Church Inn in Middleton

Ah, the Church Inn – it's one of those pubs that really grows on you once you get past the initial quirks. From what I've gathered from the reviews, it's got this warm, community-hearted spirit that's hard to beat; the landlady sounds like a absolute star, always chatting away and making sure everything runs smoothly for events like their bonfire nights, which apparently drew a massive crowd and were loads of fun. The prices are spot on too, and folks are raving about the food being tasty and good value, making it a solid choice for a casual get-together. On the downside, though, it's clear the place needs a bit of TLC – some reviewers mentioned it looking a bit grubby inside and out, and there were grumbles about staff not knowing the ins and outs of what's on offer, which might put you off if you're after something specific. Plus, it can get a tad noisy with the locals and their little ones, and seeing people bring in outside grub like fast food doesn't always sit right. All in all, if you're up for a genuine, down-to-earth pub experience in a quiet spot, it's worth checking out, but maybe go on a quieter night and keep your expectations realistic.