Ye Olde Man & Scythe Open Mic

Ye Olde Man & Scythe at 6-8 Churchgate is one of Bolton's most historic pubs — reputedly the fourth oldest in the country — sitting near the Parish Church on Churchgate, the site of a famous Civil War execution. It retains wooden beams, leaded windows and stone floors, a cosy snug and a separate piano room used for jamming and open mic nights. On weekend evenings there's usually a local band playing and the pub gets busy. The regular Cider 'Ouse Jam Nite runs on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, 7pm-10:30pm in the piano room — an eclectic, informal session for musicians of all abilities, taking in blues, country and reggae through to blazing metal, acapella rap and poetry. House PA in place; originals and covers both welcome.