About This Pub
Ah, the Barley Mow – it's one of those timeless pubs right in the heart of Warrington that you can't help but appreciate for its rich history and welcoming atmosphere. Picture yourself sinking into a comfy spot with a pint of real ale, maybe catching the latest footy match on one of their eight screens; it's just the ticket for a relaxed catch-up with friends. They've nailed the classics with decent pub food at great prices, and the beer garden is a lovely bonus on a warm day. But, let's be straight, it's not all roses – I've heard tales of grumpy service and the odd mishap with food, like burnt bits or things not being available, which can leave you a bit frustrated. Still, with an overall solid rating, it's worth a go if you're in the area, just keep your expectations in check and maybe check what's on the menu before you head in. All in all, it's a gem with a few rough edges, making it a solid choice for a casual night out, as long as you're up for a bit of the unexpected.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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It's got that classic, cosy pub vibe with heaps of character, being a historic spot built way back in 1561 – perfect for a proper British pint in a welcoming setting.
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The food and drinks are reasonably priced, with options like pub grub done right, including breakfasts and a beer garden for those sunny days.
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They show live sport on multiple screens, covering everything from football to rugby and Formula 1, which makes it a brilliant spot to catch the game with mates.
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There's a good range of real ales and cocktails, plus family-friendly touches like being child-welcome and having baby changing facilities.
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The staff can be really attentive and friendly at times, turning a rainy day visit into something memorable with quick service and a smile.
Cons
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Service can be hit or miss, with some reports of surly staff and items not being available, which might leave you disappointed if you're after something specific.
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Food quality isn't always spot on – think burnt toast, missing condiments, or even a dirty glass for your wine, which can really put a dampener on the meal.
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Maintenance issues pop up now and then, like a broken extractor fan or a dripping gutter outside, making the experience less than ideal on certain visits.
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Not everything on the menu might be on offer, especially during busy times or if there's equipment trouble, so you could end up with limited choices.
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Recent feedback suggests things have slipped a bit, with lower ratings lately compared to the overall score, so it might not be as reliable as it once was.
Contact Information
29 Old Mkt Pl, Warrington WA1 1QB
+441925651182
Pub
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday (Today) | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 22:00 |
Recent Reviews
Visited the barley mow today for lunch as a group of 4 people, 3 of the group wanted bacon on toast and 1 wanted a jacket potato. We were told by a rather surly bar worker that they were not serving any breakfast classed items nor were they serving any jacket potatoes neither! 3 of the group was told they could have plain buttered toast, with or without jam! Is this not a breakfast item? 1 (me) decided not to have anything, which I am glad I did!! The “toast” came out as white as what the bread was before it went into the toaster, it should have been listed as hot bread not toast. Suffice to say we will not be eating there in the future.
Good value on the All Day Breakfast but let down by burnt toast and no butter (or brown sauce). Nice thick bacon, crispy hash browns and decent sausages :)
Booked a table for the great deal of 2 for £20. The table was booked for 2.30pm
Arrived to be greeted by a young girl who advised that not all foods were available due to the extractor fan being broken.
We ordered drinks and took a seat and decided on our food options. On visiting the bar again we were told that we couldn't order food as the repair guys were in for the extractor fan.
We asked if they knew how long it would be. A guy called Sam stated 'it could be 10 minutes - it could be later tonight' I said we were asking because we needed to decide whether to go elsewhere.
I found Sam quite rude and feel if he works in hospitality he needs to get a personality to speak to customers in a friendly manner.
We ate elsewhere with friendly service and hope that Sam will be more friendly on our return.
Red wine came in a dirty glass and the texture was thicker than normal wine 🤢. I should have taken it back but I was so put off I didn’t want anything else but to leave. We sat outside and the gutter was just dripping all over the chair next to me so although it wasn’t raining I had a very bad experience
Staff at the Barley Mow is very attentive and friendly. I have stepped in during rain, wet to the bone, and guys brought me back to life with a pint of Guinness and an awesome fake steak pie with peas and fries. Sorry, chips. By the way, I wonder why the rest of the world doesn’t put vinegar on chips. It’s so good! Also, you can unwind with a glass and watch sports on TV (cricket, rugby, soccer, darts, all the good stuff). Lovely place to eat and to hang out.
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