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Sunshine, Pints and Great Company: A Lancashire Beer & Buses Day Out
I had a fantastic day out on the Lancashire Beer and Buses trip, setting off on the feeder bus from Preston and calling at a great mix of pubs along the way. The sunshine made it even better, and the whole day had a lovely, easygoing feel. I spent it with Jenny and Kenny from Real Ale Finder, along with Mark, Paul, Jackie, Oliver and Alistair, and it was great catching up with Tony, Deb, Ian and Dawn at The Vestry. Along the route we visited a blend of historic inns and micropubs, each with its own character, friendly atmosphere and a good range of cask ales, making it a thoroughly enjoyable day exploring Lancashire.
The Vestry
First call was to The Vestry – Tarleton. Since its opening in March 2019, this place has turned a former tapas restaurant into a snug micropub. Mark and Toni Lawson started it, and it quickly became a beloved spot in the community. The name “The Vestry” reflects the village’s church history, especially St. Mary’s Church, which has been around since 1719.
Inside, the front window has high tables where you can sit and watch the world go by, while further in there’s a mix of bench seating and smaller tables. Warm lighting and natural wood give it a really comfortable feel throughout, with plenty of character across the space. Step outside and the beer garden is a real highlight, with a row of wooden booth-style huts that give you your own little space to sit and relax, making it a great spot to spend a bit of time.
On the bar a choice of 3 cask ales alongside a nice selection of keg beers. I went for Trip Hop #4 (Citra, Enigma, Mosaic) by Ossett Brewery, a pale ale with citrus and tropical hop notes and a bright, punchy finish.
The Hesketh Arms
Back on the bus towards Burscough, getting off to visit The Hesketh Arms, Rufford. This id a historic coaching inn that dates back to the 18th century. It originally catered to travelers on the old Liverpool to Preston route and became a key stop for those looking to rest and grab a bite. The pub is named after the notable Hesketh family, who were significant local landowners connected to the nearby Rufford Hall.
Inside, the pub is made up of a few cosy, characterful rooms with exposed beams, brickwork, and a mix of tiled and wooden floors. There’s a relaxed mix of tables, chairs, and booth seating, with little changes in level that give each area its own feel. Soft lighting, patterned carpets, and framed prints add warmth, while big windows let in plenty of natural light. A chunky brick fireplace with a timber mantle sits at the heart of it all, giving the space a welcoming, easy-going feel.
On the bar a choice of 5 cask ales in a range of styles, alongside a couple of ciders and a keg beer selection. I went for Harlequin by Bank Top Brewery, a pale ale with fruity hop notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
Ralph’s Wife
Back on the bus, this time to Banks where I visited Ralph’s Wife’s. Ralph’s Wife’s Pub in Banks is a modern micropub that opened in 2019 in a former bank building, quickly settling in as a friendly place for coffee and real ale. Its unusual name comes from nearby Ralph’s Wife’s Lane, tied to local folklore about a fisherman or smuggler and his unnamed wife. Though it doesn’t have centuries of pub history, it has become an important part of village life, expanding in 2024 and helping keep a proper local pub presence alive after other nearby spots closed, known mainly for its warmth, conversation, and sense of community.
Inside feels bright, busy, and full of life, with a small front bar where people gather close and chat easily. Beyond that, it opens into a larger seating area with exposed brick, skylights, and plenty of greenery hanging from above, giving it a fresh, airy feel. Wooden tables, bench seating, and soft lighting keep things comfortable without any fuss. Plants and warm tones soften the space, while big windows let in lots of natural light. Outside, the front beer garden spills onto the pavement, while the rear garden offers a quieter, more tucked-away spot.
Drinks wise a choice of 2 cask ales on the bar alongside a variety of keg options. I went for Flat Cap by Bank Top Brewery, a bitter with gentle malt character and a smooth, easy finish.
The Hive
Onward to Hesketh Bank next to visit The Hive. The Hive opened in August 2023 as a small, family-run café bar in the heart of the village. It sits on Station Road, on the site of a former newsagent, bringing new life to a familiar local spot. Run by a local couple, it focuses on coffee, cask ale, live music and food sourced from nearby producers. The aim has always been to create a relaxed place where people can meet and spend time together. Though still new, it reflects a long tradition in Hesketh Bank of community-centred gathering places.
Inside has a warm, modern feel with an industrial edge. Exposed brick walls, dark ceilings with acoustic panels and soft lighting give it a cosy, slightly contemporary look. Wooden tables and chairs give it a natural, unfussy character, with small vases of flowers adding a touch of charm. A log burner sits to one side, adding extra warmth. It’s compact but well laid out, with a steady buzz of conversation. Outside, the front beer garden is a real draw—busy, sociable, and packed with tables, especially when the weather’s good.
On the bar drinks wise a line up of 3 cask ales, alongside a range of keg choices. I went for Bass Premium Ale, a classic amber bitter with rich malt flavour and a smooth, balanced finish.
The Eagle and Child
After heading back into Burscough and changing into the other bus route I came to Eagle and Child, Bispham Green. This is a charming country pub that dates back to the early 1700s. It was originally part of the Derby estate and had a brewery and malt kiln where the car park is now located. The Harrison family ran the pub throughout the 1800s while also managing the nearby farmland. In the 20th century, Threlfall’s Brewery from Liverpool took it over and gave it a major facelift in the 1950s.
Step inside and you’ll find a warm, relaxed country pub full of character. Low beams, worn wooden tables and soft lighting give it a lived-in feel, with open fires and snug corners perfect for settling in. Vintage prints, old furnishings and little details add plenty of charm without trying too hard. Out front, there’s a sunny seating area with picnic benches, ideal for a pint on a bright day. Around the back, a spacious garden opens up with more tables spread across the grass, making it just as good for a laid-back afternoon outside as it is for a cosy drink indoors.
On the bar a selection of 6 cask ales alongside a keg beer selection. I went for Karma Citra by Wily Fox Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus hop notes and a crisp, zesty finish.
The Wayfarer
A quick bus ride away is Parbold, where I checked out The Wayfarer, Parbold. This family-owned pub and restaurant is rich in history and community vibes. It’s located in one of the village’s oldest structures, which started as 18th-century stone cottages. It transitioned into a restaurant in the 1960s and was revamped into The Wayfarer in the 1990s by Mel and Nadine Street. Their daughter, Rachel Birkett, now co-manages it with her sister Katie. In 2010, Rachel’s husband, Jonny Birkett, launched the on-site microbrewery, Problem Child Brewing, giving the place a special twist.
Inside, the pub feels warm and welcoming, with low wooden beams, exposed stone, and a mix of relaxed dining spaces that give it plenty of character. One room opens into a bright, glass-roofed conservatory filled with plants and natural light, while others are softer and more traditional, with rugs, wooden tables and gentle lighting. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in easily, whether you’re after a quiet meal or something more lively. Outside, a spacious terrace looks out over the surrounding countryside, making it a great spot to sit with a drink on a sunny day.
On the bar a selection of 6 cask ales with 4 of them brewed onsite alongside a keg beer selection. I went for Big Girls Blouse by Problem Child Brewing, a pale ale with fruity hop notes and a light, easy finish.
Burscough Buses
The Hop Vine
Back in Burscough we first visited Hop Vine. This first opened its doors in 1874 as the Royal Hotel. It was a vital stop for goods traveling along the old Turnpike road, now known as the A59. In 2010, the Burscough Brewing Co. was established in the old stable buildings behind the pub. After the original brewery shut down, The Hop Vine started brewing its own beers in 2017, using a four-barrel system.
Step inside and you’re met with a warm, relaxed pub feel, full of character and little details to take in. There’s a mix of cosy corners and open spaces, with wooden floors, vintage touches, and soft lighting that makes it easy to settle in. It feels busy in the best way, with people chatting over drinks and food. Outside, the front beer garden is a real sun trap, often packed on a good day, while round the back you’ll find a larger, laid-back courtyard with plenty of seating—great whether you want a quiet pint or something a bit more lively.
On the bar a choice of 5 cask ales alongside a nice selection of keg beers. I went for VI Sixfold by Hop Vine Brewery, a golden ale with light citrus notes and a smooth, easy finish.
The Thirsty Duck
My final visit in Burscough was to The Thirsty Duck. The Thirsty Duck opened its doors in 2020, nestled in the historic Burscough Wharf complex, and is located in a beautifully restored warehouse by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Burscough Wharf used to be a bustling industrial hub along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, playing a significant role in Lancashire’s transport and trade during the 19th century. After its restoration in the 2010s, it now features shops, restaurants, and community spaces.
Inside, it’s warm and welcoming, with wooden tables, soft lighting and shelves of bottles behind a busy little bar. The space feels relaxed and lived-in, with a mix of seating that suits a quiet pint or a catch-up with friends. There’s also a tucked-away room if you fancy somewhere a bit quieter. When the weather’s good, things spill outside—either into the courtyard with plenty of benches or down by the canal, where you can sit right by the water and watch the barges drift past.
On the bar a selection of 5 cask ales alongside a keg beer selection featuring a number of Belgian and German beers. I went for Session Fifteen by Bank Top Brewery, a pale ale with light citrus hop notes and a clean, easy finish.
Micropub Adventures 