23/09/22 – Kirkham, Poulton and Blackpool

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First day of a weekend in Blackpool. Today I explored several pubs and micropubs in Blackpool, then an afternoon/evening trip out to Kirkham and Poulton.

Shipwreck Brewhouse

First call of the day was to “Shipwreck Brewhouse” in Cleveleys. I visited here in February and was very impressed with this bar. Had a range of 5 Cask Ales on, a real cider and a selection on draught. Went with the “Handsome Stranger” from Handsome Brewery based in Kendal. A new brewery for me.

The Highlands

Onto Bispham next and a pub ive passed lots of times on the trams but never been in. This pub is owned and run by Thwaites Brewery, and has some great outdoor seating overlooking the prom and tramway.

The bar had a choice of 4 cask ales available, 3 being from their own brewery and a guest beer from Pennine Brewery. Chose to go for the Thwaites Original, which is claimed to be original today as it was in 1807. A enjoyable drink.

The Gynn

Heading back towards Blackpool, brings me on “The Gynn”, located on Gynn Roundabout itself. The roundabout has always been a part of the Blackpool Illuminations, this year hosting a spitfire (previous years have included the Rocket Tram and Dr Who’s Tardis)

The pub itself is set on the roundabout and proves very popular with holiday makers, serving a great range of food. Outdoor seating also at the front of the pub and around the side.

2 cask ales available when I went in. IPA and Gold, both from Thwaites Brewery. Went with “Gold”, a refreshing citrusy beer.

Albert’s Ale Micropub

Onto a great small micropub ive visited several times in the past (and one you may miss if you didnt know it was here). This bar is situated on the ground floor of the Albert Hotel (a short walk from the Winter Gardens)

A choice of 4 cask ales available, alongside 2 real ciders and several keg and bottle options, so lots to choose from. Decided to go with the “XPA” from Tatton Brewery based in Knutsford, Cheshire. A really delicious pint as always from here.

Seating both inside alongside the bar, or upstairs at the front (where the entrance steps are), so great to catch the sun while its out.

1887 The Brew Room

Onto the home of “West Coast Rock Brewery”, The 1887 – The Brew Room. A short walk from Blackpool North Station. This pub is very historic, in fact it was the birthplace of Blackpool Football Club.

A great long bar welcomes you on entry with a great choice of drinks, and the seating around is packed full of memorabilia and other pub items.

5 of their own brewed cask beers alongside 4 guests were available on the bar. Hadnt tried their “Seasiders Ale” before so went with this. A delicious light beer.

Thirsty? Alehouse

A quick walk from 1887 The Brew Room to Thirsty? Micropub. Again a short walk from Blackpool North Station. Visited here once before and was very impressed.

A choice of 4 cask beers, a real cider and several keg and bottle options here. The Lords Brewery beer had just run off when I arrived.

Blonde Vixen from Wily Fox brewery based in Wigan was my choice of beer. A refreshing and delicious blonde session ale. Lovely setting inside the pub with different styles of seats at the back compared to the front.

Kirkham Bierhaus

On the train now from Blackpool North to Kirkham & Wesham (Kirkham is a 10 minute walk from the train station). The first call is to “Kirkham Bierhaus”. This bar opened in February 2022 and was converted from a former Santander Bank.

A choice of four cask ales were available alongside a selection of European Lagers and other keg choices. Went for “Lemon Drop Ultra Pale” from Brewsmith Beer Ltd who are based in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester.

Tap & Vent Brewhouse

A couple of doors down from Kirkham Bierhaus is “The Tap & Vent Brewhouse”. This micropub has been converted from a former shop. Seating inside and out at the front on sunny days (wasnt able to get a front photo as was too busy).

A choice of 5 cask ales all from different breweries. Went with “Waimea” from Stockport Brewery. A beer with a hint of orange with a finish of spice and pine. A good choice.

The Stables

Just up the road from Tap & Vent Brewhouse is “The Stables”. The pub itself is converted from old stables.

A choice of 4 beers available here from Phoenix Brewery, Bowland Brewery and Moorhouses Brewery. Went with “Bowland Gold” from Bowland Brewery. A Delicious Hoppy Beer packed full of Grapefruit Aromas.

Headed back to the railway station next, onto Poulton-Le-Flyde. First stop (5 minute walk into town) was The Bull.

The Bull

Situated in the middle of town was The Bull. A family orientated local pub which offers reasonably priced food aswell as a great drink selection.

Three beers available on hand pull here. Bowland Brewery Hen Harrier (which had just run off), Greene King IPA and Timothy Taylor Landlord. Went with the Timothy Taylor Landlord, always a safe choice and a great beer.

The Old Town Hall

Next stop was “The Old Town Hall”, just across the road from The Bull. A great pub packed full of character and very busy for a Friday evening.

A really good selection of ales available here from 5 different breweries (Titanic, Roosters, Bowland, Moorhouses and Bradfield). Went with “Twenty Four Seven” from Roosters Brewery, A great beer made with 4 hops and a delicious session beer.

Thatched House

Last call of the day was to “Thatched House”, situated next to St Chads Church. A traditional old style looking bar, and by far the busiest pub in town.

A great selection of ales on here, 8 in total with a selection of styles. Decided on “Pavilion Pale Ale” from Bank Top Brewery. Always had good beers from this brewery in the past and this one didnt disappoint.

This pub also has a rooftop beer garden, giving some great views over the town (especially on a warm evening).