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Exploring Preston One Pint at a Time
I had a great time at the Preston Pub Festival, checking out loads of different pubs around the city. Each place had its own vibe, from the old-school charm of The Old Vic and The Black Horse to the laid-back feel of the New Continental and the modern buzz at Plug & Taps. The beers were brilliant too – highlights for me were Portergeist from Theakston, Arable Pastures from Fell, and Eating Fresh Fruit from Rivington. I even stumbled across some hidden gems like PLAU and Winedown. Overall, it was a fun weekend of good pubs, good beer, and good company.
The Preston Pub Festival is all about celebrating the city’s brilliant pub scene. Across a whole weekend, pubs around Preston team up to put on live music, tasty food specials, and tap takeovers with loads of different beers to try. It’s a chance to wander between venues, discover new spots, and enjoy a proper community atmosphere. Whether you’re into craft ales, great food, or just a good night out with friends, the festival is a fun way to soak up everything Preston’s pubs have to offer.
The Old Vic
First call of the day was to The Old Vic in Preston. This has been a favourite local watering hole for generations. Originally built in the 19th century, it served the nearby mills and railway workers, becoming a lively meeting spot after long shifts. Over the years it’s seen everything from smoky tap rooms to live music nights, and while the décor has changed, its charm hasn’t. Locals still see it as a proper community pub – the kind of place where you’ll always bump into someone you know. With its mix of tradition, friendly banter, and a good pint, the Old Vic remains part of Preston’s story.
Inside the Old Vic you’ll find that classic pub feel – a bit worn-in, but in the best way. The bar takes centre stage, lined with well-pulled pints and the usual selection of spirits. There are comfy booths and tables scattered around, perfect for a quiet pint or a chatty night with mates. The décor nods to its age, with dark wood, old photos, and a lived-in atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than polished. On busy nights it’s buzzing, with laughter and music filling the air, but you can still tuck yourself away in a corner. It’s cosy, friendly, and very Preston.
A great line up of cask ales with 7 available on the bat, which includes a Moorhouse’s Brewery showcase. I went with “Portergeist” from Theakston Brewery. A delicious, smooth and super tasty Salted Caramel Porter.
New Continental
Next up is New Continental, known locally as “the Conti. This sits by the River Ribble in Preston near Avenham and Miller Parks. Built in the early 20th century by former Preston North End player Sam Thompson, it once offered boat hire alongside the pub. Part of the building had to be rebuilt in the 1950s due to subsidence, and after years of ups and downs it eventually closed in 2007. It reopened the following year as a lively community hub with space for arts, culture, and gatherings, securing its place as a much-loved Preston landmark.
Inside the New Continental you’ll find a relaxed mix of old and new, with high ceilings, big windows and plenty of natural light. The main bar feels open and welcoming, with wooden floors, mismatched tables and a laid-back vibe. There’s a spacious back room, often used for gigs, theatre and community events, giving it more of a venue feel than a standard pub. Walls are dotted with posters and artwork, and the pub opens out onto a large beer garden by the river. It’s casual, creative, and has a friendly, slightly bohemian atmosphere. It also has a lovely traditional snug with a real fire for the winter.
A fantastic Welsh Brewery takeover on for the festival with 6 cask beers and great range of craft keg beers, featuring a wide range of Welsh breweries. Here I opted to go with “Catching Rays” from Dog’s Window Brewery. A super hazy and super tasty Pale Ale, packed full of flavour and very enjoyable.
The Black Horse
Onto The Black Horse.This is a Grade II listed pub that was established in 1898 by architect J. A. Seward for Kay’s Atlas Brewery in Manchester. This historic venue boasts a stunning Victorian architectural style and still showcases many of its original elements, such as a semi-circular ceramic bar counter—one of just 14 left in the UK—and beautiful mosaic flooring. The interior is recognized as nationally important by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and is featured in their National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.
Throughout its history, the Black Horse has functioned as both a pub and a small hotel, reflecting the social dynamics of its era. In 1929, major renovations transformed the original Market Room into a U-shaped seating area and added indoor restrooms. Owned by Robinsons Brewery since that same year, the Black Horse is well-known for its excellent ales and friendly vibe, having been named CAMRA Central Lancashire’s Pub of the Year multiple times in recent years. Ongoing preservation efforts help maintain this iconic spot as a beloved part of Preston’s history.
The layout features a cosy seating area with a side corridor that leads to extra seating and another bar that operates on weekends. The pub’s décor combines modern elements with traditional charm, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws in both locals and tourists. It also includes a ‘Hall of Mirrors’ area with original stained glass, adding to its visual charm.
A great selection of 8 cask ales with a tap takeover on from Fell Brewery, alongside a range of keg beers, featuring a number of Oktoberfest beers and a selection of ciders. I went with “Arable Pastures” from Fell Brewery. A delicious, refreshing and hoppy pale ale, full of flavour and very sessionable.
Plug & Taps
Around the corner to Plug & Taps. This bar opened its doors on June 21, 2018, brought to life by the same owners behind the Market Ale House in Leyland. Their goal was to create a lively craft beer spot right in the heart of Preston city centre. Once a beauty salon, the space has been transformed into a warm and inviting bar that blends classic pub charm with a modern twist. It quickly gained a reputation for its wide range of craft beers, real ales, gins, and other spirits.
The interior is sleek and welcoming, offering a cosy vibe. High padded stools line the wall-mounted shelves, making for a relaxed yet stylish drinking atmosphere. Adorned with contemporary art and photographs, the venue is designed for comfort and socialising. Plus, there’s an upstairs function room available for hosting events.
Drinks wise a Liverpool Brewery tap takeover featuring 4 cask ales and 10 keg lines with a fantastic range of styles and strengths. I went with a collaboration beer from Colbier Brew Co and Vibrant Forest Brewery. A super tasty, malty and very easy drinking American Brown Ale.
PLAU
A short walk again brings me to PLAU. This pub has an interesting backstory that goes all the way back to 1668 when it was built as a butcher’s shop by the well-known Chorley family. By 1795, it had transformed into a pub called The Plough Inn. It became quite famous during the 18th-century gin craze and was also a key player in the temperance movement, especially when Thomas Swindlehurst made his pledge of total abstinence there in 1832. The pub shut down in 1913 and sat empty for over a hundred years until it was beautifully restored and reopened as Plau in 2018. This major renovation revealed some fascinating historical features, like a medieval well and parts of an 18th-century distillery.
Inside, you’ll find charming details such as exposed brick walls and repurposed architectural elements. The space has multiple levels, including an open bar area that flows into a cosy dining section and an underground vault bar. The décor features dark wood and soft colours, creating a welcoming vibe that feels like a contemporary gin palace. A standout element is the glass-covered ancient well, which adds a unique touch to the venue’s charm.
A selection of 4 cask ales on the bar upstairs, alongside a huge range of 15 keg beers, split over both upstairs and downstairs bars. Lot of different styles and strengths. I went with “Eating Fresh Fruit” from Rivington Brewing Co. A fantastic sour smoothie beer with delicious flavours of Vanilla and Raspberry.
It was fantastic to bump into Jenny and Kenny who run the “Real Ale Finder App” in here as well.
Chain House Brewing Co
Around the corner to Chain House Brewing Co. This brewery kicked off in 2017, thanks to Ryan Hayes, who started brewing in his garage in Longton, Lancashire. After their small-batch beers gained a loyal following, the brewery made the move to Preston in late November 2022, where they opened a taproom on Market Street West. They’re well-known for their innovative and vegan-friendly brews, and the taproom boasts several keg lines and cask ales. In 2023, they were honoured as the Best New Cask Outlet by Central Lancs CAMRA, showcasing their rising status in the local beer community.
The taproom has a cosy, rustic vibe, with brewing tanks on display that add to the ambiance. It’s designed for comfort and socialising, making it a perfect hangout for friends to enjoy a few beers together. The layout is flexible, catering to both intimate get-togethers and larger gatherings.
Drinks wise 2 cask ales and a range of 15 keg lines, featuring a brilliant range of European Breweries for the festival. “In the Steep” from French Outer Range Brewing Co was my beer of choice. A hazy, hoppy and tasty New England IPA.
The Moorbrook
A short walk brings me to The Moorbrook. This pub boasts a fascinating history that stretches back to the 1800s. Initially a coaching inn, it catered to travellers journeying north from the city. Located on North Road, it gained a reputation for its friendly vibe and classic ales. As the city industrialized, the pub adapted and became a go-to spot for local laborers. In more recent times, The Moorbrook has transformed into a craft beer hotspot, offering a variety of rotating taps and a wood-fired pizza oven. Even with these modern updates, it still holds onto its Victorian charm and remains a beloved gathering place with deep roots in the community.
The interior showcases a delightful mix of classic and modern styles. The pub boasts a wooden bar and two snug rooms decorated with William Morris’s ‘Strawberry Thief’ wallpaper, giving it a welcoming vibe. Original Victorian details, like a tiled fireplace and built-in seating in the snug, enhance its historic charm. At the back, there’s a mostly enclosed beer garden that provides plenty of space to relax. Plus, a wood-fired pizza oven churns out a variety of tasty pizzas.
A superb selection of 6 cask ales and 9 craft keg beers to choose from. Lots of choice here with a variety of styles and strengths to choose from. I decided to go with “Ribbit Road” from Neon Raptor Brewing Co. A great sour beer with the flavours of Cherry, Pomegranate and Orange.
Guild Street Ale House
Next up is Guild Ale House. This s an awesome Micropub that opened its doors in 2016 after being revamped by Gary Quinn. Once a charity shop, it has quickly become a favourite spot for beer lovers thanks to its wide range of craft ales and ciders. The pub has earned several awards, including the Central Lancashire Branch Pub of the Year in both 2018 and 2020, along with the Pub of the Season title in Spring 2024. It fits in well with the traditional Micropub concept as it does not have a jukebox, TV, or serve food but hosts live acoustic sessions on Sunday afternoons.
Located close to the Guild Hall complex, it boasts a friendly vibe with lofty ceilings and various seating arrangements, featuring two main rooms on the ground floor and a cosy upstairs area. The high ceilings add to the spacious feel, making the atmosphere even more enjoyable. The bar looks awesome and stands out along one wall.
A fantastic mix of both cask and keg on the bar, showcasing Loch Lomond Brewery for the festival. A nice mix of styles. I went with “West Highland Way” from Loch Lomond Brewery. A tasty tropical Pale Ale, full of flavour and a very refreshing beer.
The Orchard
Around the corner brings me to The Orchard. This is nestled in the historic Preston Market Hall, which is a Grade II listed building, and it opened its doors in early March 2018. Founded by Gary Quinn and Jane Briscoe, it serves as a sister venue to the Guild Ale House. The bar boasts a cosy, rustic vibe with wooden walls crafted from recycled materials, making it a welcoming place to hang out. It’s popular for its lively community atmosphere, featuring live music on Saturday nights and offering board games for patrons to enjoy.
Inside The Orchard, you’ll find a vintage industrial décor with charming wooden details. This style not only enhances the ambiance but also makes it a perfect spot for catching up with friends or family. The venue is designed for comfort, allowing you to relax and soak in the lively market scene while enjoying your favourite drink. A fantastic outdoor seating area here as well.
On the bar 3 cask ales alongside a great selection of keg beers in a range of styles. They have launched a collaboration beer with JimBrew which is available on both cask and keg. “There Was Beer Involved”, was a delicious, super hazy and super tasty Pale Ale.
Winedown
Winedown is a quirky underground wine bar with real character. Housed in a Grade II–listed building on Lancaster Road, its cellar once stored produce for the old market above. The vaulted brick arches and low-lit corners give it a historic, almost secret feel. Opened in the early 2000s, Winedown quickly became a hidden gem for locals, offering wines from across the globe that you won’t find in supermarkets. Over time, it’s become part of Preston’s cultural fabric — a mix of history, great bottles, and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
Inside Winedown feels like stepping into a secret cellar with charm to spare. You head down the stairs into a maze of vaulted brick arches, old stone walls, and candlelit nooks that give it a cosy, historic vibe. The space still hints at its market-storage past, but now it’s shelves of bottles from all over the world instead of produce. There’s no flashy décor — just mismatched tables, chalkboard wine lists, and the hum of conversation. It’s the kind of place where you can sip something new, linger for hours, and feel like you’ve stumbled on Preston’s best-kept secret.
A single lager on draft, but for the festival they are hosting a cider festival and also serve a wide variety of bottles and of course wines. I went with “Rhubarb Cider” from Lilley’s Cider. A crisp, fruity and refreshing drink.
Bar Pintxos
Bar Pintxos opened in 2021 on Preston’s Market Place, bringing a taste of Spanish pintxos culture to the city. It quickly became known for its lively atmosphere, small plates, and continental feel, standing out against the traditional pubs and restaurants nearby. In 2023 it changed hands, closing briefly before reopening with fresh energy and a few new ideas. Since then it’s expanded its menu, introduced lunch deals, and hosted regular events, cementing itself as a go-to spot for tapas and social dining. In just a few years, it’s carved out a distinct place in Preston’s food scene.
Inside, the bar features exposed brick walls, mosaic tiling, and decorative feature walls. Lighting is warm, with hanging lights and plants adding detail. The ground floor has small tables and a bar counter with glass cabinets displaying pintxos and wine storage behind. Upstairs offers booth seating, larger tables, and views across Preston’s Flag Market and the Harris Museum. The layout combines casual dining space with areas suited for groups. The décor mixes modern touches with Spanish influence, creating a bright yet cosy atmosphere. Both floors are used for dining and drinks, with occasional live music or DJ sets.
Showcasing a range of Spanish Craft Beers on draft along with 2 cask ales lines to choose from. “Beat” from Spanish SOMA Beer was my beer choice. A fantastic super hazy Double NEIPA hopped with Citra and Riwaka.
Winckley Street Ale House
Lastly was into Winckley Street Ale House. This might be one of Preston’s newer pubs, but the building itself has been part of the city’s story for years. Locals will remember it as Otter’s Pocket, a cosy pie and ale house, before it had a fresh new start in February 2024. Sitting on Winckley Street, a historic cut-through between Fishergate and Winckley Square, the place is surrounded by Georgian and Victorian character. The pub keeps a bit of that old-school charm while adding something new, so it feels rooted in Preston’s past but very much part of its lively present.
Walking in, you’re met with a space that feels instantly welcoming. There’s exposed brickwork, wooden touches, and soft lighting that gives it that classic pub cosiness, but with a modern edge that keeps it fresh. You’ll find plenty of spots to settle in—whether it’s a corner for a quiet pint or a big table with friends. On sunny days, the outdoor seating really comes into its own, spilling out onto the cobbled street and adding to the laid-back feel. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay for “just one more.”
Drinks wise a selection of 4 cask ales alongside 10 lines with a fantastic range with lots of different styles and strengths to choose from. Showcasing Beak Brewery for the festival. “Pina” was my choice of beer from Beak. Inspired by the Pina Colada cocktail, this smoothie sour beer was packed with pineapple and coconut. Very refreshing.
Micropub Adventures 