that's my choice it's always nice and warm especially in the winter staff always friendly and happy to help you especially when ordering drinks and food.yes we did stop going to the Horseshoe for a time because we had a issue with a member of staff regarding food for my partner son who is Autistic and has special needs and like a lot of Children and sometimes adults are fussy eaters he wouldn't have anything of the menu so I asked if they would make him some Tomato soup and a Cheese sandwich I we can't do that I couldn't believe it we had been going there for years so I thought fair enough stuff your food we can always go somewhere else if that's the customer service you give out so we did but ever since the Horseshoe changed hands we have never had any problems always enjoy going there on a Sunday and bringing the gran kids thank god they always know what they want before we get there Sunday Roast and stick Toffee Pudding 😁

Great food, reasonable price, staff friendly and lovely atmosphere 😀

Went today with our friends 20/9/2023 what a lovely place the meal was so lovely enjoyed it staff was so friendly had a good time there.