Wigan Artisan Market at The Cotton Works

A highly regarded real ale pub set in the Queen Street railway arches, directly adjacent to the Cotton Works. Seven handpumps serving a constantly rotating range of cask ales alongside craft beers and a solid food menu. CAMRA-listed, lively and welcoming — one of Wigan's best pubs and the obvious first stop after browsing the market stalls.

“Great bar next to Wigan North Western Station. Generally 6 real ales and some craft beers on offer”

A much-loved independent coffee and wine bar on Wallgate, directly opposite Wigan Wallgate station and a short walk from the Cotton Works. Serves excellent coffee, pastries and light bites from 8am, transitioning into wine, craft beer and spirits through the evening. Dog-friendly, free WiFi and a relaxed back room — a natural pit stop before or after the market.

“Nipped in (1st time) for a coffee, after dropping my van off, as its a 3 mile walk home. Was very quiet, as it had just opened, but 2 guys at the counter, being served by a lovely friendly young lady. I sat close tp the counter and had a play with the lovely little dog, till I was asked what id l...”

A small independent craft beer and real ale bar tucked into Jaxons Court in the town centre. Three rotating cask ales plus a good selection of craft cans in a welcoming, unpretentious setting. Reasonably priced, dog-friendly and always a reliable pint — a firm favourite with Wigan's beer community.

“Absolutely brilliant staff. Came in on my own after recently moving to wigan and they couldn't have made me feel more welcome. Sound set of locals and sound set of beers on the line. Decent prices, decent venue, can't complain.”

A hidden gem of a brewery taproom tucked down a ginnel off Wallgate in the Old Brewery Yard. Exceptional locally brewed ales served direct from the source in a wonderfully quirky old building — up some wooden steps and into one of Wigan's most characterful drinking spots. Open Sundays 1–7pm. Well worth seeking out before or after the market.

“What a little cracker of a tap room tucked away down a ginnel off Wallgate. Great beer at a super price, good friendly service and its such a quirky old building.”

A craft and continental beer bar in the Queen Street railway arches, directly alongside the Cotton Works. Specialises in German and European lagers — Spaten, Löwenbräu and Sierra Nevada among the regulars — served in correct glassware. Outdoor seating, board games and a relaxed atmosphere. Open Sundays 12–5pm.

“Noticed this place after sitting in the central and they put a sign on the end of the road. Wandered down. Outside seating, comfortable seating inside. Board games and plenty of choices of beer. We're fans of German beers so choose the Weiss. Actual glasses to match the beer we chose which is a b...”

A craft brewery bar and kitchen in the Queen Street railway arches next door to the Cotton Works, run by State of Kind Brew Co with MELD street food on site. Exceptional burgers — the blue cheese and honey chilli are standouts — alongside a tight range of well-crafted beers. A brilliant combination of quality brewing and serious food in an atmospheric industrial setting.

“Fantastic food! Had the steak 😋 and tried the burgers; really enjoyed them. Top class! Good selection of wines and craft beers 🍻 oh and the staff are great 😘”