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From Micropubs to Taprooms: Rawtenstall, Waterfoot & Burnley on the Beer
I spent the day hopping between Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Burnley, calling in at a mix of micropubs, taprooms and craft bars. Everywhere felt friendly and relaxed, often set in old shops or historic buildings that have been given a new purpose. I drank some cracking beer along the way, mostly cask, with plenty of choice wherever I went, and had some really nice chats with the people behind the bars. It was an easy, unhurried day, moving between places, settling in for a pint, and enjoying spots where conversation comes naturally and time just seems to drift.
Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Burnley all grew fast thanks to industry. Rawtenstall and Waterfoot were shaped by cotton mills, stone quarries and the trades that kept them running, with terraced housing built for workers heading up the valleys. Waterfoot in particular grew around mills squeezed tight along the river. Burnley went even bigger, becoming one of the world’s main cotton towns in the nineteenth century, packed with mills, railways and engineering works. Everything revolved around shift patterns, factory life and the industries that powered the north.
Rawtenstall
Hop Micropub
My first visit in Rawtenstall was to Hop Micropubs. Hop Micropub opened on Bank Street in Rawtenstall in December 2016, during a period when the town centre was starting to see new independent businesses return. Set in a former small shop, it was created by local owners who wanted something simple and community-led. Early on, it became known as a place where people actually talked to each other, helped along by its small size and informal setup. Over the years, Hop has stayed independent, survived changing trends and tough trading periods, and become a familiar, long-standing part of Rawtenstall’s social life.
Inside Hop Micropub it feels easygoing and familiar, like somewhere you’ve popped into a hundred times even if it’s your first visit. Downstairs is small and snug, which means people end up talking without really trying. The bar itself centres around an old fireplace that’s been turned into a back bar, with handpumps set against patterned tiles and shelves of bottles above, giving the room character without making a fuss about it. Upstairs gives a bit more room when it’s busy, but it still keeps that close, relaxed feel. There’s a steady buzz of chat rather than anything loud or hectic. Seating is close, nothing fancy, and no one’s in a rush. It’s the kind of place where you settle in, lose track of time, and feel comfortable staying awhile.
On the bar a choice of 5 cask ales including their own house beer, along with a selection of 6 keg lines. I went for “Deck The Palms” from Vocation Brewery. A light and refreshing Blonde ale, with some great flavours coming through.
Chuffin’ Ale
Next was onto Chuffin’ Ale. Chuffin’ Ale opened in 2025 on Bank Street in Rawtenstall. Before that, the building was a small town-centre unit, used for retail over the years and sometimes sitting empty, like many places on the street. Nothing fancy, just part of the everyday fabric of Rawtenstall. When Chuffin’ Ale arrived, it didn’t replace an old pub or carry on a long licence history — it started fresh. It’s one example of how ordinary buildings in the town have been reused in the 2020s, quietly picking up new life as independent businesses rather than disappearing altogether.
Inside Chuffin’ Ale, it’s simple and easygoing. The space is small, so the bar and its wall of shelves stacked with bottles and cans naturally become the focus. Downstairs there’s just one table by the front window, tucked in beside a leather sofa, while the rest of the seating is upstairs in a brighter, slightly more open room. Tables and stools are fairly close together, which keeps things relaxed rather than busy. There’s no sense of a big makeover — everything feels purposeful and well-used. Lighting is warm, there’s nothing flashing or loud, and no screens pulling your attention away. It’s the sort of place where you settle in quickly, chat without shouting, and don’t feel rushed or put on display.
A fantastic warm welcome from Gary when I arrived. On the bar a cask ale along with a choice of 2 keg beers. But you can choose any of the cans or bottles to drink in so you won’t be stuck for choice. Make sure you check out their website aswell as they offer nationwide delivery. I went with their cask beer, “Palomino Rising” from Bank Top Brewery. A fantastic Blonde Ale, refreshing and very tasty.
Northern Whisper
Up next was Northern Whisper Brewing Co.. Northern Whisper Bar started life as the tap room for Northern Whisper Brewery and has grown into a much-loved spot for a relaxed pint in Rawtenstall. The brewery began in 2012 as a small passion project, brewing on a tiny kit before gaining momentum and moving into larger premises in Cloughfold. When the Rawtenstall bar opened in 2017, it brought those beers straight from tank to glass, helping put local craft brewing firmly on the map. Today, it’s known for easy-going vibes, fresh beer, and a strong link to its brewing roots.
Northern Whisper Bar has a spacious, industrial-style interior with a polished, contemporary edge. Exposed brick walls and a smooth concrete floor are paired with long wooden communal tables and matching benches, creating a relaxed, social feel. The ceiling is open and structured, with visible metal beams, skylights and suspended cable trays, while warm filament bulbs and matte black pendant lights add a soft, welcoming glow. Natural light pours in through the large front windows and glass entrance, keeping the space bright during the day. The bar itself is a central feature, finished in brick and concrete with a full line of taps and clear menu boards above, and the overall layout feels open, uncluttered and easy to move through, suited to both groups and casual drop-ins.
Was fantastic meeting Gayle and was brilliant chatting to her. Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 6 cask ales and 9 keg lines, so lots of choice. I went for “Tropical Gayle”. A delicious fruited IPA, packed full of tropical fruit flavours, very easy drinking.
Casked
Casked opened in 2017 in the centre of Rawtenstall as a small, independently run micro-pub. Started by local owners Mike and Amanda Jones, it quickly became popular, often filling up soon after opening. As its reputation grew, the pub expanded in 2019, taking over the unit next door and reopening with more space while keeping its original character. Despite its growth, Casked has stayed true to its roots as a relaxed, community-focused place. It has since picked up several local awards and remains a well-known fixture in the town’s social scene.
Inside Casked it’s relaxed and unfussy, with a cosy, down-to-earth feel. The space is split over two levels, with the original room at the front and a lower-level extension that opened up next door, giving it more breathing room and a natural sense of flow. Wooden floors, simple tables, and tall stools keep things practical and modern, while exposed brick and timber panelling add warmth. A large handmade Casked sign, shelves of framed photos, and small personal touches make the room feel well used and welcoming rather than styled. Pendant bulbs hang low across the ceiling, casting a soft, warm light that’s especially inviting in the evening. The bar and front windows catch your eye as soon as you step inside, setting an easygoing tone straight away.
It was great to meet up with and have a chat with Mike whilst in here, nice to see you again! On the bar a fantastic line up of 5 cask ales including their own house ale, a flat cider and a great variety of keg lines. I opted to go with “Love Struck” from Big Trip. A juicy and delicious Session IPA with some great tropical flavours.
Buffer Stops
The last spot in Rawtenstall was Buffer Stops but it was closed until Monday, so for completeness I will include photos (inside) from my previous visit. Buffer Stops is a friendly little pub tucked inside the old waiting room at Rawtenstall Station, right at the end of the line on the East Lancashire Railway. It grew out of the station’s restoration after the railway closed in the 1960s and was brought back to life by volunteers. Today, Buffer Stops is all about relaxed railway charm – real ales, ciders and a good mix of beers, with heritage steam trains arriving just outside. It’s a favourite stopping point for rail fans, walkers and anyone fancying a pint with a bit of character.
Inside, Buffer Stops feels warm, relaxed and properly railway-themed without trying too hard. The old station waiting room has been kept simple, with wooden floors, solid tables and chairs, and plenty of railway memorabilia dotted around the walls. There’s a long bar serving real ales and beers, and big windows looking straight out onto the platform, so you can watch steam trains come and go while you sip your pint. It’s cosy, a bit quirky, and has that comforting “end-of-the-line” feel – more welcoming railway pub than polished bar.
A great choice of 8 cask beers on the bar here from a wide range of breweries and ranging in styles.
Waterfoot
Whitewell
A short bus ride out of Rawtenstall brought me to nearby Waterford to visit The Whitewell Waterfoot. The Whitewell is a small pub with roots that fit neatly into Waterfoot’s past. Set in a former shop, it reflects the town’s days as a busy mill and quarry centre, when local places to meet were part of everyday life. As industry faded, many of those gathering spots disappeared. The Whitewell brought that back in a simple way — good cask ale, familiar faces, and a relaxed atmosphere. No fuss, no gimmicks, just a place to chat and unwind. It’s a modern micropub, but very much in tune with Waterfoot’s history.
Inside The Whitewell, it’s small, simple, and easy-going. The layout is long and narrow, so everything’s close without feeling awkward. Wooden floors and plain furniture give it a warm, lived-in look rather than anything styled or trendy. The walls are kept fairly low-key, with a few local bits adding character without overdoing it. Lighting is soft and a little dim, which makes it feel relaxed, especially in the evening. Seating is snug, so people naturally end up chatting. It doesn’t try to impress — it just looks comfortable, familiar, and easy to settle into.
A huge warm welcome from Jenny, Lee and Mark when I arrived. On the bar a fantastic line up of 4 cask ales to choose from. I went with “Steam Plate” from Irwell Works Brewery. A delicious, well balanced Traditional English Bitter, full of flavour.
Burnley
Bridge Bier Huis
Back on the bus again, this time through to Burnley, my first of 4 visits here being to The Bridge Bier Huis. Bridge Bier Huis sits in an Edwardian building near Burnley town centre, dating back to the early 1900s when the town was booming with industry. It originally worked as a straightforward local inn, used by railway workers and people employed in nearby mills. Like many older pubs, it went through a few changes as times moved on and traditional inns became less common. In 2003, the building was brought back to life under its current name, giving a historic pub a fresh purpose rather than letting it disappear. Its survival reflects Burnley’s habit of adapting old buildings while keeping a link to the past.
Inside Bridge Bier Huis it feels welcoming and lived-in straight away. The space isn’t just one big room but broken up into smaller areas with low partitions and brick pillars, which makes it more interesting to move through. Dark green walls, exposed brick and soft lighting give it a proper pub feel, with daylight coming in through the frosted windows. Most of the seating is made up of long wooden benches and shared tables, so people tend to sit close and chat. Beer signs, framed photos and little details on the walls add to the character, and when it’s busy the whole place feels lively and friendly rather than crowded.
A fantastic line up on the bar with 5 cask ales, a flat cider, lots of keg lines and even more choices available in their extensive can and bottle menu. “Charmed by Harlequin” was my beer choice from Coley’s Brewery. A well balanced and tasty English Pale Ale.
The Circ
A short 5 minute walk in Burnley brought me next to The Circ. The Circ opened in the early 2000s on Bank Parade and quickly became known as an alternative to Burnley’s more traditional pubs. From the start it focused on independent music, events and local talent, helping shape the town’s modern nightlife. Over the years, different owners have taken on the venue, but it has largely stayed true to its original aim of being relaxed, inclusive and a bit off-beat. While it doesn’t date back centuries, The Circ has built its reputation through consistency, becoming a familiar spot for gigs, late nights and a loyal crowd.
Inside The Circ feels more like a hangout than a proper pub. It’s spread over three levels, with stairs leading to different corners and raised spots where people tend to settle in. The bar is small and busy, surrounded by mismatched tables, booths and odd bits of seating, while upstairs opens out into quieter lounge-style areas with salvaged aeroplane and bus seats and tucked-away spaces. Everywhere is packed with posters, lampshades, signs and random objects hanging from the walls and ceiling, so there’s always something to look at. The lighting stays low, giving it a late-night feel even during the day. It’s relaxed, scruffy and a little chaotic — the kind of place you come for one and stay for hours.
A selection on the bar of 3 cask ales along with a variety of keg options. I opted to go with “Beer O’clock” from Reedleu Hallows Brewery Co. A very pleasant and tasty Pale Ale.
New Brew-M
Next up was to The New Brew-m. The The New Brew-m Pub in Burnley started in summer 2014 when Reedley Hallows Brewery Co opened it as a smart little micro-pub and effective taproom for its beers in an old town-centre building. The original snug space used reclaimed features and gave the place plenty of character, and in 2018 it moved just across the road into a larger historic spot with an upstairs room to handle more visitors. Reedley Hallows itself began brewing in 2012 with two early ales and has steadily expanded its capacity and range of cask ales, becoming a recognised part of Burnley’s modern brewing scene.
Inside the New Brew-M Pub, it’s laid-back and easygoing, with nothing flashy going on. Downstairs feels snug and welcoming, with barrel tables, warm wood panelling and a lived-in look that suits the old building. The bar sits right at the heart of it all, keeping things social and relaxed — more about conversation than background noise. Coats hang by the wall, stools are pulled in close, and it’s the kind of place that encourages you to stay awhile. Head upstairs and it opens out slightly, with extra tables and a view over the street. Comfortable, familiar and unpretentious, it’s easy to lose track of time here.
On the bar a great variety of 5 cask ales (4 from their own brewery along with a guest. My beer of choice was “Reedley Gold” from Reedley Hallows Brewery Co. A smooth, traditional English golden ale.
Hatters Craft Bar
My final call of the day on Saturday in Burnley was to Hatters Craft Bar. Hatters Craft Bar opened in December 2023, taking its name from Burnley’s deep hat-making roots — a trade crucial to the town’s growth in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The area once buzzed with mills, workshops and skilled artisans, shaping much of the community’s character. As heavy industry declined, many historic buildings found new uses rather than being lost. Hatters sits within that evolution, repurposing local fabric into something for social life while quietly acknowledging the town’s working past and place in Burnley’s ongoing story of renewal.
Inside Hatters Craft Bar feels warm, informal and quietly characterful. Low ceilings, soft pendant lights and strings of fairy lights give the room a cosy glow, while simple walls and dark flooring keep things unfussy. Seating is relaxed and close-knit, with small tables and mixed chairs encouraging conversation rather than formality. A central stairway and tucked-away corners add a sense of intimacy, making the space feel lived-in and welcoming. It’s a place designed for easy chats over a drink, whether you’re settling in for the evening or stopping by for one.
A fantastic warm welcome as soon as I arrived. Another great selection on the bar with 3 cask ales, one cider, 5 rotating keg lines along with a number of permanent lines to choose from. Lots of choices with cans and bottles available in the fridges. I went with “Beer Gums” from Vault City Brewing. A super fun, sweet-and-sour beer that basically tastes like fizzy, fruity sweets in a glass.
Micropub Adventures 