The Eagle in Rochdale

Ah, The Eagle – it's one of those unpretentious pubs that you stumble upon and end up enjoying more than you expected. From what I've gathered from the reviews, it's got this genuine, welcoming feel where the staff, like the landlady, are always up for a laugh and a proper conversation, which really makes the place stand out. The beer is spot on, especially that OB Smiths bitter that folks rave about, and it's all set in a clean, comfortable space with a pool table and dart board to keep things entertaining if you're with mates. On the downside, though, it's tied to those Sam Smiths brewery quirks – no kids, no dogs, and definitely no phones or music, which means it's dead quiet in terms of background noise and you can't even grab a bite to eat. It might suit you if you're after a straightforward pint and a bit of nostalgia, but if you're hoping for a buzzing night with tunes or telly, it could fall a bit flat. All in all, it's a solid spot for a relaxed get-together, as long as you're okay with the old-school rules – I'd say give it a go if you're in Rochdale and fancy something authentic.