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Preston Pub Festival: Two Days of Brilliant Pubs, Great Beer & Lancashire Micropubs
I spent Friday and Saturday exploring Preston for the Pub Festival, calling into a brilliant mix of traditional pubs, craft beer bars and independent spots across the city. There was loads of variety, with different brewery takeovers, plenty of cask ale and some more unusual beers along the way. I enjoyed seeing how different each place was, from historic old pubs to modern taprooms and cosy little bars. After finishing in Preston on Saturday evening, I headed out to Longridge and Goosnargh to visit three micropubs I hadn’t been to before, which was a lovely way to finish the trip.
Preston has a long history stretching back more than 800 years. Its first royal charter was granted by Henry II in 1179, along with the right to hold a Guild Merchant, a tradition still celebrated every 20 years. Preston grew from a medieval market town into an important centre for cotton manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution, with mills shaping much of the town’s growth. The railway arrived in 1838, bringing another boost to trade and travel. Preston continued to develop through the 19th and 20th centuries, before being granted city status in 2002, adding another chapter to its proud story.
Preston
The Moorbrook
I started the evening at The Moorbrook. The Moorbrook has been part of Preston’s pub scene since at least the late 19th century, with records listing a licensee there in 1893. Sitting on North Road, it was originally part of a terrace of shops, although the neighbouring buildings were later demolished. The pub also has an important place in local beer history: on 25 June 1973 it hosted the inaugural meeting of CAMRA’s West Lancashire branch, one of the organisation’s earliest branches. The Moorbrook closed in 2013, but after being sold by Thwaites Brewery into private ownership, it reopened as an independent free house in May 2014.
Inside, The Moorbrook has a warm, traditional pub feel with dark woodwork, patterned wallpaper, etched glass and old-style lighting. The front room has deep red seating, small round tables and a large window looking onto North Road. Another snug has green walls, red patterned carpet, wooden chairs and a dark fireplace, giving it a cosy, lived-in look. The main bar keeps the same traditional style with dark wood and a large mirrored back. Out the back there is also a large covered outdoor area, with wooden tables, a paved floor and strings of lights, making it bright and welcoming.
There were 4 cask ales alongside a large selection of keg beers, with the theme for Preston Pub Festival being nano breweries across both cask and keg. I went for On the Patio by Lark Hill Brewery, a hazy pale ale with tropical and stone fruit flavours and a soft finish, followed by The Importance of Being by Mystery Fish, a best bitter with smooth malty flavours and a gentle bitter finish.
Chain House Brewing Co
A short walk heading back into Preston brought me into Chain House Brewing Co. Chain House Brewing Company began in September 2017, started by Ryan Hayes after home brewing led him to turn the hobby into a small business. The name came from Chain House Lane, where it began. Brewing first took place on a small scale, before moving to a 500-litre kit in a garage in Longton. By late 2021, plans were being made for a move into Preston city centre, with a taproom alongside the brewery. Chain House opened its Market Street West premises in late November 2022, bringing the brewing operation and bar together there under one roof, just off Friargate.
Inside Chain House Brew Co has a warm, industrial look, with exposed brick walls, a high open ceiling and plenty of character. The brewing tanks sit right beside the drinking area, lit with coloured lighting and making the place feel part bar, part working brewery. The long wooden bar is backed by white tiles, bottles and handwritten beer boards. My favourite detail is the row of taps, each finished with a hanging chain instead of a normal handle. Seating is a mix of high tables and stools, with soft lighting, framed pictures and plenty of little details around the room.
There were 2 cask ales alongside a huge line-up of keg beers. For Preston Pub Festival they had a selection of kegs from different Ukrainian breweries. I went for Flora / Fauna by MUZA Brewing Co., a smoothie sour with blackcurrant and herbal flavours, followed by Cosaco Mexicano by SHO Brewery, a tomato gose with jalapeño, lime and fresh herb flavours.
PLAU
Just around the corner was PLAU. PLAU is set inside one of Friargate’s oldest buildings, with parts of it thought to date back to the 17th century. By the 1700s it had become the Plough Inn, and it stayed as a pub for well over a century before closing in 1913. After that, the building had a few different uses, including as a restaurant, furniture shop, watchmaker and clothing shop. It was eventually carefully restored and reopened as PLAU in 2018, bringing the old pub building back into use again. In 2020 it was Grade II listed, helping protect this lovely old part of Preston’s history.
Inside, PLAU feels full of character, with very different spaces upstairs and downstairs. Upstairs is warmer and brighter, with dark wood, panelled walls, wooden tables, patterned wallpaper and a striking red corner seat by the front window. Head downstairs and it changes completely, with low brick arches, vaulted ceilings, softer lighting and a cosy cellar feel. The bar sits beneath the old brickwork, with small tables tucked into the arches. One of the best features is the old well, now covered with glass and lit from below, which makes a brilliant focal point and really adds to the building’s history.
There were 3 cask ales alongside a great choice of keg beers across both floors. I went for LO-FI by Vocation Brewery, a pale ale with light citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
The Old Black Bull
Onto The Old Black Bull. The Old Black Bull has been part of Friargate for a very long time, with the pub’s history going back to the 1700s. The building you see today dates from around 1900 and was built in a striking Tudor style, with its green tiled frontage and black and white upper floors. It was Grade II listed in 1979, recognising its historic importance. The pub closed for a spell during 2025, but thankfully it wasn’t the end. After a refurbishment it reopened in December 2025, bringing one of Preston’s best-known old pubs back to life and continuing a pub story that stretches back centuries.
Inside, the Old Black Bull has a lovely traditional pub look, with lots of dark wood panelling, cosy corners and plenty of character. The main room feels quite open, with wooden floors, round tables and warm globe lighting hanging from the ceiling. Around the edges are more tucked-away seating areas, including high-backed booths with patterned carpet underfoot. There’s decorative glass in the windows, framed pictures on the walls and plenty of old-style woodwork throughout. The bar area carries on the same dark wood look, making the whole place feel warm, comfortable and very much like a proper old Preston pub.
There were 4 cask ales on the bar to choose from, alongside a range of draught options. I went for Mardy Bum by Acorn Brewery, an English pale ale with fruity, hoppy flavours and a light, refreshing finish.
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 recognised 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.
There were 8 cask ales, a large selection of still ciders and a great choice of keg beers, with Green Duck Beer Co. taking over the taps for Preston Pub Festival. I went for Bostin’ Bitter, a traditional session bitter with smooth malt flavours and a gentle bitter finish.
The Orchard
My next visit in was to The Orchard Craft Beer Bar. The Orchard Craft Beer Bar opened in early March 2018 as a sister venue to the Guild Ale House. It sits beneath Preston Market’s Grade II listed Victorian canopy, giving the bar plenty of character. Much of its wooden framework was made using reclaimed boards from the old market tables, tying it into its surroundings. Over the years, The Orchard has become a familiar part of Preston’s independent pub scene. It is also well known for live music, with free Saturday evening performances under the market canopy during the summer, bringing local bands and a lively atmosphere to the market.
Inside, The Orchard is small, cosy and full of character. Reclaimed wooden boards cover much of the walls and give the place a warm, rustic look, while black metal beams and the market structure add a more industrial touch. The walls are packed with colourful pump clips, giving you plenty to look at without making the room feel too busy. Warm hanging lights soften everything, and the large glass frontage brings in plenty of natural light. Seating is close together, with wooden tables and benches making good use of the limited space. It feels relaxed, welcoming and pleasantly tucked away.
There were 2 cask ales on the bar alongside a great craft beer board, with Polish beers being showcased for Preston Pub Festival. I went for Smoothie Beer Mango, Orange, Banana, Marshmallow by Maryensztadt, a smoothie sour packed with mango, orange and banana flavours with a sweet marshmallow edge, followed by Polish Hops: Zibi & 2/20 by ReCraft, a hazy IPA with juicy mango, tropical fruit and citrus flavours.
Guild Ale House
My final call of the day on Friday was to Guild Ale House. The Guild Ale House opened on Lancaster Road on 29 February 2016, becoming Preston’s first micropub. The premises had previously been used as a hospice charity shop, before being converted into the new pub. Its name reflects its position just a few doors from Preston Guild Hall. From the start, the focus was on real ale, with seven cask beers available on opening day and a strong local choice. Over the years it has become a well-established part of Preston’s real ale scene, picking up several Central Lancashire CAMRA awards, including branch Pub of the Year in 2018 and 2020.
Inside, the Guild Ale House is small, cosy and full of character. The main room has high ceilings, pale walls and plenty of wood, with a mix of stools, benches and small tables. The bar sits along one side, with seating spread around the room and more tucked towards the back. A staircase leads up to another small seating area above. It has a warm, traditional pub feel, with wooden flooring, simple décor and plenty of little details around the walls. It’s a comfortable, welcoming space that feels relaxed and easy to settle into.
There were 7 cask ales, alongside a selection of ciders and a range of keg beers, with Harvey’s Brewery being showcased for Preston Pub Festival. I went for Sisters by Harvey’s Brewery, a light table beer with gentle hoppy flavours and a subtle bitter finish, followed by Squeal of Fortune by Uley Brewery, a session IPA with light fruity flavours and a dry, bitter finish.
The Old Vic
Saturday I started the day at The Old Vic. The Old Vic on Fishergate has a long history, with CAMRA recording the building as dating from around 1750. By the 1830s it was trading as the Victoria Hotel, and over the years it also appeared under names including the Victoria & Royal, Victoria & Station and Victoria & Railway Hotel. Its location became especially handy once Preston’s railway developed right beside it. In May 1978, while still known as the Victoria Hotel, it hosted Preston CAMRA’s first beer festival. The pub was later renamed the Old Vic and remains in the same prominent spot opposite Preston railway station today.
Inside, the Old Vic has a cosy traditional pub feel, with dark painted wood, exposed beams and plenty of character. There are wooden tables and chairs set around the room, with fixed seating along the walls and tartan flooring adding a bit of warmth. One of the nicest features is the large stone fireplace, with a stove tucked inside and an old wooden post standing nearby. Framed pictures and mirrors decorate the walls, while the big windows bring in plenty of light. Out the back there’s also a covered seating area with wooden picnic tables, giving you another place to sit.
There were 7 cask ales alongside a selection of draught beers, with tap takeovers from Beartown Brewery and Vocation for Preston Pub Festival. I went for SB Bitter by Beartown Brewery, a best bitter with smooth malt flavours and a gentle bitter finish.
New Continental
Heading slightly out of the centre brought me next to New Continental. The Continental on South Meadow Lane dates back to 1911, when the first licensee was former Preston North End “Invincible” Sam Thomson. The premises are thought to have been built by the firm of his father-in-law, local builder Thomas Croft. Thomson also hired out boats for trips on the nearby River Ribble. Much of the pub was rebuilt in the early 1950s after subsidence, with only part of the earlier building surviving. After a lengthy closure, it was given a major six-month refurbishment and reopened in August 2008 as the New Continental. Today, the riverside pub continues the Continental name.
Inside, the New Continental has a warm, comfortable look with a mix of different areas to sit. There are dark green walls, wooden floors and a smart dark wood bar, with colourful patterned wallpaper adding plenty of character. Some sections have cosy booths with green seating, while others have wooden tables, mixed chairs and softer armchairs. A fireplace gives one room a homely touch, while the conservatory-style section brings in plenty of natural light. Outside, there is also a very large beer garden with lots of seating, paved areas and greenery, giving the pub plenty of extra space.
There were 7 cask ales, a still cider and a great range of keg beers, including several European options, with an Irish takeover for Preston Pub Festival. I went for Starburster by Liquid Light Brew Co., a pale ale with passion fruit, pineapple and melon flavours and a soft, fruity finish.
Winckley Street Ale House
Heading back into Preston centre via the park brought me to Winckley Street Ale House. Sitting at 8B Winckley Street, the pub forms part of a Grade II listed row dating from around 1800. After many years in other uses, the premises opened as Otter’s Pocket in November 2018, a small bar and restaurant known for its pies and changing cask ales. It closed for refurbishment in March 2020 before reopening as Winckley Street Ale House, continuing as an independent city-centre pub with a strong focus on local and regional beer. It has picked up plenty of recognition too, winning Preston Area Pub of the Year 2026, finishing runner-up in the Central Lancashire Pub of the Year 2026, and also being named Pub of the Season in 2026.
Inside, Winckley Street Ale House feels bright, cosy and nicely laid out. There’s plenty of warm wood, with booth seating, small tables and dark padded benches running along the walls. Red brick around the fireplace gives the room a bit of character, while framed pictures and the large Ale House signs add a few nice touches. Big front windows bring in plenty of light, and the mix of cream walls, darker woodwork and warm lighting keeps everything feeling comfortable. It isn’t a huge place, but the seating is well spread out and it has a relaxed, welcoming pub feel.
There were 4 cask ales alongside a great varied selection of keg beers, with even more choice from the cans and bottles packed into the fridge. For Preston Pub Festival there was a Beak Brewery takeover, and I went for Squeeze, a hazy pale ale with juicy fruit flavours and a soft, refreshing finish.
Winedown
A short walk through Preston brought me to Winedown. Winedown sits beneath 16–18 Lancaster Road, a Grade II-listed building dating from 1854. It was originally built as Preston’s post office and served that purpose until 1870. The basement later formed part of the Duk and Pond restaurant group before Winedown was founded in 2015. Tucked below street level, the bar made its home in the arched cellar and quickly became one of Preston’s more unusual drinking spots. After a period of closure, Winedown reopened in 2025, keeping the historic cellar setting at the heart of the place and continuing a story that now stretches back more than 170 years.
Winedown has a cosy cellar feel, with low arched ceilings, warm lighting and deep red walls. Wooden tables, benches and mixed chairs fill the room, with rugs underfoot and a few exposed brick details adding character. The ceilings are covered with handwritten names and wine references, while another wall is packed with old tickets and little bits of memorabilia. Large blackboards list the wines and other choices behind the bar. It feels relaxed, personal and slightly quirky rather than polished. There are also snacks on offer, including meat and cheese boards, plus olives, crisps, nuts and other small bites too.
There was a lager on draught, a fridge packed with craft beers and European bottles and cans, alongside a huge selection of wines by the glass or bottle. Food was a big part of the offering too, with meat boards, cheese boards and plenty more to choose from. For Preston Pub Festival the focus was on Germany, with German beers alongside German meats and cheeses. I went for Sheaf by Farm Yard Brew Co., an American pale ale with light tropical flavours, balanced bitterness and a citrus finish.
Bar Pintxos
Bar Pintxos was up next in Preston. Bar Pintxos opened in Preston in 2021, bringing a little taste of northern Spain to the city centre. Set at 36 Market Place, overlooking the Flag Market, it was inspired by the pintxos bars of San Sebastián. The venue was created around the idea of relaxed Spanish-style eating and drinking, with small plates, wine and a casual bar setting. Its central location puts it close to some of Preston’s best-known landmarks, including the Harris and Fishergate. Since opening, Bar Pintxos has become part of Preston’s independent food and drink scene, adding something a little different to the city centre.
Inside, Bar Pintxos has a warm, cosy look with low lighting and plenty of dark wood. The room stretches back from the front windows, with wooden tables and comfortable chairs along one side. Large mirrors and framed pictures break up the walls, while hanging lights give it a relaxed evening feel. The bar runs along the other side, with rows of glasses overhead and a bright glass counter displaying the pintxos. Chalkboards add to the casual Spanish bar style. It was also great meeting and having a chat with Cat while I was there, which made the visit even better.
There were 2 cask ales alongside a fantastic selection of keg beers, with the focus for Preston Pub Festival being Spanish beers. I went for Mesa by Oso Brew Co., a pale ale with citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
Plug & Taps
Another short walk brought me to Plug & Taps. Plug & Taps opened on Lune Street in June 2018, taking over a spot that had previously been used as a beauty and hair salon. The pub was opened by the team behind Market Ale House in Leyland and soon became part of Preston’s growing independent pub scene. Its name has a strong local link too, remembering the Plug Plot disturbances of 1842, when striking cotton workers were killed or injured during unrest in the town. With that bit of Preston history behind the name, Plug & Taps has become a well-known little pub right in the city centre.
Inside, Plug & Taps has a cosy, compact feel with dark green walls, lots of wood and a long bar running down one side. The wooden floor, stools and simple tables keep things relaxed, while jar-style lights add a bit of character above the bar. Chalkboards behind the counter show what’s on, with a few plants and little touches around the room. At the front, a huge window brings in loads of light, with high stools looking out towards the Corn Exchange. There’s also an upstairs seating area, giving a bit more space away from the busy main bar.
There were 4 cask ales, a wide variety of keg beers covering different styles and a range of cans and bottles to choose from. For Preston Pub Festival there was a takeover of beers with bird-watching themed names. I went for The One Swan Actually: Blackcurrant Edition by Silent Brew Co., a fruited sour with juicy blackcurrant flavour and a tart, refreshing finish.
Wings & Beer Co
My final call in Preston centre was to Wings & Beer Co. Wings & Beer Co has been part of Cannon Street since September 2017, but the building had already seen different bar names before then. Earlier uses included the Cow Bar & Grill and Ocean Bar & Grill, along with other café bars. There is even a little beer history here before Wings & Beer arrived, as the Cow Bar & Grill hosted a beer festival in May 2013. Wings & Beer Co then opened as a dedicated sports bar, giving the premises a new identity. Almost a decade later, it remains a familiar part of Preston’s city-centre pub scene today.
Inside, Wings & Beer Co has a lively, laid-back sports bar feel, with dark walls, warm hanging lights and plenty of character. The long bar runs down one side, with colourful signs, beer badges and neon lighting adding to the look. There are screens dotted around the room, while exposed brick, wood panels and patterned tiles stop it feeling too plain. Seating is a mix of high tables, stools and smaller tables, so it works well for groups. Outside, there’s also seating at the front under the awning, giving you another spot to sit and watch Cannon Street go by.
There were 4 cask ales, 2 still ciders and a wide range of keg choices, with a Lancaster Brewery tap takeover for Preston Pub Festival. I went for Why So Serious by Lancaster Brewery, a pale golden ale with light floral and spicy hop flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
Longridge
Applejacks
After finishing in Preston on Saturday evening I headed out to visit a few Micropubs that I hadn’t visited before. Starting in Longridge with Applejacks. Applejacks sits at 83 Berry Lane, the heart of Longridge. Before becoming a pub, the building was home to a fruit and veg shop run by Tom and Gill Jackson for 21 years. They decided to give the place a new lease of life, converting the shop into Applejacks, which opened in February 2019. The venue later expanded upstairs, with the Apples & Pears function room developed during the Covid period. After more than six years behind the bar, Tom and Gill retired in 2025, with new landlords taking over that August and continuing Applejacks as a familiar Longridge spot.
Applejacks has a warm, cosy look with plenty of wood throughout and a relaxed, welcoming feel. Downstairs, the bar sits close to the seating, with wooden tables, stools, panelled walls and a mix of pub signs and pictures adding plenty of character. Industrial-style lights give the room a soft glow, while the layout feels friendly and comfortable. Upstairs there is a separate function room, giving the place a little extra space away from the main bar. Outside, there is also a small seating area with a wooden counter, stools and a few plants tucked around, making good use of the space.
There were 4 cask ales alongside a range of draught options. I went for Legacy by Lancaster Brewery, a New World pale ale with soft fruity hop flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
Tap & Vent
Second up in Longridge was Tap & Vent. Tap & Vent opened in Longridge in 2016, becoming the town’s first micropub. The premises at 4 Towneley Parade had previously been a retail shop, with planning permission granted that year to turn it into a small drinking establishment. Set among the shops just off Berry Lane, it was part of the growing micropub movement that was spreading around the country at the time. The same people later opened Tap & T’Ales in nearby Goosnargh in 2017. Tap & Vent has remained an independent pub and is now a familiar part of Longridge’s local pub scene.
Inside, Tap & Vent feels cosy, lively and full of character. There’s a mix of exposed brick and warm wooden walls, with plenty of signs, pictures and little bits of decoration dotted around. Fairy lights hang from the dark ceiling alongside greenery and flowers, giving the room a warm glow, especially in the evening. The bar sits along one side, with wooden tables and stools filling the rest of the space. Large front windows keep it feeling open despite its compact size. Outside, there’s also a small seating area at the front with tables and chairs for warmer days.
There were 3 cask ales alongside a variety of draught options. I went for Bowland Best by Bowland Brewery, a best bitter with rich malty flavours, subtle hops and a smooth finish.
Goosnargh
Tap & T’Ales
My final call of the evening was in nearby Goosnargh to Tap & T’Ales. Tap & T’Ales opened on Whittingham Lane in Goosnargh in December 2017, becoming the village’s micropub. The premises had previously been an antique furniture shop before being turned into the cosy pub you see today. It was opened by the same family behind Tap & Vent in Longridge, which had launched a few years earlier. Set in a row of shops, Tap & T’Ales followed the micropub idea of creating a welcoming pub in a former retail unit. It has since become a familiar part of Goosnargh, keeping things relaxed, friendly and centred around good conversation and traditional pub atmosphere.
Inside, Tap & T’Ales has a warm, cosy feel with plenty of character packed into a fairly small space. There’s a smart black bar with a metal top, backed by exposed brick and wooden shelving. Warm hanging bulbs and strings of little lights run across the ceiling, giving the place a really welcoming glow. Seating is a mix of high wooden tables, stools, chairs and a few softer seats, so there are plenty of spots to settle in. Wood panelling, framed pictures and little decorative touches add colour, while the mix of brick, timber and darker finishes keeps everything feeling relaxed.
There were 3 cask ales alongside a choice of draught options. I went for Stanley’s by Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, a blonde ale with light citrus and fruity flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
