Golden Lion, Todmorden

Located alongside the Rochdale Canal, this is the oldest pub in the town and boasts a handsome rendered frontage. The spacious interior has undergone many alterations over recent decades, sometimes enforced by the effects of flooding, and now offers a variety of spaces on two levels. The stone-flagged central bar has a pool room and further seating off to the left, and a large raised area to the right which eventually leads out to a suntrap patio area. There is also a room upstairs which may be available for functions.

The pub has a strong community appeal and is the meeting place for various local groups. During the afternoons the pub is a relaxed hangout for all ages, with Wednesdays featuring a popular mahjong session, and the excellent Thai food provided by The Three Lady Chefs on-site kitchen is an added attraction for many customers. The range of six ales has been restored after lockdown, and occasionally features guests from further afield in addition to the offerings from a roster of Yorkshire breweries. Note that cask ale prices are significantly reduced on Tuesdays.

Evenings are rather livelier, and the pub has become well-known for its live music and celebrity DJ events – Jarvis Cocker, Don Letts and Kevin Rowland have played sets here, amongst many others. Entrance charges naturally apply for these, although music of one form or another will be playing at other times too.