The Original Farmers Arms
About This Spot
Stepping into The Original Farmers Arms in Eccleston is like entering a comfortably worn-in neighborhood gem—a place where time slows just enough to savor a well-made meal among friendly faces. Nestled along Towngate, this gastropub unfolds with a warm, inviting rhythm where local charm meets unpretentious hospitality. The space is thoughtfully sectioned so you can settle into the lively buzz of the bar or retreat to the quieter dining area, each offering its own comforting mood.
The atmosphere is quietly convivial, punctuated by the easy camaraderie of a spot that knows its regulars but welcomes newcomers with genuine warmth. Whether you’re winding down after a day out or catching up with friends, the pace here is relaxed, free from rush, encouraging you to linger over good conversation and good food.
Here, the menu feels like a conversation between tradition and a touch of the unexpected. Familiar dishes such as a hearty pot roast or tender rump steak sit comfortably alongside nuanced offerings like chicken with haggis or a thoughtfully assembled mixed grill platter. Tapas-style bites allow for a shared, informal style of dining, inviting you to explore flavors—crispy mushrooms layered with melted cheese, or strips of peppered rump steak—each dish crafted to enhance the easygoing, unpretentious vibe.
The drink selection complements this experience well: from a solid lineup of beers and ciders to red wine choices that settle nicely into the mood of the evening. The Original Farmers Arms feels like a place where the care in the kitchen is matched by the attentiveness of the staff, making each visit feel thoughtfully tailored without fuss.
More than just a meal, it’s an invitation to slow down and enjoy an honest, well-rounded gastropub experience that reflects the local flavor of Chorley—one that welcomes dogs, laughter, and that rare feeling of truly belonging, even if you’re just passing by.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating
-
Takeaway
-
Dine-in
-
Delivery
-
Fireplace
-
Great beer selection
-
Great coffee
-
Great dessert
-
Great tea selection
-
Great wine list
-
Lunch
-
Dinner
-
Solo dining
-
Wheelchair-accessible car park
-
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
-
Wheelchair-accessible seating
-
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
-
Alcohol
-
Beer
-
Cocktails
-
Coffee
-
Healthy options
-
Quick bite
-
Small plates
-
Spirits
-
Wine
-
Brunch
-
Lunch
-
Dinner
-
Dessert
-
Seating
-
Table service
-
Bar on site
-
Toilet
-
Casual
-
Cosy
-
Historic
-
Groups
-
Tourists
-
Dinner reservations recommended
-
Accepts reservations
-
Credit cards
-
Debit cards
-
NFC mobile payments
-
Credit cards
-
Good for kids
-
High chairs
-
Kids' menu
-
Free of charge street parking
-
Free parking lot
-
Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Friday | 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
drew Meldrew 31 Dec 2025
A traditional English pub serving good food in a relaxed atmosphere. Recommended if you're passing by.
alison griffiths 28 Dec 2025
Great place good well cooked tasty traditional food with non traditional fayre too. Service was perfect and all the staff were friendly. Local pub feel and very welcoming.
D Kechagias 09 Dec 2025
Nice dog friendly pub with great food. You know the food is good when the salmon fishcake has actual chunks of salmon, not that disappointing mush I often get. I also enjoyed the surf and turf, ribeye was cooked just right. Large selection of specials. I'd say it's 4.5 stars food, as the fried fish did have more of an oily feel than what you can find in the best places, but everything nice apart from that. I am not rounding up to 5 stars just because I had to wait longer than average for the food, on a quiet evening.
David Roberts 09 Dec 2025
Belting burger tasted great well seasoned friendly bar staff and good service
Abbie-Louise Wright 06 Dec 2025
First time after driving past for many years and it was lovely! Lots of space as pub is sectioned into restaurant area and bar/drinks area lots of specials on the board and updated menu as to what is previously online. Service was great and on top of everything, recommending meals and also giving advice about best options of what can be combined into the set meal options. Would say with the options that are on the menu for main courses, a few of the side options that you get to choose to add, don’t really go with a few of the meals so you feel like you are ordering something for the sake of it but very good options available
Morph 10 Oct 2025
The Original Farmers Arms. Shhhhh keep it to yourself!! There are moments when a simple visit to a local establishment reveals far more than expected. Such is the case with The Original Farmers Arms in Eccleston—a discovery that leaves one torn between sharing its virtues with the wider world or preserving it as a cherished, almost secret, retreat. This public house, rich in heritage and steeped in the kind of authenticity that has quietly disappeared from much of modern Britain, represents a rare example of a community venue that still understands and treasures its roots. From the moment one steps inside, it becomes clear that this is a place shaped not by trends but by tradition. There is no ambition to impress through ornamentation or opulence; instead, the surroundings reflect decades of honest, hardworking locals gathering over hearty meals, comforting pints, and warm conversation. It is, in every sense, a proper British country pub—unpretentious, characterful, and filled with the kind of understated charm that cannot be manufactured. Central to the pub’s reputation is the exceptional standard of its food, overseen by Ian, who serves not only as chef but as one half of the ownership team. His dishes, prepared with locally sourced ingredients from surrounding farmers, offer a depth of flavour and mastery that could comfortably challenge far more celebrated dining establishments. While the atmosphere remains casual and rooted in longstanding custom, the quality emerging from the kitchen speaks of professionalism, care, and a genuine understanding of British cuisine at its best. Guests seeking authentic, thoughtfully prepared meals—free from unnecessary embellishment but rich in craft—will find them here. Alongside him, Lisa ensures the heartbeat of the pub remains steady and welcoming. Her presence, warm and attentive yet never intrusive, reflects the values that have long defined establishments of this type: hospitality grounded in sincerity rather than performance. Under her guidance, the pub maintains its relaxed rhythm, offering well-kept cask ales and an environment where both regulars and newcomers feel at ease. It is a reminder that true hospitality need not be loud or elaborate; it simply requires consistency, warmth, and respect for the people who walk through the door. Conversations with local patrons reinforce the sense that this venue is deeply woven into the surrounding community. Many expressed to me a sentiment repeated with quiet pride: that the pub remains something of a hidden gem, overlooked by those who seek newness rather than authenticity. Yet, beneath this desire to keep it close lies a broader understanding of the economic pressures facing small, locally driven establishments across the country. Supporting such places is not only a matter of enjoying what they offer but also ensuring their continuity in a challenging landscape for independent pubs and eateries. For visitors seeking polished surfaces, fashionable décor, or a curated image, this may not be the ideal destination. The Original Farmers Arms stands apart from more contemporary venues precisely because it has chosen not to abandon the traditions that shaped it. Instead, it remains true to its origins—serving honest food, offering genuine company, and embracing the simple pleasure of gathering in a well-loved local space. Once experienced, it is the kind of place that stays with you. Its appeal grows not through glossy marketing or modern convenience but through a sincerity that is increasingly rare. For those who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and the enduring importance of community spaces within British life, a visit is not only recommended but likely to become a repeat enjoyment. To Ian and Lisa, gratitude is due. Their commitment to maintaining a traditional British pub experience—rooted in quality, integrity, and community spirit—deserves recognition and support. Their work ensures that the customs and comforts of the past remain accessible today, offering reassurance in uncertain times. Col.M.
Mariz 30 Sep 2025
It's a proper English pub. The food is always fresh and delicious, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the staff are simply the best I've ever met, no matter where in the world I've lived or visited. I love this pub! You'll be missing a treat if you don't come and try the amazing food and wine they have here. It's always a pleasure to come back.
Jade Walmsley 29 Sep 2025
We were looking for a local place for Sunday lunch that wasn't all roast dinners. After checking out a few other menus online, we were tempted in by the 2 course deal. Phoned Saturday evening to book. Partner had the haggis & black pudding to stadt, said it was the best starter he's ever had. I had the scampi, which I enjoyed because it's not often seen as a starter. Partner had the roast dinner with extra meat, I had the steak casserole in giant yorkishire pudding. Both meals delicious and neither of us could finish them. Really lovely little place, just a bit lacking in atmosphere but I think that was down to us dining fairly early in the day.