June 2025. Wigan.
Off to Wigan for my last Greater Mancunian GBG tick, via a station I’ve never been to before. I’ll be honest, I’m very jealous reading BRAPA going to towns like Cirencester for the very first time,
even if I don’t envy his liver (it’s probably perfect).
One thing a long career in ticking teaches you is the importance of eating between pints, and where better for your healthy lunch than the pie counter at Wigan’s Swan & Railway.
In late 2021, after its triumphant re-opening, I declared it “quite wonderful, the Bass the pinnacle of the brewer’s craft“.
But I hadn’t been back. How is that possible ? And how is the Bass surviving the heatwave ?
Let’s do what Beer Smelliers do and match it with the most expensive pie on the menu.
While it’s being prepared I take a wander, dazzled by the seating (a bit Sheffield Tap),
and the tributes to Wigan’s heritage of Rugby League, Northern Soul, and cup wins over Manchester City.
There’s some niche Northern Soul playing,
perhaps a bit too quietly for my taste, but perfect for the Old Boy from Orrell who’s come for his regular pint of Bass, which is quietly stunning (NBSS 3.5+). I’d asked him if he minded me sitting next to him scoffing pie and peas. At least it wasn’t chip smells.
You won’t eat and drink better. OK, you eat more healthily, but where’s the fun in that ?
retiredmartin 
If this posted any later, I was worried it was a family tragedy or we were headed for more of those distasteful travel posts.
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It was a family funeral, Dave, my Dad’s sister. She made 94 ! Had a little meet-up with folk you meet once every 20 years !
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You have a lot of genetic hope on your side!
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All teetotal !
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On a side note, who isn’t jealous of BRAPA? His whole life is a fantasy camp.
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I fear a big comedown when he finally finishes.
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We’re going to pay the CAMRAs to mix up the selection when he gets close.
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He must have been to Wigan?
Is he the famous pee-er?
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Your photos always make the food look very appetizing. I live near to The Albion in Hastings where they serve excellent homemade pies.
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I didn’t know the Albion did food, Jon. I must try it when we eventually get back to our caravan in Rye.
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Same here – next time I’m in Hastings.
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Weren’t the pies in the Raven, from Pieminster?
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What Pub says so too. I thought the pies in the Raven were great, top pub, as is this one in Wigan.
Ever been to Wigan, Paul ?
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I can’t say that I’ve ever been to Wigan, Martin, and strangely enough I don’t feel I’ve missed out, either, on a town that reminds me of rugby league, Eddie Waring, and George Orwell – great author, but did he ever find that mythical pier?
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It was hiding in plain view. Still there.
You’d like Wigan pubs.
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Eddie Waring made RL almost worth watching, if only to see Eddie trip over a cable walking into shot, and to trip over the same one walking out…
“Ah-Wigannnahhh”
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Had a stunning pint of bass in Lichfield on Saturday in 30 degree heat.
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Where Neil?
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George IV (and only £3.15)
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Blimey. I’d been told by pubs that price was a factor in stocking Bass. It was priced above £5 in a Sheffield pub recently.
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I was very surprised. My first thought was it isn’t selling. But it didn’t taste that way.
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Neil,
I had the George IV’s Bass on the previous Saturday, 21st June, at £3.15.
The only other Lichfield pub I know with Bass is the Horse and Jockey where the Timothy Taylors Dark Mild was £4.60.
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I went in the H&J too but I was that hot I downed an Estrella
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