The Witchwood

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The Witchwood is a public house and live venue situated in Ashton-under-Lyne, a town in Greater Manchester, England. The venue is well known locally and its fame even stretches both nationally and internationally.

The building is divided in two, with the 'front bar', which is a typical public house, and the live venue at the rear, where entry is usually subject to a fee. As well as being a live venue, the rear also plays host to weekly and occasional clubnights. The live venue has a capactiy of 200.

Several famous bands have played at the venue down the years on their way to finding fame, for example Oceansize, JJ72, Lostprophets and Amplifier, amongst others.

The pub prides itself on serving real ale, with many guest ales appearing regularly.

In 2004, Tameside Metroplitan Borough Council served a compulsory purchase order on The Witchwood as plans for the regeneration of the surrounding area required the building to be removed. After a campaign to save The Witchwood, supported by regular customers, local amateur musicians, businesses and live venues, live music fans from across the country, nationally famous musicians (such as Tom Hingley), and even international musicians such as Bob Cheevers, the Council and development company eventually backed down and the plans were amended to include The Witchwood.

As of late 2006 the pub is being advertised for sale.