Food review: We visited Failsworth’s ‘friendliest pub’

The pub looks unassuming from the outside. Painted mostly a dull grey, but with a few hanging baskets around the edge.

Small windows and drawn blinds mean you can’t see what you’re getting into before entering the front door – leaving me feeling slightly apprehensive.

I needn’t have worried. Upon stepping in you’re greeted by a bright, welcoming, and friendly environment.

Pubgoers of all ages could be found inside the main seating area, which felt clean and modern, but not sterile; the pub had a cosy charm enhanced by the sound of cheerful conversation.

Inside The Willow Tavern was bright and clean (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

As well as the front seating area, there’s more seating in the back, but this was reserved for a private party when I visited – something the pub also caters for.

The pub also boasts a garden – though I decided to stay indoors thanks to the January weather.

Visiting on a Saturday lunchtime, I was looking for food, rather than drink. While there weren’t any menus on the table, staff were extremely helpful and friendly when I asked.

The pub is open seven days a week, but serves its main menu of food from Tuesdays to Fridays between 12pm and 5.30pm.

Options include soups, pie, fish and chips, burgers, bangers and mash, rag pudding, chicken tikka masala, and chilli con carne.

A children’s menu is also available.

A sign outside the pub says that ‘light bites’ are available on Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm.

My fears of pork scratchings, monster munch, and pork pies went unrealised.

A decently-sized menu with hot food, sandwiches, and even desserts is available.

Food is not usually served on Mondays or Sundays.

Jacket potato (£3.50) with cheese (50p) and beans (50p) (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

The jacket potato cost a reasonable £3.50, with an extra 50p for each topping – meaning cheese and beans came to £4.50. The toppings were generous, with a nice side salad, complete with croutons.

Dressing was served on the side – a nice touch for those who prefer to do it their own way.

Unlike the jacket potato, the cheese and onion panini – and accompanying side salad – were served on a wooden chopping board, rather than porcelain. This is something I’m not too keen on, but it didn’t matter – the panini was filling, with cheese well melted. The panini cost £4, with most fillings costing 50p extra, but some – such as onions – were free.

Paninis and sandwiches are served on wooden boards (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

We also ordered a side of chunky chips. At £2 I was expecting a small portion, but I couldn’t even finish all of them – make sure you have someone with you to help out.

The latte (£2.50) did the job – though it wasn’t barista quality. But, that’s not what most people come to a pub for.

On tap were: Black Sheep, Wainwright Gold, Birra Moretti, Fosters, John Smith’s, Worthington’s, Strongbow Original and Dark Fruit, Guinness, Coors, and Carling.

A range of bottles and soft drinks were also available, including alcohol-free beer – though there weren’t any alcohol-free options on-tap.

Chunky chips came in a big portion (£2) (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

While I didn’t experience any myself, the pub has a packed schedule of events on offer, including a Soul & Motown night on the last Saturday of each month.

Overall, the Willow Tavern was great value for money, with friendly and attentive staff and delicious food. It’s certainly worth a visit.

Getting there

It takes about 20 minutes by bicycle or bus to get to the pub from Oldham town centre.

By car, excluding parking, it’ll take around 10 minutes.

The pub has a car park surrounding the building with space for around 20 cars.

The 74, 76, 76A, 159, and 833 bus services stop directly outside the pub entrance.

I couldn’t find anywhere to park my bike when I visited, though nearby railings sufficed.

Those wanting to use just the tram should get off at Hollinwood and walk one mile, or around 20 minutes.