The Black Bull's Head, Openwoodgate

The Black Bull's Head is another gem. The exterior appearance belies the excellent interior - several rooms with open fires, quirky elements like a chair wide enough for Henry VIII, set up on a dais, and (on a Friday night) full of locals. There were several beers to choose from, from a number of breweries - a particularly nice flavoursome 'Manchester Bitter' - and, as is now quite popular, a range of ciders. A very convivial evening and probably worth returning for some beer-related event which happens in their 'slaughter room'. A pub that knows what it's doing.

The Hop Inn, Openwoodgate

Under new management, the Hop Inn is clearly still finding a direction. Whilst catering for families with kids who run around the pool table and teenagers who tear up beermats in acts of open defiance, the bar is well-stocked and the manager happy to offer tastes of the various ales on offer. The beer was from a range of breweries, some already known to our gallant band of quaffeurs, others new but the ones chosen were in good order. The place is also slightly overheated with steaming radiators and open fires. An odd pub but one to revisit to see how things go.