Chetham's Arms, Chapeltown, Reviewed
21.05.12
To Chetham's Arms in Chapeltown in the Turton part of Bolton, my charming tweeter's choice. The village is gorgeous, perfect on a sharp winter's day, full of golden Pennine houses and long views to the hills.
It even has a Manchester link, as the pub name refers to the same Humphrey Chetham who gave his name to Chetham's School of Music and Library in the city centre. Chetham bought the estate in 1628 for £4000.
The pub is a good-looker on the outside, three storeys proud, while inside its been given a bold edge with vivid reds and blues. The date stone outside reads 1745, an interesting year to be building given that the Scots had rebelled and were trying to get their king, Not-So-Bonnie Prince Alex Salmond - I'm sure that was his name - on the throne of Britain.
The menu is as good looking as the pub, excellent value and a bit of a revelation.
The 12 hour braised, middle white belly pork, crispy pork scratchings, sage crushed potatoes, apple and chorizo (£12.95) is a good example of the quality and value - check that price - up here.
Source: Manchester Confidential