July Weekday Wander — Pie Eating in Wigan

A day out in Wigan eating pies with the occasional beer as well. The Raven Hotel is in the centre of Wigan, being but yards from the Market Place. Built in 1904 as a commercial hotel but fell into dereliction before being renovated in 2012. This didn't entail ripping out the inside so many original features are retained, and replacements blend in. This update didn't jeopardise its Grade II listing which was originally granted in 1997. Home cooked food is available, featuring their own pies, courtesy of Gary. Four changing beers are available, some of which should be local as they are LocAle accredited. A few minutes walk around the parish church, no doubt passing a pie shop, takes us to the Anvil on Dorning Street. A wide range of refreshments are available, with seven handpulls, ciders and continental lagers. There is also a garden out the back should the weather be clement. There is, however no mention of pies! Returning past the church and heading back towards Wigan North Western Station we find our next outlet snuggled up to the rail lines. Built in 1898 by WEV Crompton and winner of a Historic England Conservation Award. The interior is divided up into a number of rooms, and includes an impressive stained-glass window. Also of historic note is the working Bass handpump on the bar. Pies are available here until 8pm. Crossing the road and diving in to two railway arches below the station we finally come to the new kid on the block, Wigan Central. You must ask why they chose the name of the closed and demolished Cheshire Lines Committee/Great Central Railway station, which was located (sort of) behind the Raven Hotel. This award-winning two-roomed pub has a railway- themed interior and serves up to seven real ales. A former Greater Manchester Pub of the Year and runner-up National Pub of the Year. Of great use to us is the live feed displaying arrival and departure times from both railway stations - so you can get that last pint in confident your train is delayed! Alas, no mention of pies. 
 

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