26/10/24 – Ulverston (and Blackpool)

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Exploring Ulverston’s Historic Pubs and Craft Beers

After exploring the new Nuclear Submarine in Barrow-in-Furness, I ventured to Ulverston, known for its Laurel & Hardy connection. My first stop was The Mill, a historic pub with Grade II listing and a selection of eight cask ales, including “Apprentice” from Wibblers Brewery. I then visited Gather Beerhouse, a cosy craft ale venue offering friendly service and unique pizzas, where I sampled a flavourful sour beer. My final Ulverston visit was the Devonshire Arms, an old pub featuring local cask ales. Concluding the day in Blackpool, I checked out Railside Brewhouse.

Ulverston

After checking out the new Nuclear Submarine in Barrow-in-Furness, I made my way to Ulverston to hit up a few pubs. This town is famous for Laurel & Hardy, since Stan Laurel (Arthur Stanley Jefferson) was born here.

The Mill

My first stop out of three was The Mill, an amazing building with roots going back to the 12th Century. The current Grade II listed structure is from the 19th Century but still has some original features, like a waterwheel right in the middle.

Now run by Lancaster Brewery and a pub since 2009, it’s been beautifully revamped with various drinking and dining spots spread over two floors, plus a beer garden out front and another one on the roof.

At the bar, there’s a great selection of 8 cask ales, with 5 coming from their own brewery and 3 guest options. I decided to try “Apprentice” from Wibblers Brewery in Essex. It’s a really tasty English Bitter, bursting with flavour and super enjoyable to drink.

Gather Beerhouse

My next stop was a quick stroll to Gather Beerhouse, which started out as Beerwolf. It’s an awesome craft and real ale spot that gives off a super cosy vibe as soon as you walk in, plus the staff behind the bar are really friendly.

There are just a few seats downstairs, but the upstairs area is spacious and has plenty of room to chill. The whole place has a nice, laid-back atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out their hot sauce selection and grab a freshly made pizza while you’re there!

At the bar, you can choose from 2 cask ales and 8 keg options, plus there are fridges stocked with cans and bottles for you to enjoy on-site or take home. So many options to pick from! I went with a sour beer from Pastore Brewing and Blending, which is based in Cambridgeshire. It was called “Crumble Rhubarb, Orange, Ginger,” and let me tell you, it was a tasty sour that really nailed that fruity crumble vibe with some fantastic flavours popping out.

Devonshire Arms

My final stop in Ulverston was the Devonshire Arms Ulverston. This place opened into a pub back in 1883, making it one of the oldest watering holes in town.

Tucked away in a more peaceful spot, it’s a charming pub with several cosy rooms and a spacious outdoor beer garden. It’s refreshing to find a beer garden that’s nice and tranquil, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic.

At the bar, you can choose from three cask ales, including one from the local Logan Beck Brewing, which is located in Duddon Bridge and started brewing in 2019. It was a new find for me! “Navigator” was the beer, a very light and easy drinking English Bitter.

Blackpool

Raleside Brewhouse

Heading back to Blackpool to check out this year’s Lightpool Festival. My first stop was Railside Brewhouse, which is a sister venue to the fantastic The Shipwreck Brewhouse Cleveleys in Cleveleys.

Having just opened, it’s a brilliant addition to the Fylde Coast pub scene and is perfectly situated right across from Blackpool North Railway Station. You’re welcomed by a cosy covered seating area outside, complete with high backs to give you some privacy from passers-by, and it’s divided into smoking and non-smoking sections.

Inside, the atmosphere is lively with high ceilings and a variety of seating options for everyone. A cool feature is the live departure board at the bar, so you can easily keep an eye on your train schedule before heading over.
The bar boasts an impressive drink selection, including four cask ales, all with a railway theme, and the pump clips look fantastic. They’ve collaborated with either Seven Bro7hers or Fuzzy Duck for some brews. On the keg side, you can find their own Lager, IPA, and a tasty pale ale called “Bear Devil” made with Tiny Rebel.

There’s a lot more in store, like Platform 2, which is a balcony seating area above the main bar, and they’re hoping to have a kitchen up and running by the end of November, along with a brewery in the works. If you’re planning a visit, don’t forget to check out their app for online ordering and sign up. You’ll earn money back with every purchase and get 10% back in points (each point equals 1p). It’s a smart idea that should keep people coming back!

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