The pub where people have 'a good time no matter what'

The Farrars Arms, this week's Pub of the Week, is a familiar sight to anyone who lives in the area, with its domineering home found along Oldham Road, one of the busiest roads in Saddleworth.

It's not just people who live nearby that visit, though, with customers drawn to its doors after seeing its recent popularity on TikTok and driving from the neighbouring boroughs of Bury and Rochdale.

The Farrars Arms (Image: Google)

Landlord Rob Norbury explained he has been behind the helm of the pub for nearly nine years now and that its history dates much further back.

He said: "Established in 1702, the building has seemingly had a number of uses in its early days, but has been a public house for the majority of its time.

"There are a number of regulars who have been coming here since the 1960's, which shows just how important it is within the community."

He explained that the pub is particularly special thanks to the people that can be found there, noting 'both the customers and staff'.

Some of the freshly baked pies (Image: The Farrars Arms)

Asked about his favourite thing about working at the pub, he again credited those there.

He said: "The people, we have a great set of customers and staff, and no day is the same.

"We also have our site in Uppermill, Muse, so between the two, they certainly keep me on my toes!

"Also, I get to wear my shorts to work on a daily basis."

Sticky toffee pudding at the pub, which is praised as 'amazing' in reviews (Image: The Farrars Arms)

The 37-year-old landlord explained that the pub is 'deceptively small', stating that from the outside it seems 'colossal' but inside there's only seating for around 60 people.

He said that the size is what he thinks is part of the 'charm' of the pub.

Talking about what he thinks is people's favourite thing about The Farrars Arms, Rob said: "I think the type of pub we are has become a bit of a dying breed, in the sense that we aren't necessarily a 'gastropub' or a 'country pub'.

"We are just a little bit of an old school pub, serving good home-cooked food, but we also want you to come in for a pint after work, and we try to cater to all.

"You can come in with your friends, your family, your dog or just on your own, and hopefully you can have just as good a time no matter what."

Describing the pub in just one word, Rob said it is 'relaxed'.

On the pub's food offering, which is the subject of praise in hundreds of reviews, Rob said: "We do serve food, it's a nice, relaxed pub-style menu.

"When we first opened 9 years ago, we wanted to build somewhere you could come just as easily on a Tuesday as at the weekend.

"I would say our most popular dishes are homemade cheese and onion pie or rag pudding, and then our Sunday roast.

The pub's esteemed cheese and onion pie (Image: The Farrars Arms)

"We started 4 years ago to offer our Pies with the option of the Sunday Trimmings, and they have gone down really well!"

The pub's most popular beer choices are Stella Artois, Asahi and Boddingtons Cask, but Rob said there are 16 different beers on tap, so there is 'something for everyone'.

He also explained one of his most memorable moments at, and said: "We were the start and finish line for when 'Sir' Kevin Sinfield began his first 7 in 7 Charity Runs for Rob Burrow, raising millions for the Motor Neurone Disease Community.

"To see the dedication first-hand and the support was incredible.

The pub also serves Guinness (Image: The Farrars Arms)

"It was during lockdown, so unfortunately, we were unable to celebrate at the time, but we have more than made up for it since."

Rob also opened up on the challenges facing the industry, and said: "I think the industry as a whole is facing serious financial pressures now, and I don't know what the next steps are for the majority of us, but we keep hoping that the support will come as the industry can be the heartbeat of communities."

Finally, he highlighted the Pub of the Week feature, saying: "I think it's great to see the local businesses supporting each other where they can, and this initiative is a fantastic way of raising the profile of your local."