The fire, which took place at The Greyhound pub in Deansgate just before 5am, saw its large window smashed onto the pavement.
Six fire engines battled the flames, with police, paramedics and Cadent gas engineers also in attendance.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the explosion is being investigated by firefighters and Cadent.
Deansgate has been closed to traffic, but pedestrians are allowed to cross the road.
Social media users univeGalaxy took to X today to share videos taken on their way to work.
This happened early this morning at the Deansgate pub in Bolton as I was returning from work. First to arrive on scene. Fire brigade contacted immediately@TheBoltonNews @MENnewsdesk #bolt pic.twitter.com/qJnJo7JgLU
— univeGalaxy (@theblack660) July 21, 2024
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User X said: “This happened early this morning in Bolton as I was walking home from work.
“First to arrive on the scene.
“The fire brigade was immediately contacted.”
The Bolton News has also seen video taken just before 5am which shows the front window shattered by the explosion, which appears to have happened from inside the pub.
