Seven real fires you can get the train to

The clocks have gone back, it's dark by five and the smell of bonfire night is still hanging about. This is the time of year for a pub with a real fire, and some of the best ones round here are a short train ride out of town.

So here's seven, all on a train line out of Manchester, and five of them so close to the station you could hear your train being called. No driving, no taxi, nobody stuck on the lime and soda.

Stalybridge Buffet Bar, on the platform

The last of the old Victorian station buffets, on the platform at Stalybridge since 1885. Coal fire, eight or so cask pumps, real cider and black peas on the menu, in a Grade II listed room. Plenty of people get the train out just to drink here and get the train back, and fair enough. It's about twenty minutes from Victoria or Piccadilly.

Swan & Railway Hotel, Wigan

Right across from Wigan North Western, a Grade II listed Victorian hotel that's been done up properly (Historic England gave it an award for it). Real fire, seven handpumps, with Draught Bass and Bank Top Dark Mild always on and five that change. Wigan CAMRA's Pub of the Year for 2026, and step-free with an accessible loo.

Lamb Hotel, Eccles

A minute from Eccles station, a 1906 Holt's pub with one of the best old interiors you'll find round here: mahogany, Art Nouveau tiles, mosaic floors and the little glazed serving hatches. Holt's Bitter and Mild on cask, and a fire to sit by while you take it all in. You can get the tram here too.

Auld Chimp, Urmston

This is Urmston's old 1872 station building, a pub again since February 2025, so it's about ten steps from the train to the bar. Four casks that change, a real fire, food Friday to Sunday and a beer garden. Dogs and kids welcome, step-free with an accessible loo.

Ye Olde Vic, Stockport

A few minutes' walk from Stockport station in Edgeley. It was the first pub in Stockport to put on a changing range of guest beers, and the locals own it now. Six handpumps, mostly from small local breweries, a real fire and a beer garden. Evenings only, Wednesday to Sunday, and there's no step-free way in.

Two with a walk attached

These two are a bit of a climb from the station, which is half the fun. You'll feel like you've earned the fire.

The Church Inn is up on the moor above Uppermill, next to the church, and brews its own We Are Wolf beers in the old Saddleworth Brewery building out the back. Six handpumps, a real fire and a view from the beer garden. Greenfield is the nearest station. The Rising Sun is up the hill above Mossley, with its own beers on four of the eight handpumps, homemade pizza Wednesday to Sunday and a garden looking out over the Tame valley.